In Your Own Backyard: A Free Monthly 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 13
Boat Building In Louisiana
Ray Brassieur
Faren Serette

August 10
Acadie to Acadiana: Le Grand Derangement
Shane Bernard, Barry Ancelet, and Zachary Richard

September 14
The Evolution of Horse Racing in Louisiana
Philip Gould, Calvin Borel, and Don Stemmans

October 12
Women in Music: From the Kitchen to the Stage
Kristi Guillory, Christine Balfa, and Sheryl Cormier

November 9
Mud, Moss, and Wood: Vernacular Architecture in Louisiana
Eddie Cazayoux, Fred Daspit, and John Laudun

December 7
On The Sweet Side: Holiday Foodways
Baking Demo with Chef Pat Mould

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