In Your Own Backyard: A Free Lecture Series Unearthing Local Cultural and Environmental Knowledge

Lafayette, Louisiana—The Center for Cultural and Eco-Tourism at UL-Lafayette continues its free monthly series focusing on cultural and environmental traditions and knowledge in the Acadiana area. Held the second Tuesday of every month at Vermilionville's Performance Center from 6:30-8:00, the presentations range from informal workshops to question-and-answer forums to interactive presentations. Each month features a different topic for discussion, led by a qualified facilitator. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. The project is co-sponsored by CCET and the Vermilionville Foundation, with support from the Lafayette Convention and Visitors Commission.

The series brings a wide range of topics to a larger audience and a broader forum in order to provide an educational opportunity to the Lafayette community and offer new perspectives on established traditions and perceptions. In our own backyard, we still fall prey to preconceived notions and commodification of our culture. CCET’s lecture series bridges this gap between academia and the general public, and this linkage is fundamental to a better understanding of cultural and historical authenticity and constructively addressing stereotypes.

July 14
Atchafalaya Culture: Living and Surviving in the Basin
Jim Delahoussaye

August 11
Creole Music: Its Roots and Modern Manifestations
Herman Fuselier and Joe Hall

September 8
Congrès Mondial Acadien Wrap-Up
CMA Ambassadors : Valerie Broussard, Lucius Fontenot, Michael Vincent, Rachel Decuir, Erin Stickney, Rocky McKeon

October 13
Farming Methods in Old Acadie and Acadiana
Dr. Whitney Broussard EarthShare Gardens

November 10
Steel Guitar Traditions
Dr. John Troutman, Benjamin Joe Rogers, Murnel Babineaux, and Richard Comeaux

December 8
KBON: The Cajun Radio Experience
Derek Landry


Other Events:
Archive Aid
Pour l'Amour de la Louisiane
Louisiana Folk Master's (TM) Series