To revitalize, mobilize, and empower Creole people and their contributions — for recognition both locally and globally.
WELcome
The Creole Heritage Center opened its doors at NSU in the fall of 1998 as a place for Louisiana Creoles across the world to connect and foster their culture, and to serve all seeking knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of Louisiana Creoles and their culture. Today, the CHC’s education, event, exhibit, preservation, and genealogy initiatives all continue to build upon its past leadership of Terrell Delphin, Janet Ravare-Colson, Dr. Pete Gregory, and Loletta Wynder to remain a leader in preserving, educating, and advocating the value and significance of the vibrant Louisiana Creole people and their culture for all.
CONTACT US
Kyser Hall, Room 118
Natchitoches, LA 71497
Phone: (318) 357-6685
Email: creolecenter@nsula.edu
Spring 2026 Hours: 9:00am – 4:00pm M-Th; appointments suggested
About Us
To preserve, educate, and advocate the value and significance of the vibrant Louisiana Creole people and their culture.
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We serve as a leading authority on all things Creole.
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We commit to collaboration to promote expertise and dignity among all Creole people.
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We ensure all preservation and educational work is founded on accuracy and community accountability.
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We strive to provide prompt, friendly service to everyone.
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We welcome all who wish to learn about Creole people, their history, and culture.
The Center is guided by an Advisory Council of up to 15 voting members appointed by the President of NSU.
- James Billeaudeau, Chair (Lafayette, LA)
- Louis Metoyer, Vice Chair (Sun City, CA)
- Michael Fontenot, Treasurer (Lake Charles, LA)
- Carla Roque Allen, Secretary (Maumelle, AR)
- Sandra Billeaudeau (Lafayette, LA)
- Lyn Christophe Jones (Natchitoches, LA)
- Barbara DeCuir (Baton Rouge, LA)
- Dominique DuVernay (Reserve, LA)
- Dr. Elista Istre (Lafayette, LA)
- Marcus Jones (The Woodlands, TX)
- Blaise LaCour (Natchitoches, LA)
- Dr. Christophe Landry (Los Angeles, CA)
- Niza Metoyer (Garden Grove, CA)
- David Sigur (Alexandria, VA)
Emeritus members are living, former voting members honored for their service.
- Gwendolyn Bordenave
- Pam Breaux
- Dr. Kathleen Byrd
- Patricia Cravins
- Winston DeCuir
- Daphne Delphin
- Lillie Delphin
- Ann Marie Domino
- Kathleen Balthazar Heitzmann
- Carolyn LaCour-Llorens
- Linda LeCompte
- Father James Moran
- Theresa Delphin Morgan
- Gregory Osborn
- Father Chad Partain
- Mary Metoyer Rodriguez
- Vera Severin
Genealogy & Family History
Our Research Library includes:
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Celebration & funeral programs
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Cemetery, church & state records (including published transcriptions)
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Family histories (books/booklets with narrative & images)
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Over 1,200 collection folders containing family trees, birth & death records, etc.
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.
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.
Resource Library
Our library holds over 5,000 print, audio, and visual items documenting Creole lives, culture, creativity, and history. Among the highlights:
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Books by or about Creole and Louisiana people
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Oral histories, photographs, and recordings (especially of Creole persons and events)
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Research folders with newspaper & magazine articles, legal documents, brochures, etc.
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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.
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.
Support the Creole Heritage Center
The Center relies on the financial support of individuals, business/organization sponsorships, and grants to continue our mission. Show your support and Creole pride by becoming a member or sponsor today!
Creole Champions Club & Sponsorships
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Creole Champions Club: Individuals who contribute $150 or more annually receive special recognition.
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Business/Organization Sponsorships: Benefits include recognition on our website and in publications. Sponsorships for specific events or initiatives are available. Contact us for details.
