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 Spanish
June 30, 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 focused on the Spanish, given by Robert Freeland, 2025 recipient of the Louisiana Association of Museums Elizabeth McLundie Bolton Award.
We hope to see you there! Free admission.
Meet the Speaker Robert Freeland
Robert Gray Freeland holds a BA from Tulane University with a double major in Economics and Latin American Studies. He serves as Vice Chair of the Louisiana America250 commission representing the Granaderos y Damas de Galvez. He is VP of Membership for the Friends of the Cabildo, and manages the LSM/FOC Spanish Heritage Field Trip Program focused on the education of Louisiana students on the historical and cultural connections the state has with the Spanish speaking world. He is the 2025 recipient of the Louisiana Association of Museums Elizabeth McLundie Bolton Award as an individual outside the museum profession for extraordinary achievement in service to and outstanding support of Louisiana museums, involved long term commitment to them and participation in statewide museum activities.
The Canary Islanders
Speaker: Chad LeBlanc
July 21
British/Scots-Irish
Speaker: Sam Hyde
August 25
The Jewish
Speaker: Mike Rubin
September 25
The Irish
Speaker: Judge James McKay
October 15
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!