From: Michael Sartisky <msartisky@leh.org>
Subject: News from LEH
Reply: msartisky@leh.org


October 2009 e-Newsletter
left_round LEH secures $1.6 million American history grant for northeast Louisiana teachers

The Ouachita Public School system and the New Orleans-based Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities recently received a $1.6 million U.S. Department of Education "Teaching American History" grant to help American history teachers in five northeast Louisiana regional public school districts meet new state standards in American history education.

While the Ouachita school system is the actual recipient of the five-year grant, the Teaching American History (TAH) program is a partnership with public school systems in Ouachita, Morehouse, Richland and East Carroll parishes; Monroe City schools; the University of Louisiana at Monroe, or ULM; and the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, or LEH. The LEH wrote and will administer the grant for the five-district partnership.

Teaching American History grant funds will enable the LEH and ULM to conduct three graduate-level Teacher Institutes in American History each summer for five years for 69 teachers each year. The institutes will be taught primarily by history professors from ULM and Louisiana Tech. The first summer institutes will be conducted at ULM from June 7 to July 1, 2010.

The institutes, based on the school systems' needs and new state curriculum requirements in American history, will focus on historical periods, issues, people, ideas and events that shaped American history. Teachers attending the institutes will receive $1,000 stipends, free college textbooks, free classroom teaching materials to take back to their classrooms, three hours of graduate credit from ULM, and 45 state continuing learning units.

In addition, the LEH will organize each year two in-service professional development workshops in American history for teachers in the five school districts. These workshops will be taught by nationally-known American history scholars and expert master teachers selected by the New York-based Gilder Lehrman Institute in American History, one of the nation's leading resources and American history think tanks. In addition, other in-service workshops will be conducted by education curators from the National Archives, Library of Congress, the Smithsonian's Museum of American History and The National Portrait Gallery. The first workshop will be held in West Monroe on Oct. 7 for a selected number of teachers. It will focus on the American Revolution and the founding of a new nation.

This is the fourth Teaching American History grant - totaling $4.6 million - that the LEH has secured for public school districts in Louisiana. Two earlier $1 million grants took place in Orleans and Caddo parishes. The LEH is currently in the third and final year of a $1 million Teaching American History program for teachers in Calcasieu Parish. For additional information, contact John R. Kemp, LEH deputy director, at 504-620-2481 or kemp@leh.org.
left_round Calcasieu American history teachers travel to Washington, D.C.

In late September, the LEH took 12 Calcasieu Parish public school teachers to Washington, D.C., to attend "Teaching American History" workshops at the National Archives, Library of Congress, the National Portrait Gallery, and Smithsonian Museum of American Art.

Those attending the workshops were Lydia McGee, T.S. Cooley School; Kathy DeJean, Barbe Elementary; Mary Soileau, Gillis Elementary; Phyllis Aswell, LaGrange High; Brandy Broussard Hearnsberger, Sulphur High; Lesley Gurley, Iowa High; Teri Sugandi, S.P. Arnett Middle; Carol Ponthieux, F.K.White Middle; Durlin Ancelet , S.P. Arnett Middle; Preble Girard, S.J. Welsh Middle; Heather Koonce, Moss Bluff Middle; Sue Shows, Barbe High; Dr. Janet Allured, history department, McNeese State University; Edwina Hall, Calcasieu Parish Public Schools social studies consultant, and LEH Deputy Director John Kemp.

The three-day trip was underwritten by a three-year, $1 million U.S. Department of Education Teaching American History grant obtained by the LEH for the Calcasieu Parish public school system. The three-year grant, now in its final year, is a partnership with the LEH, Calcasieu Parish Public Schools, and McNeese State University. During the grant period, the LEH organizes summer institutes in American history at McNeese for Calcasieu public school teachers. A selected number of teachers attending the institutes are chosen to travel to Washington each summer to visit major repositories of American history documents and to receive training in how to use their Internet-based resources in their classrooms back home.
left_round Tribute to Dr. Pat Rickels, noted ULL professor and scholar

Dr. Patricia K. Rickels, a University of Louisiana at Lafayette (ULL) Professor emeritus of English and Director of the Honors Program from 1979 to 2007, died Sept. 16. In 1990, the LEH honored Pat and Milton Rickels as Louisiana Humanists of the Year for their contributions to the humanities and in recognition of their longtime work for civil rights. In honoring the Rickels, Dr. Michael Sartisky, president and executive director of the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, noted: "Pat and Milton impart to their students significant lessons in tolerance and respect for the ideas of others, the importance of self-worth, and the value of human dignity. The Rickels inspire all whose lives they touch to cherish humanity of whatever color, creed, or class

Dr. Rickels, one of the most influential and beloved figures in ULL's history, taught at the university from 1957 to 2007.  Dr. Pat, as she was known to thousands of students, was a gifted and inspiring teacher. An accomplished scholar, she pioneered courses in folklore and African-American literature in the ULL English Department. She also co-authored, with her husband, Dr. Milton Rickels, several books and her articles appeared in major academic journals.
left_round Louisiana Cultural Vistas magazine

The fall 2009 edition of Louisiana Cultural Vistas premiered in mid-September, featuring a cover-story profile of John Biguenet, an LEH board member, Loyola professor and renowned novelist and playwright. Biguenet's most recent plays, Rising Water and Shotgun, have dealt with New Orleanians coping in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Other feature stories include:
  • A biography of Mary Land, excerpted from a recently-published collection of essays titled Louisiana Women (University of Georgia Press). Land published the landmark cookbook Louisiana Cookery in 1954 and advocated women pursuing hunting and fishing as a means of obtaining recipe ingredients.
  • A photo essay by Lori Waselchuk of life-imprisoned inmates at Angola State Penitentiary, completing their sentences at the prison's hospice.
  • Excerpts from Tim Gautreaux's latest novel, The Missing.
  • Photographer Jorge Otero's final works: scenes from a Louisiana sugar mill.
  • A history of music along the Mississippi River by Bruce Raeburn, director of the Hogan Jazz Archives at Tulane University.
Also, visit the LEH booth during the Oct. 17 Book Festival in Baton Rouge to meet LEH program officers and get back issues of LCV.

To purchase your gift subscriptions to Louisiana Cultural Vistas online, please click on www.leh.org for the order form or contact Jan Clifford at clifford@leh.org or call 504-620-2630.
left_round September Events at the Louisiana Humanities Center

Meet the "Mayors of New Orleans" from Morrison to Nagin. On Wednesday, Oct. 7th, the Louisiana Humanities Center begins a new series, "The New Orleans Mayors: A History of the Mayoralty Since 1946."  For the next three months, bi-weekly panel discussions will focus on the last seven mayors, with former staffers, politicians, journalists and scholars offering insight on the men and their legacies.

The first panel will focus on "Chep" deLesseps Morrison, mayor from 1946 to 1961.  Dr. Bobby Dupont of the University of New Orleans will lead a discussion with former Lt. Gov. and City Councilman James Fitzmorris, Dr. Pamela Tyler from the University of Southern Mississippi, and Bob Wall, an executive assistant to Mayor Morrison. Topics covered will include the construction of City Hall, the Home Rule Charter, desegregation of public schools, and the legacy of the mayor Time magazine labeled "the King of New Orleans."

The LEH's Louisiana Humanities Center seeks to examine issues that individual mayors faced that remain relevant today and contribute to public dialogue in the months before the 2010 mayoral election.  Interactive timelines of each mayor's tenure will be made available online prior to panels to add to the discussion and historical perspective. When possible, video interviews with living mayors will be shown before the panels on their administrations.

Schedule of panels (all Wednesdays at 7 p.m., except for Tuesday, Oct. 20th at 7 p.m.):
  • Oct.  7: Chep Morrison, moderated by Dr. Bobby Dupont, UNO
  • Oct.  20: Victor Schiro, moderated by Dr. Larry Powell, Tulane
  • Nov. 4: Moon Landrieu, moderated by Errol Laborde, New Orleans Magazine
  • Nov. 18: Dutch Morial, moderated by Norman Robinson, WDSU
  • Dec. 2: Sidney Barthelemy, moderated by Dr. Ed Chevernak, UNO
  • Dec. 16: Marc Morial, moderated by Dennis Woltering, WWL
  • Jan.  13: Ray Nagin, moderated by Clancy DuBos, Gambit Weekly
Doors open at 7p.m.  Admission is free. Space is limited and seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. The Louisiana Humanities Center is located at 938 Lafayette Street, at the corner of O'Keefe and Lafayette Sts. Click to see flyer.
left_round KnowLA Online Encyclopedia

KnowLA has moved into a new stage of development as staff are currently testing the content management system by entering sample entries and images into the system. Our plan is to thoroughly test all areas of functionality before we introduce design elements.

Also, this past month KnowLA Editor Cathy Corder worked with Dr. Molly Rothenberg, chair of the Tulane University English Department; Dr. Joseph Letter, senior English department postdoc at Tulane; and Greg Lambousy, Director of Collections at the Louisiana State Museum to submit a grant application to the National Endowment for the Humanities for a program that funds 12-month residences for scholars at digital humanities centers. The LEH/Tulane proposal, "The War of 1812 Digital Media Project," will work to bridge a gap between traditional archival research and the present era in the humanities. Through a collaboration with KnowLA staff and the LSM Historical Center, Dr. Letter will develop a multimedia project on the War of 1812 in Louisiana, which will provide teachers, students and scholars at all levels with access to this critically important historical moment in the formation of the modern U.S. nation.
left_round PRIME TIME Family Reading Time

GPOA awards funds to support PRIME TIME in Louisiana
The German Protestant Orphan Asylum (GPOA) Foundation is continuing its support for PRIME TIME programming in Louisiana.  In accordance with its mission to "support programs that serve children in Louisiana," GPOA has awarded $7,500 to the LEH to supplement overall expenses for several PRIME TIME programs throughout metropolitan New Orleans during the fall 2009 and spring 2010 terms.  This funding comes at a critical time marked by enthusiastic demand for PRIME TIME from local schools and community organizations amid an unprecedented reduction in state funding. We appreciate the generous support of the GPOA Foundation and we look forward to serving our community together in the upcoming months. Since 2005, GPOA has invested over $40,000 in support of PRIME TIME programming for New Orleans area children and parents.  The LEH and the PRIME TIME staff thank the GPOA Foundation and its Board of Directors for their consideration and generosity.  

Family literacy and academic libraries:  a perfect match
PRIME TIME at LSUE's Arnold LeDoux Library Can PRIME TIME benefit an academic library at a public university?  Gerald Patout, Library Director of the Arnold Ledoux Library, Louisiana State University at Eunice, answers with a resounding "YES!"  As program coordinator for two highly successful programs in fall 2008 and spring 2009, Mr. Patout galvanized the Eunice community around the importance of reading.  Click here to read more about his experiences.
left_round Connect2Educate collaborative launches new website featuring C2E notebook

Connect2Educate, a local collaborative of organizations whose mission is to connect resources with New Orleans public schools, has launched a new website (www.connect2educate.org), featuring the C2E Notebook. The notebook contains profiles of 106 organizations that serve public schools and public school children in Orleans Parish. Formed in 2008, the C2E Collaborative coordinated a networking event among school representatives and community resource providers in March 2009, and published the C2E Notebook. Armed with current, relevant information, every public school community is now better equipped to engage those programs which enrich the school experience for children. Information on the C2E Collaborative and a PDF version of the C2E Notebook are available on the website.
left_round RELIC programs hit their stride
 
 In the piney hills of Winnfield, library audiences cannot get enough of those strangers called Creoles.  "We had a great time last night," proclaimed library director Mary Doherty, "[We] had 21 there, lots of discussion and laughter. We talked about a Creole is, read some of the essays, and found out that there is not one clear definition of the term. We really enjoyed the scholars."  

Staying out after dark in small town Louisiana can draw the law, as Stonewall, La., librarian Tammy Overton observed about the record-breaking turnout for Battleground Louisiana: Civil War Events and Experiences in (of all places) Stonewall: "We had 39 attending last night and I know of several who couldn't make it to the first one," said Overton. "We even had someone from the police department stop to see what was going on."

October should prove to be just as rousing with programs in Alexandria and Gonzales (Elizabeth I of England), Abita Springs and Farmerville (The Native American World), Slidell and Houma (I'll Be Seeing You...America and World War II), and a host of other locations and subjects. See the fall schedule for details. In addition to the customary presentation of programs, five programs will have at least one session, participating in "Archaeology Month":  Contact the libraries in Stonewall, Columbia, Farmerville, Ruston and Abita Springs for this interesting element in RELIC. Here's the fall schedule:

Fall 2009 RELIC Schedule:
  • Abita Springs, St. Tammany Parish Library.  985-893-6280. "The Native American World of the Southeastern United States."  Wednesdays, Oct. 7-Nov. 11, 6-8 p.m.
  • Alexandria, Westside Regional Branch, Rapides Parish Library.  318-445-2411. "Elizabeth I of England and Her Times."  Tuesdays, Sept.15-Oct. 20, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
  • Bastrop, Morehouse Parish Library. 318-281-3696. "Where Is North Louisiana?"  Tuesdays, Sept.1-Oct. 6, 6-8 p.m.
  • Columbia, Caldwell Parish Library.  318-649-2259. "Battleground Louisiana: Civil War Events and Experiences." Mondays, Sept. 14-Oct.19, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
  • Farmerville, Union Parish Library. 318-368-9288. "The Native American World of the Southeastern United States." Thursdays, Oct. 8-Nov. 12, 6-8 p.m.
  • Gonzales, Ascension Parish Library.  225-647-8924. "Elizabeth I of England and Her Times." Tuesdays, Sept. 22-Oct. 27, 6-8 p.m.
  • Houma, Terrebonne Parish Library. 985-876-5861. "I'll Be Seeing You...America and World War II."  Wednesdays, Oct.14- Nov.18, 10 a. m.-12 p.m.
  • Many, Sabine Parish Library. 318-256-4150. "Elizabeth I of England and Her Times." Tuesdays, Sept. 8-Oct. 13, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
  • New Iberia, Parkview Branch, Iberia Parish Library. 337-364-7150. "The Louisiana Purchase: Impact and Legacy." Thursdays, Oct. 1-Nov. 5, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
  • Ringgold, Bienville Parish Library. 318-263-7410. "Louisiana History: Perspectives on the Pelican State."  Tuesdays, Oct. 20-Nov. 24, 6-8 p.m.
  • Ruston, Lincoln Parish Library. 318-251-5030. "Battleground Louisiana: Civil War Events and Experiences." Tuesdays, Sept.15-Oct. 20, 6-8 p.m.
  • Shreveport, The University of First Presbyterian Church. 318-222-0604. "Encounter in Louisiana." Thursdays, Sept. 24-Oct. 29, 6-8 p.m.
  • Shreveport, Hamilton/South Caddo Branch, Caddo Parish Library. 318-687-6824. "Folktales and Stories of the South and Louisiana." Thursdays, Sept. 10-Oct.15, 6-8 p.m.
  • Slidell, St. Tammany Parish Library.  504-646-6470. "I'll Be Seeing You...America and World War II." Tuesdays, Sept. 22-Oct. 27, 6-8 p.m.
  • Stonewall, Desoto Parish Library. 318-925-9191. "Battleground Louisiana: Civil War Events and Experiences." Thursdays, Sept. 10-Oct.15, 4-6 p.m.
  • Vidalia, Concordia Parish Library. 318-757-3550. "Where Is North Louisiana?"  Thursdays, Aug. 13-Sept. 17, 6-8 p.m.
  • Winnfield, Winn Parish Library. 318-628-4478. "The Creole Identity and Experience in Louisiana Literature and History." Tuesdays, Sept. 15-Oct. 20, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
left_round 7th Annual Louisiana Book Festival


The 7th Annual Louisiana Festival of the Book will take place 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Oct. 17 in Baton Rouge at the State Library of Louisiana, Louisiana State Capitol, and Louisiana State Museum. The Festival offers booklovers of all ages unique opportunities to interact with more than 150 writers, poets and storytellers and to enjoy an inspiring variety of book-related activities, exhibitions and demonstrations. In addition, the LEH will have a booth where it will distribute information about its programs, sell books and back issues of its award-winning magazine, Louisiana Cultural Vistas.  For more information, call 225-219-9503 or visit www.louisianabookfestival.org.
left_round LEH-supported events


Baton Rouge: The Louisiana Library Foundation presents the 7th Annual Louisiana Book Festival. Louisiana's free, world-class literary celebration that offers unique opportunities for booklovers of all ages and interests to interact with more than 150 exceptional writers, poets and storytellers and to enjoy an inspiring variety of book-related activities, exhibitions and demonstrations. The festival also offers food, music, exhibitors and crafts. This year's event is scheduled for 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Oct. 17, at the State Library of Louisiana, Louisiana State Capitol, Louisiana State Museum and nearby locations. WordShops and an Author Party are scheduled for Friday, Oct. 16. For more information, contact 225-219-9503.

Baton Rouge: On display through Dec. 13, the Louisiana Art and Science Museum, 100 River Road South, presents Starry Messenger: Galileo's Vision in 21st Century Art, an exhibition of paintings, digital art, graphics, and sculpture in glass and bronze. Offered in conjunction with interpretive text, an exhibition catalogue and humanities-based public programs that explore the historical, scientific and cultural impact of Galileo Galilei, the exhibition observes the International Year of Astronomy, scheduled to coincide with the 400th anniversary of the invention of the telescope. To complement the exhibition, the museum presents the panel discussion Celestial Matters: A Talk with the Artists of Starry Messenger, scheduled for 5-8 p.m. Oct. 22. Galilean Nights, a celebration of the International Year of Astronomy featuring a screening of the film Exploring the Universe: Probing the Heavens with Galileo followed by guided outdoor observations of the planet Jupiter, is scheduled for 7 p.m. Oct. 23. For more information, contact 225-344-5272.

Lafayette, Lake Charles: Celebrating its 10th season, Louisiana Crossroads is an innovative and acclaimed informance and broadcast series showcasing the finest in Louisiana roots music and folkways. Events unite accomplished performers with humanities scholars to ensure interactive, educational and entertaining experiences for audiences of all ages. The seven-month, 20-event series continues through March 2010, and takes place at venues in Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Lake Charles, New Iberia and New Orleans. The following events are scheduled for October:
  • 7 p.m. Oct. 8: Gateway to the Grammys Fundraiser at the Vermilionville Performance Center, Lafayette.
  • 7 p.m. Oct.14: John Mooney at the Central School Theatre, Lake Charles. This event will be broadcast live via KRVS 88.7 FM and www.krvs.org.
  • 7 p.m. Oct.15: John Mooney at the Vermilionville Performance Center, Lafayette.
Metairie: The Tennessee Williams/New Orleans Literary Festival presents the second in a series of library discussions during its 8th annual Coffee and Conversations at the Jefferson Parish Public Library. Building a Character, Building a Collection, a public discussion featuring Barb Johnson, author of the award-winning debut collection of short stories entitled More of This World, Or Maybe Another, who will discuss her recently released book, delve into what makes a gripping character and how she builds her stories, piece by piece, into narratives both lighthearted and enduring. The event is scheduled for 7-9 p.m. Oct. 28 at the Jefferson Parish - East Bank Regional Library, 4747 West Napoleon Ave. For more information, contact 504-581-1144.

Olla: In conjunction with its 10th anniversary celebration, the Centennial Cultural Center, 2962 Front St., presents Living Along Castor Creek, a published resource and public program presenting the folkways, history and culture of LaSalle Parish. Dr. Jon L. Gibson, retired professor of archaeology who wrote the interpretive text for the published piece, will present a lecture followed by a question-and-answer session; various events are scheduled for Oct. 16-17. For more information, contact 318-495-7988.

Plaquemine: The Iberville Museum, 57735 Main St., presents the latest installment of its People of Iberville exhibition and public program series entitled The Germans of Iberville. An exhibition showcasing the cultural, political and economic contributions of German-born settlers in the region opens Oct. 3, and continues through Dec. 5. For more information, contact 225-687-7197.

Shreveport: The Meadows Museum of Art at Centenary College, 2911 Centenary Blvd.,  presents Magnificent, Marvelous Martele: American Art Nouveau Silver from the Collection of Jolie and Robert Shelton, an exhibition featuring Martele silver pieces from the world's most comprehensive collection. The Martele collection will be on display through Nov. 8. On display in the Focus Gallery through Dec. 24 is the temporary exhibition entitled Louisiana Artists from the Arthur Roger Gallery. For more information, contact 318-869-5040.
left_round Grants deadlines


Louisiana Publishing Initiative grants.
Contact LEH Deputy Director John R. Kemp
at 504-620-2481
or kemp@leh.org.
left_round Louisiana Cultural Economy Summit to meet in New Orleans

The upcoming Louisiana Cultural Economy Summit set for Oct. 29-30 in New Orleans promises to be an exciting and informative convening of the producers and purveyors of culture in Louisiana.

James Carville, nationally-known political pundit, and Lt. Governor Mitch Landrieu will kick off Friday's main event, followed by speakers from top philanthropies, arts centers, historic preservation groups, tax advisors, business development strategists and more. Other guest speakers will include:  
  • Sarah Cunningham, Director of Arts Education, National Endowment for  the Arts   
  • William Aguado, President, Bronx Council on the Arts   
  • David Dombrowsky, Executive Director, Center for Arts Management and  Technology, Carnegie Mellon University   
  • Andrea Snyder, Executive Director, Dance USA   
  • Teresa Eyring, Executive Director, Theatre Communications Group   
  • Ray Scalice, Vice President and General Manager, Pixel Magic   
  • Maria Rosario Jackson, Director, The Urban Institute   
  • Mayor Ben Morris, City of Slidell   
  • Barbara Koenen, Chicago Artist Resource
  • Barbara Motley, Executive Director, Prospect.2
Be sure to sign up for one of the ten networking sessions scheduled for 3 to 5 p.m. Thursday. Topics included the visual arts/crafts, theatre/dance, literature, music, film/interactive digital media, folklife/humanities, fairs/festivals, design/preservation, and the culinary arts. To register, go to www.culturaleconomysummit.org.
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