fbpx
3 Oct 2024

Ask an Archivist Day

2024-10-03T12:54:30-05:00

Learn about interesting artifacts from deep inside the vaults of the Opelousas Museum. With a focus on local history and culture, the Opelousas Museum has kept exhibits and artifacts in its current location since the 90s, but the stories it tells stretch all across time. From pre-history to early settlers and the impact of slavery, to free people of color and the Civil War, and even local legends like Rodney Milburn, there is plenty to learn about here.

Refreshments will be provided.

Ask an Archivist Day2024-10-03T12:54:30-05:00
23 Sep 2024

Preservationists of St. Landry Speaker Series

2024-09-23T15:56:28-05:00

Enjoy informative talks in an informal, but historic atmosphere on the beautiful grounds of the Michel Prudhomme house in Opelousas, Louisiana.

Sheriff Bobby Guidroz discusses the lively and colorful histories of the sheriffs of St. Landry Parish on Thursday, October 10th at 6pm.

These talks are open to the public.

Preservationists of St. Landry Speaker Series2024-09-23T15:56:28-05:00
13 Sep 2024

Creole Culture Day

2024-09-13T16:25:38-05:00

The 3rd Annual Creole Culture Day will take place on October 5th, 2024, at Town Hall Park in Grand Coteau, Louisiana. This event is a celebration of Louisiana’s Creole heritage, with a special focus on the French language that remains integral to the Creole identity. Best of all, this community event is completely free, offering everyone a chance to participate and enjoy the festivities.

Start the day with a traditional hog butchering and cooking event, featuring French demonstrations on preparing staple Creole foods like cracklins and boudin. The food from the Boucherie will be served for free to attendees. Although the Boucherie starts at 6 AM, the main Creole Culture Day activities kick off at 10 AM.

Throughout the day enjoy Creole French Bingo, a genealogy section helping attendees to trace their heritage, food trucks and food vendors, as well as performances by DJ Dr. Boogie Live, Zydeco Roux, and David Sylvester.

Creole Culture Day is vital for preserving and promoting the heritage of Creoles of Color, particularly through the French language. The event fosters community, education, and the continuation of traditions that are essential to maintaining Creole identity.

Creole Culture Day2024-09-13T16:25:38-05:00
26 Aug 2024

Where the Buffalo Roamed

2024-08-26T12:29:06-05:00

Yes, there were bison in Louisiana! Come out to Atelier de la Nature in Arnaudville on September 21 from 10am-1p2m about bison and their importance to the Indigenous Atakapa-Ishak People who have lived here from time immemorial. Learn about the relationship between Indigenous Peoples and the local environment from an Indigenous perspective with Jeffery U. Darensbourg, followed by a bison chili cooking demo and tasting with our very own Aurore Ballengée.

This event is free but registration is required at https://bit.ly/Prarie-Buffalo_24.

Jeffery U. Darensbourg grew up in Itta Homma (of which “Baton Rouge” is a translation) and currently resides in Bulbancha, the only name he uses to refer to what others call “New Orleans.” He works with words, crafting essays, poetry, academic articles, and public talks intertwining traditional academic research with autoethnography and memoir. He is a Louisiana Creole and an enrolled member of the Atakapa-Ishak Nation of Indians. He holds a Ph.D. in cognitive science.

Where the Buffalo Roamed2024-08-26T12:29:06-05:00
12 Aug 2024

Spirits of Main Street – Washington

2024-08-12T16:53:19-05:00

Investigate the 300-year-old steamboat town of Washington, Louisiana on September 1st with Louisiana Spirits, the largest ghosthunting organization in Louisiana. Team up with the pros as they investigate the newly renovated Hotel Klaus circa 1870, Schmitt Hotel circa 1820, and Wolff Hall circa 1840.

Contact mlee@laspirits.com for pricing.

Spirits of Main Street – Washington2024-08-12T16:53:19-05:00
16 Jul 2024

Haitian Art Reception

2024-07-16T16:47:21-05:00

On Saturday, August 24th from 1pm-4pm at the St. Landry Parish Visitor Center in Opelousas, Louisiana, attend a reception celebrating the largest exhibit of Haitian art in Louisiana. The exhibit, which has been on display at the center throughout the summer, was specially selected from the collection of Glenn Stokes. His treasure-trove of works was accumulated over the course of 30 years alongside his wife, Yvonne Stokes, and has been exhibited across the Southern U.S. and even Venice, Italy.

At this reception, you’ll hear from Stokes as he explains his selections and elaborates on the extensive history between Louisiana and Haiti.

This event is free to attend and refreshments will be provided.

Haitian Art Reception2024-07-16T16:47:21-05:00
28 May 2024

Juré Workshop

2024-05-28T16:49:35-05:00

Juré, an a cappella type of singing with rhythmic hand claps, is considered to be a forerunner to zydeco music. This Saturday at 1 pm here at the St. Landry Parish Visitor enter, the Broussard Sisters will conduct a juré workshop. These four sisters, Sandra Broussard Davis, Virginia Ballard, Tavian Seraile, and Vivian Edwards were mentored by their aunt, Cecilia Broussard, perform juré and help to preserve this traditional music.

Red beans and rice will be served after.

Juré Workshop2024-05-28T16:49:35-05:00
16 May 2024

Jam with Living Hall of Fame Legends

2024-05-28T10:31:14-05:00

The Cajun French Music Hall of Fame Museum is hosting a jam session on June 1st where you can play with actual hall of fame legends! From 10am to 12pm, jam with Robert Elkins, David Greely, and Steve Riley with his son Burke Riley. Spend the morning practicing with the greats as Ray Landry hosts and conducts a Q&A.

This acoustic jam is open for musicians of all types and skill levels for free. The Acadiana Charter Chapter will be offering free jambalaya.

After the jam from 1pm-2pm, kids of all ages will also be able to make their own instrument.

Jam with Living Hall of Fame Legends2024-05-28T10:31:14-05:00
7 May 2024

“Mavis: One Simple Sentence” Documentary Screening

2024-05-07T11:52:49-05:00

Produced by Bill Rodman and Flo Ulmer-Rodman of The Bill Rodman Production Shoppe, a new documentary, “Mavis: One Simple Sentence,” tells the inspiring story of Mavis Arnaud Fruge, the woman who ignited a cultural revolution to save Louisiana French. At this screening on Saturday, May 26, 6pm at the NUNU Art & Culture Collective in Arnaudville, refreshments will be served.

“Mavis: One Simple Sentence” delves into Fruge’s extraordinary journey. At a time when most lives slow down, Fruge dedicates two decades to a tireless quest. Her “French Tables” bring communities together, fostering pride in their heritage and language.

Fruge’s efforts don’t stop at conversation. Fruge’s herculean efforts spark a “cultural economy” phenomenon, attracting global attention.

Now in her eighties, Fruge remains a towering figure. Knighted twice by the French government, an honor typically reserved for national heroes, she continues her mission. Her dream – establishing St. Luc’s, the first-ever Louisiana French immersion school in the U.S. – would revolutionize language education.

“Mavis: One Simple Sentence” is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to make a difference.

Please contact Gene Paquette (gene@powellschicago.com) if you would like to schedule an interview with the producers or NUNU staff.

“Mavis: One Simple Sentence” Documentary Screening2024-05-07T11:52:49-05:00
15 Apr 2024

Sacred Amazonian Cacao Ceremony at NUNU

2024-04-15T12:41:41-05:00

On Sunday, May 19th at 2pm, you can commune with the sacred plant of cacao, revered by ancient cultures for its spiritual and medicinal properties, you’ll embark on a journey of inner exploration and communal connection. Led by experienced guides, you’ll engage in meditation practices to quiet the mind and open the heart, allowing the essence of cacao to penetrate your being.

Surrounded by the exhibit “Soeurs de la chasse” by Camille Farrah Lenain at the NUNU Art & Culture Collective in Arnaudville, the air will be filled with the resonant melodies of sacred ceremony songs, echoing the chants of generations past. These ancient rhythms will guide you deeper into a state of reverence and introspection, as you tap into the collective wisdom of indigenous peoples who have long honored the spirit of cacao.

As you sip the rich elixir, infused with theobromine and anandamide, the blissful effects of this sacred plant compound will gently awaken your senses, fostering a profound sense of connection and unity with yourself and the community around you. Experience firsthand the heart-opening power of cacao as it unlocks the gates to inner joy and spiritual insight.

Join us for this transformative journey into the heart of Amazonian tradition, where art, spirituality, and cultural heritage converge to offer a taste of the sacred rituals that have sustained indigenous communities for millennia.

Melodie Knapp is a wisdom keeper, who works with sacred plants in order to facilitate the remembering, and healing of the self and community.

Sacred Amazonian Cacao Ceremony at NUNU2024-04-15T12:41:41-05:00
Go to Top