Creoles -- Louisiana -- New Orleans

Scope and Contents The papers of artist and puppeteer Ralph Chesse document his life and his careers in theater, art, puppetry, and television. The collection dates from 1926-1987 and includes an unpublished memoir, Chesse’s writings on marionette theater and other writings, promotional material for Chesse’s marionette shows, biographical materials, correspondence, and collected materials. Accompanying the papers are 123 examples of Chesse’s artwork.Composed of various drafts, Chesse’s memoir,...

Scope and Contents The Joseph Geddes Family papers pertain to several generations of an African American family with multi-generational ties to Louisiana who owned and operated several businesses, including funeral parlors and life insurance companies that date back to the early 20th century. The papers consist of professional, as well as personal, papers and contain photographs, scrapbooks, memory books, a memorial record book, correspondence, programs, and newspaper clippings relating to the family...

Content Description The records of the Socialites Social and Charity Club located in Los Angeles, California highlight the Louisiana Creole community in California during the late 1980s and throughout the 1990s. The bulk of the records document the Club’s work to coordinate the Los Angeles Creole Festival from 1987 to 1999. Correspondence within the collection mainly focuses on the Club’s festival planning and activities. The LALA Organizing Committee files for the L.A. Creole Festival contain ephemera and...

Content Description The records of the St. Mark's Community Center Ethnic Heritage Project contains manuscripts, videocassettes, audiotapes, color photograph transparencies, and index cards. The project sought to "complete an oral history documentary of the black Creoles and non-Creoles of the Treme/7th Ward area of New Orleans." Those interviewed for the project were long-term residents of the area, and they discussed notable inhabitants and cultural traditions of the area. A related publication,...