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)
- Dr. Elista Istre (Lafayette, LA)
- Marcus Jones (The Woodlands, TX)
- Blaise LaCour (Natchitoches, LA)
- Dr. Christophe Landry (Los Angeles, CA)
- John Metoyer (Chicago, IL)
- 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.
Traces the first six generations of descendants of Claude Thomas Pierre Metoyer and Marie Therese Coin-Coin. Research conducted and compiled by Center staff. Purchase Online HERE.
A searchable, online, and crowdsourced database of verified information on Louisiana Creole ancestors born before 1951. Inclusion does not imply the person identified themselves as Creole while living nor does the absence of an individual imply they do not have Creole lineage or that the person did not exist.
Change text to “Preserve Your Family History and Expand the Center’s Genealogical Collection by:
- Adding or Updating your ancestors in our National Creole Family Database
- Submitting a Family Chart
- Sharing your Ancestry.com or FamilySearch.org trees to creolecenter@nsula.edu
- Donating items (copies or originals) about your ancestors and you – documents, recordings, pictures, or other objects
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.
Note: This is a NON-LENDING library; materials are for use on-site only (unless otherwise noted). Appointments encouraged.
Publications
We produce a variety of publications exploring Creole history, narratives, and culture.
The Creole Chronicles
A series that explores Creole communities, celebrations, culture, and history through photographs and essays. Copies of some volumes are available for purchase.
Other Titles
Other publications include Black Churches of Natchitoches Parish, The Chronology of Louisiana’s Creole Cuisine, and Creole Heritage Celebrations: A Commemorative History, as well as the documentaries A Common Pot: Creole Cooking on Cane River and The Spirit of a Culture: Cane River Creoles. Some 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.
