Grand Opening for the Election and Archives Center
The St. Landry Parish Clerk of Court Archives Department has an extensive collection of historical documents available to the public. Some of those documents date back to the 1700s and include marriage records, civil documents, and even conveyance records which paint a picture of the history of slavery in the area. On Friday, September 26th at 11 a.m., Charles Jagneaux, St. Landry Parish Clerk of Court, will cut the ribbon on the new Election and Archives Center located at 306 West Landry Street in Opelousas which will house these important documents and help connect the stories found therein to the present.
The Election and Archives Center will be more than just a home for over 200 years of historical documents. Archivist and anthropologist, Larry J. Caillier II holds monthly workshops to assist the public with genealogical research and search for property deeds, wills, family successions, and more records, all stored both digitally and physically. In their new location, they’ll be able to host larger and more regular events and continue their efforts to digitize this large collection. Check the Charles Jagneaux Archives Facebook Page for upcoming workshop dates.
The new center will also display the Historic Imperial St. Landry Collection. This set of exhibits will showcase the culture and history of the parish. They are currently reaching out to local historians, genealogists, museums, and family history collectors that may have artifacts that they would like to contribute.
On October 25th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., look forward to “A Family Gathering of Pope Leo XIV” hosted at the center. Lemelle, Auzenne, Galo (Gallow), Baquie, Grandbois, Prevost, Provost, Lasassier, and Martinez families all have connections to the new pope’s family tree and are invited to attend. Zydeco musician, Morgan Lemelle, will perform.
For more information on the event or if you are interested in donating to the display, contact the parish archivist at 337-942-5606 ext. 151 or email larry.caillier@slpclerk.org.
