Apply

Search Anything

Creole Heritage
Center

Creole Heritage Store

WELcome

 

Welcome to the Creole Heritage Center at Northwestern State University (NSU)! Since its establishment in the fall of 1998, the Center has been a leader in the Creole Renaissance — the movement to preserve and advocate for Louisiana Creoles and their heritage. We invite you to explore our website to learn more about the rich history, vibrant culture, and ongoing work of Creole people, as well as how the Center builds on its first 25+ years to preserve, educate, and advocate.

Creole Heritage Center Logo

About Us

Vision

To revitalize, mobilize, and empower Creole people and their contributions — for recognition both locally and globally.

Mission

To preserve, educate, and advocate the value and significance of the vibrant Louisiana Creole people and their culture.

Core Values

  1. We serve as a leading authority on all things Creole.

  2. We commit to collaboration to promote expertise and dignity among all Creole people.

  3. We ensure all preservation and educational work is founded on accuracy and community accountability.

  4. We strive to provide prompt, friendly service to everyone.

  5. We welcome all who wish to learn about Creole people, their history, and culture.

Background

  • Origins: In 1979, Isle Brevelle residents founded the St. Augustine Historical Society (SAHS) to preserve and interpret the heritage of the Cane River Creoles. Over time, the movement grew to encompass Creoles across Louisiana and beyond.

  • Formation of the Center: In 1997, an Advisory Council of Louisiana Creoles and scholars was formed. The Louisiana Board of Regents and UL System approved the establishment of a permanent research center. In fall 1998, the Louisiana Creole Heritage Center officially opened at NSU.

  • Partnerships & Support: The Center works closely with other cultural heritage entities (Cammie G. Henry Research Center, Louisiana Folklife Center, Williamson Museum, and others), and is part of the Cane River National Heritage Area.

  • Funding: NSU provides infrastructure and salary support; our programs and publications are supported through grants, business & organizational sponsors, and individual donors.

Staff & Leadership

  • Director: Dr. Kent W. Peacock

  • Clerk: Judy M. Rachal

Advisory Council

The Center is guided by an Advisory Council of up to 15 voting members appointed by the President of NSU. Members serve up to two consecutive three-year terms (or until successors are appointed). See full list of current members.

 

Emeritus members are former voting members honored for their service, who maintain institutional/historical knowledge.

Cane River

Support the Creole Heritage Center

 

While NSU covers salaries and infrastructure, our ability to meet priorities such as producing educational materials, digital exhibits, preserving archival materials, and enhancing accessibility depends on financial support from:

  • Grants

  • Businesses & organizational sponsors

  • Individuals

Front image of NSU entry gates on Central Ave

Creole Champions Club & Sponsorships

 

  • Creole Champions Club: Individuals who contribute $150 or more annually receive special recognition.

  • Business/Organization Sponsorships: Benefits include recognition on our website and in publications. Sponsorships for specific events or initiatives are available. Contact us for details.

Chaplin Lake on campus of Northwestern State University

Genealogy & Family History

Genealogical Materials

Our Research Library includes:

  • Celebration & funeral programs

  • Cemetery, church & state records (including published transcriptions)

  • Family histories (books/booklets with narrative & images)

  • Over 1,200 collection folders containing family trees, birth & death records, etc.

 

Church Listings 

Family Listings

Collection Folders

Metoyer Family Genealogical Listing Book

A major project of ours: tracing descendants of Claude Thomas Metoyer & Marie Therese Coin-Coin. Covers the first six generations. Available for purchase or order.

National Creole Family Database

A searchable, online database of verified information on Louisiana Creole ancestors born before 1951. We accept requests to add or update entries. The absence of an individual does not mean no Creole heritage.

Guidelines & Rules

  • All materials in the Research Library become property of the Center.

  • Permission is required for duplication or use of items for any purpose outside the Center. Access to donated material can be restricted if requested.

Oak trees along Central Ave

Resource Library

 

Our library holds over 5,000 print, audio, and visual items documenting Creole lives, culture, creativity, and history. Among the highlights:

  • Books by or about Creole and Louisiana people

  • Oral histories, photographs, and recordings (especially of Creole persons and events)

  • Research folders with newspaper & magazine articles, legal documents, brochures, etc.

  • Archival collections with audio/visual material and original/copy images and posters Northwestern State University

Note: It is a non-lending library; materials are for use on-site (unless otherwise noted). Appointments encouraged.

students studying on NSU's campus

Publications

 

We produce a variety of publications exploring Creole history, narratives, and culture.

The Creole Chronicles

A series of volumes, often region-based, with photographs and essays that explore Creole communities, celebrations, culture, and history. Copies are available for purchase; some reprints or bilingual editions exist.

Other Titles

Other works include Black Churches of Natchitoches Parish, The Chronology of Louisiana’s Creole Cuisine, Creole Heritage Celebrations: A Commemorative History, etc. Many are available for purchase.

NSU students walk through downtown riverbank in Natchitoches

Resources & Links

Chinbo, Inc.
C.R.E.O.L.E inc.
Kreol Magazine
LA Creole
Mobile Creole Cultural and Historical Preservation Society
Zydeco Historical & Preservation Society, Inc.
Vermilionville Historic Village
https://www.af-neworleans.org
Association for the Preservation of Historic Natchitoches
Cane River Creole National Historic Park
Cane River National Heritage Area
Center for Louisiana Studies
Central Louisiana African American Historical Society
Historic Natchitoches Foundation
Historic New Orleans Collection
L’Assemblée de la Louisiane
Laura Plantation
https://www.lemuseedefpc.com
Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities
Louisiana Folk Roots
LALA
Maison Creole de Freetown
Multicultural Center of the South
New Orleans Foundation for Francophone Cultures
Opera Créole
River Road African American Museum
St. Augustine Historical Society
Télé-Louisiane

Scholarships

 

We offer several scholarships for Northwestern State University students, honoring members of the Creole community and aligning with our mission. The CHC does not currently offer scholarships for students at other institutions or for external research.

Contact Us

Kyser Hall, Room 118
Natchitoches, LA 71497
Phone: (318) 357-6685
Email: creolecenter@nsula.edu

Office Hours: By appointment only.

Northwestern State University of Louisiana
Powered by  GDPR Cookie Compliance
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.