La. French : Preserve & Evolve exhibit on display at Longfellow-Evangeline
Louisiana French: Preserve & Evolve is a traveling exhibition curated by CODOFIL, now on display at Longfellow-Evangeline State Historic Site through January 12, 2026. Funded in part by an LEH Rebirth Grant, the exhibit gives locals and visitors alike a broader understanding of French and Creole language in Louisiana and highlights projects that are building the future of these languages in our state.
The exhibit features samples of French written in Louisiana by Louisianians–from 19th-century government documents to 20th century dancehall song lyrics to 21st-century internet memes. Additionally, excerpts of oral interviews highlight the many similarities between French spoken in Louisiana and in France.
It further spotlights eight diverse projects currently underway in French and Creole speaking Louisiana today, from a nonprofit reviving Creole operas to a city displaying bilingual signage.
The exhibit concludes with a powerful music video by Louisiana musician Jourdan Thibodeaux, inviting viewers to reflect on their own experiences with heritage languages.
Art and design for the exhibit was done by MakeMade.
Dr. Marguerite Justus of CODOFIL will speak at a reception for the exhibit on December 3 at 10 am, in conjunction with the weekly St. Martinville French Table. All are welcome.
For more information, contact Longfellow- Evangeline State Historic Site at 337394-3754 or longfellow_ [email protected].
