June 11, 2025

NATCHITOCHES – Students from a 3D Digital Summer Field School hosted by Northwestern State University and the National Center for Preservation Technology and Training will present their work beginning at 12:15 p.m. Friday, June 13. The researchers will discuss experiences documenting historic buildings in west Natchitoches, making 3D tours and creating 3D digital models.

Lunchtime Lagniappe with Jason Church and the 2025 3D Digital Field School will take place at the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum, 800 Front St. The event is free and open to the public.  Visitors are welcome to bring their lunch during the presentation.

The intent of the two-week 3D Digital Field School is to engage high school age students from the local community in documenting Natchitoches history, primarily in the African American neighborhoods of Jackson Square and the Hill.  The research opens the students up to the importance of historic preservation and teaches valuable technology transfer skills.

Students spent the first week working on site and using drone technology under the guidance of JD Cox, instructor and coordinator of NSU’s RSST (Remote Systems Science & Technology) and ARGO (Advanced Remote & Geospatial Operations) Lab, and Jason Church, chief of technical services for NCPTT, to gather data and visuals from the former Catanese Grocery on North Street and other structures in the area that was once part of a busy neighborhood. Students use drone technology and handheld scanners to safely document the imperiled buildings.

Students then spent a week in the computer lab putting data into a database and creating maps that allow viewers to walk through the buildings virtually. With the addition of photographs and oral histories, the information tells the story of the buildings, even after they cease to physically exist.

“Please come out if you can and support our hard-working students,” Church said. “Last year’s lecture was the largest attended lunchtime lecture, and we want to top last year’s numbers.”

Information on NSU’s ARGO lab is available at https://www.nsula.edu/argo/

Information on NSU’s technical services partnership with NCPTT is available at https://www.nsula.edu/techservices/