Southeastern NEWS

                                                       Southeastern Louisiana University
                                           Public Information Office
                                           publicinfo@selu.edu
                                           SLU 880, Hammond, LA 70402
                                           504/549-2341/fax 504-549-2061
    Date: 5/23/00
      Contact:                           Christina Chapple   5

SLU LIBRARY HOSTS EXHIBIT ON FRENCH PEOPLES IN LOUISIANA
     HAMMOND -- "Collage: Three Hundred Years of French Peoples in Louisiana," a
traveling display by the Louisiana State Museum, will be on display through June 11 at
Southeastern Louisiana University's Sims Memorial Library.
     Created in conjunction with FrancoFete, the year-long celebration of Louisiana's French
founding, the mini-exhibit showcases the indelible mark that French language, culture and
traditions have made on the state. 
     The exhibit includes 40 historic images and photographic reproductions with text panels
in both English and French. 
     The exhibit begins with an overview of early French exploration and settlement and
highlights the influences of large groups of French-speaking immigrants including the Acadians
and refugees from Saint Domingue. Photographic portraits include King Louis XIV and explorer
brothers Iberville and Bienville, as well as romanticized images of Acadians from the 19th
century. "Collage" also features a section on French-inspired art forms such as Acadian-style
furniture and fine porcelains.
     Funding for the exhibit was provided by the Consulate General of France, the Friends of
the Cabildo and the Louisiana Museum Foundation. 
     For additional information, call 504-549-3860.
                             -SLU-
Press release available online at www.selu.edu./NewsEvents/PublicInfoOffice/newsp00.htm