Becoming Louisiana
A journey into the lives and cultures that shaped our state.
Becoming Louisiana is an ambitious historical exploration tracing the many origins that converged to create the Louisiana we know today and will continue to become. The lecture series is intended to take place over the course of two years, with an exciting lineup of accomplished speakers. This project is a result of the combined efforts of the Friends of the Louisiana State Archives and the Friends of the Old State Capitol.
All lectures will be recorded and posted to the Louisiana Secretary of State Youtube Channel. We recommend giving the page a follow, and selecting the option to be notified when they post.
Check out the calendar below for upcoming lecture dates!
Upcoming Lectures
The Germans
April 21, 2026 | 5:30pm
Louisiana State Archives
3851 Essen Ln, Baton Rouge LA
Hosted by Friends of the Old State Capitol & Friends of the Louisiana State Archives
The Friends of the Louisiana State Archives and the Friends of the Old State Capitol are excited to invite you to the next lecture in the Becoming Louisiana series: The Germans, given by Jay Schexnaydre, President of the German-Acadian Coast Historical & Genealogical Society.
We hope to see you there! Free admission.
Meet the Speaker Jay Schexnaydre
Why did German people speak French in Louisiana? Over 300 years ago, some of the earliest colonists to the fledgling French territory of Louisiana were Germanic people from the Rheinland, Alsace, Lorraine, and Switzerland. Settled along the mighty Mississippi, upriver from New Orleans, these tenacious settlers proved to be crucial to the success of Louisiana’s survival. This presentation will explain why and how these settlers came to Louisiana. You will learn how they integrated into the overall Creole culture of South Louisiana over 3 centuries and may be surprised to learn their descendants number into the millions today.
Jay Schexnaydre is President of the German-Acadian Coast Historical & Genealogical Society and affiliated with a half-dozen local and national genealogy organizations. For over 25 years he was employed with the Laura Plantation Creole Heritage Site in Vacherie and since March is the new President & CEO of Louisiana's Cajun Bayou (Lafourche Parish Tourist Commission).
The Acadians
Speaker: Warren Perrin
May 26
The Spanish
Speaker: Robert Freedland
June 30
The Canary Islanders
Speaker: Chad LeBlanc
July 21
Join the Friend's Group Become a Friend
The Friends of the Old State Capitol have worked tirelessly over the years to preserve this National Historic Landmark. Their work led to the museum being placed under the Secretary of State's office, where it underwent a massive restoration.
Today, the Friends of the Old State Capitol provide volunteers and docents to assist the 60,000+ people who visit the building each year.
The Friends contribute their time, talent and treasure to support the Old State Capitol. They have funded major projects such as a multi-language audio tour and funding for traveling exhibits.
Become part of this vibrant group that supports one of the state's most magnificent landmarks!