Tag: History

Immerse Yourself in Louisiana’s Story: A Day at the State Museum

Nestled in the heart of the captivating state of Louisiana lies a treasure trove of history, culture, and art waiting to be explored—the Louisiana State Museum. Situated within the enchanting city of New Orleans, this museum stands as a testament to the vibrant heritage of the Bayou State, offering an immersive experience that beckons visitors to delve into its captivating exhibits. In this blog post, which is inspired by this webpage, you are invited to embark on a journey through the Louisiana State Museum, showcasing why it’s a must-visit destination for all.

Immersive Exhibits

One of the most compelling reasons to visit the Louisiana State Museum is the opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Louisiana’s history. The museum boasts a diverse collection of exhibits that span centuries, each telling a unique story of the state’s past. From the early Native American tribes that called Louisiana home to the colonial era, the Civil War, and the Jazz Age, the museum offers an extensive timeline of the state’s evolution. Through carefully curated artifacts, documents, and interactive displays, visitors can gain a profound understanding of Louisiana’s complex and fascinating history.

A Cultural Odyssey

For those with a passion for culture, the Louisiana State Museum is a true haven. It celebrates the state’s distinctive cultural heritage, which is deeply rooted in the blend of French, Spanish, African, and Creole influences. Whether you’re intrigued by Mardi Gras traditions, Cajun and Creole cuisine, or the vibrant music scene, you’ll find it all beautifully showcased here.

The Cabildo: A Historic Gem

One of the crown jewels of the Louisiana State Museum is the Cabildo, a historic building that played a pivotal role in the state’s history. This architectural marvel was the site of the signing of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803 and later served as the seat of the New Orleans city government. A visit to the Cabildo allows you to step back in time and witness firsthand the events that shaped Louisiana and the nation.

A Glimpse into the Voodoo Culture

Delve into the mystique of Louisiana’s Voodoo culture at the museum’s exhibit dedicated to this unique spiritual tradition. Learn about the rituals, practices, and the influential priestess Marie Laveau, who is an enduring figure in New Orleans folklore. This exhibit provides a fascinating insight into the spiritual fabric of the state.

Awe-Inspiring Art and Sculpture

Art enthusiasts will find the Louisiana State Museum’s art collection to be a true revelation. From classic Southern art to contemporary masterpieces, the museum houses a wide array of works that celebrate the talent and creativity of Louisiana artists. You can explore paintings, sculptures, and crafts that capture the essence of the state’s beauty and diversity.

Interactive Learning for All Ages

The Louisiana State Museum is not just a place of passive observation; it’s an interactive learning experience suitable for visitors of all ages. Young explorers can engage with hands-on activities, while adults can delve into in-depth narratives and historical accounts. This ensures that every visitor can tailor their experience to their interests and preferences.

A Culinary Adventure

Louisiana is renowned for its delectable cuisine, and the museum takes you on a culinary adventure through its dedicated exhibits. Learn about the history of Creole and Cajun cooking, explore the flavors and aromas of the bayou, and gain a deeper appreciation for the gastronomic delights that define Louisiana’s culinary landscape.

In conclusion, the Louisiana State Museum offers a multifaceted experience that encapsulates the essence of the Bayou State. It’s a place where history comes alive, where culture is celebrated, and where art and artifacts weave together a compelling narrative. Whether you’re a history buff, a culture enthusiast, an art lover, or simply someone curious about the diverse heritage of Louisiana, this museum has something to offer everyone.

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From History to Art: The Best Experiences in Raleigh, NC

Raleigh, North Carolina, nestled in the heart of the Research Triangle, offers a unique blend of city life and Southern charm. With its tall buildings, museums, green spaces, and diverse culinary scene, Raleigh has something for everyone. Locals describe it as a close-knit community with the culture and sophistication of a bigger city, according to this travel blog post from Southern Living. If you’re considering a trip to the area, here are the best things to do in Raleigh.

To truly appreciate the city, start by exploring it on foot. One of the best views can be found while walking over Boylan Bridge. Don’t forget to stop for a quick photo opportunity. For a glimpse into Raleigh’s history, head to the Historic Oakwood neighborhood, where you can admire the 19th-century Victorian-era homes. Download the free walking tour brochure to make the most of your experience. For nature enthusiasts, the Neuse River Greenway Trail offers 27.5 miles of paved pathways for walking, running, and biking. Along the trail, you’ll encounter beautiful wetlands, suspension bridges, and agricultural fields. Historical and interpretive signs provide interesting information about the area.

To balance out the Southern cuisine, make a stop at the State Farmers Market. Open almost every day of the year, this market features 30,000 square feet of North Carolina produce stands, specialty shops, and restaurants. It’s a great place to pick up fresh and local produce. Music lovers will be delighted by Raleigh’s vibrant music scene. The city boasts more than 80 music venues and hosts several festivals throughout the year. The IBMA World of Bluegrass and Hopscotch Music Festival in September, as well as the Dreamville Festival in April, are highlights on the calendar.

Outdoor enthusiasts shouldn’t miss William B. Umstead State Park, located just a short distance from downtown Raleigh. The park offers hiking trails, campgrounds, and even horseback riding. Fishing and boating on Big Lake are popular activities, and you can rent canoes and rowboats for a leisurely day on the water. For a memorable evening, catch a show at the Red Hat Amphitheater. This outdoor venue allows you to enjoy live music while taking in one of Raleigh’s stunning sunsets. The Shimmer Wall, located nearby, adds to the magical atmosphere. The amphitheater’s lineup includes a variety of artists throughout the year.

Immerse yourself in history at the Historic Yates Mill County Park. Explore the fully restored 18th-century water-powered mill and take a guided tour to learn more about its significance. It’s a fascinating glimpse into Raleigh’s past.Art enthusiasts will appreciate the North Carolina Museum of Art, which features both indoor exhibitions spanning thousands of years and the beautiful Ann and Jim Goodnight Museum Park. The museum and park are free to the public, offering a perfect opportunity for a picnic or a leisurely stroll.

For contemporary art, visit the Contemporary Art Museum (CAM) Raleigh. The museum showcases works from emerging and established artists. Don’t miss the North Carolina Artists Exhibition, where you can see the best of the state’s emerging talent. To delve into Raleigh’s history, tour the Pope House Museum. This museum showcases over 3,000 artifacts from the Pope family, providing insights into one of Raleigh’s most intriguing families. Admission is free, but tours are on a first-come, first-served basis. For those who enjoy shopping, both the Raleigh Market and City Market offer unique experiences. The Raleigh Market, located at the historic NC State Fairgrounds, features over 500 vendors selling a variety of items. City Market, with its cobblestoned streets, is home to boutiques, shops, art galleries, and restaurants.

With its rich history, vibrant arts scene, and diverse culinary offerings, Raleigh is a destination that promises a memorable experience. Whether you’re exploring the city’s landmarks, engaging in outdoor activities, or immersing yourself in its cultural attractions, Raleigh has something to captivate every traveler.

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Two Nicholls’ Programs Ranked by Online Publication

Recently, Intelligent.com released a 2020 College Rankings Guide that ranked the best online degrees from colleges and universities across America. They researched which colleges are the best at teaching online and which colleges are doing the best in the top degrees.  Nicholls Online health science and history programs made it into this list. The health sciences program was ranked number 40 and was the only Louisiana school to place in the health sciences ranking. The program was also listed as a Pre-Professional focus for a stand-out detail.

The history program ranked number 30 and was the top school from Louisiana on that list, followed by Northwestern State University at number 48. This program was listed as having the best focus on modern history.

The guide by Intelligent.com was based on an assessment of 1,604 accredited colleges and universities. Each program was then evaluated on the quality of curriculum, graduation rate, reputation, and post-graduate employment. Also considered in the rankings was student engagement and potential return on investment, among other evaluations.

Intelligent.com aims to help students connect to the best resources and provide the best advice in a way that is easy to analyze and digest. They do this by connecting students to schools that best meet their needs.

Nicholls health sciences degree works to prepare graduates for advanced educational and clinical practice options. This pre-professional concentration prepares students for graduate programs in occupational therapy, physical therapy, physician assistant, and other professional programs in healthcare careers.

The history program at Nicholls provides students with a solid foundation on varieties of regions and cultures. Students will be able to write coherently and practice critical thinking about complex societies and issues. The program is student-oriented and flexible for a variety of students, both traditional and nontraditional.

Nicholls State University was also recently ranked by Great Value Colleges in the top 50 Colleges for Students with Disabilities.

Nicholls ranked in at number 44 and was the only Louisiana based school on the list. They were selected for their commitment to providing accessibility and services to allow each student from every background to achieve academic success regardless of their unique needs.

This ranking acknowledges Nicholls for its Bridge to Independence Program, which enables students with autism and other intellectual disabilities to acquire employable skills. It’s currently the only program in Louisiana of its kind and is certified by the Department of Education.

Nicholls also houses the Louisiana Center for Dyslexia and Related Learning Disorders, and Dyslexic Advantage gives the college 10 stars out of 10.

Great Value Colleges chooses its rankings by researching several lists that help students with disabilities pick their ideal college. After they’re done looking through these lists, they find which colleges have consistently performed well and then conduct their own research to ensure the colleges are truly disability-friendly.

Nicholls State University is a student-centered regional institution located in Thibodaux, Louisiana. They offer accredited degree programs and unique learning experiences with a goal to prepare their students for life beyond the classroom and to have a successful career. They are dedicated to the education of their diverse student body while also providing a rich cultural and educational environment.

“Nicholls supports the educational, cultural, and economic needs of its service region and cultivated productive, responsible, and engaged citizens.”

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The Lorrain Bridge in Calcasieu Parish

Louisiana is a state with a rich history. From well known locations such as the Buckner Mansion (even more so known as the house used in American Horror Story: Coven) to people such as Odell Beckham, Jr., Louis Armstrong, and Hank Williams, Jr., Louisiana is a state with such a diverse history that it’s almost impossible to believe. Louisiana is also full of a smaller scale history that most people don’t know.

One of those cherished pieces of history is a bridge hidden in plain sight in the southwest corner of Jefferson Davis Parish.  KATC reported on the bridge and here are the details.

The Lorrain Bridge sits above the slow waters of the Bayou Lacassine and connects Jefferson Davis Parish with Calcasieu Parish. It sets the background for Lorrain Park and is used by locals to take photographs, spend time with loved ones, and, oftentimes, get married.

The original Lorrain Bridge was built during the 1800s when the Lorrain family came to Louisiana from France. Originally, the Lorrain Bridge was constructed as a drawbridge between Lacassine and Bell City- primarily used to service a local saw mill. It was also used as transportation for local farmers and as the main way to move cattle in the area. This changed at the turn of the 20th century when the bridge was damaged and replaced with a wooden span.

The wooden span remained for over a hundred years- the drawbridge portion being taken out of service during the 1950s. As time continued, the bridge took a lot of damage from wind, rain, and other natural occurrences. It was closed to the public and, eventually, announced to be completely demolished. After hearing the news, the local community came together to prevent the bridge’s destruction and save their piece of history.

Through the powers of Jefferson Davis Parish, Calcasieu Parish, and the Lorrain Bridge Association, the community, joined by descendants of the Lorrain family that built the bridge, saved the bridge. Together, the community raised upwards of $300,000. The community, however, did not stop at successfully saving the bridge. Their funds were also used to build a new one. The new Lorrain Bridge was completed and opened for traffic once again in 2004. In true Louisiana fashion, some of the old deck planks are now a part of a new visitors’ center to serve as a tribute to the old bridge.

The Lorrain Bridge is a current testament to the historic side of Louisiana. The design and construction of the bridge are so incredibly unique that the bridge is being considered for the National Historic Register. The bayou air is filled with the sounds of birds with cypress trees along the banks. Moss hangs beautifully from the trees. The sight is a testament to the classic beauty of southern Louisiana.

The Lorrain Bridge is located near Bell City, Louisiana between Jennings and Lake Charles. At the foot of the bridge is Lorrain Park. The park has an outdoor pavilion, camper and tent sites, a boat launch, and picnic tables. There are nine RV camper sites with electricity that are available for renting.

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