FAMILY HISTORY CONVENTION

    Year 2000 will mark the first ever Creole Family History Convention.  This first presentation will be used a model for future events of this type  to be held every other year.  This Creole 2000, Part III event is scheduled to be held on July 21-22, 2000 and will coincide with the Natchitoches-NSU Festival.  Both events will take place at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana.
    The term "national Metoyer family" includes ALL descendants of the Claude Thomas Pierre Metoyer and Marie Thereze Coin Coin union.  See the first generation chart as a guide.  We would like to gather and present as much information as we can regarding the Metoyer family which would include all aspects of its history and culture.
    The LCHC is in the process of gathering data for presentation at this event and to become a part of the Center's research resources.  Included with this publication are "Family History Data forms."   We are asking that everyone complete a form for his or her family going back as far as you can.  Although the theme for this year's convention is the

"national METOYER family," ALL Creole families are invited to submit forms at this time and will be included in the general Creole database.  The LCHC will continue to gather Creole family history data on an ongoing basis.
   Limited exhibit space at the convention will be made available on a first come, first served basis.  Anyone wishing to exhibit specific family history  information should submit an "Exhibit Space" request form.  Submission deadline for applications will be May 15, 2000.  These applications will be processed for approval on a first-come, first served basis. 
    We are asking that everyone planning to attend this event complete and return the enclosed postcard to register.  An informational packet containing further details, the Exhibit Space request form, maps, lodging data, event schedules, etc. will be mailed to all registrants.  No monies will need to be returned at this time.
    Additional activities are in the process of being planned  including a "Vegas Style Creole Party"  - Watch for the Spring, 2000 publication from the Center for further details.

RESEARCHING CREOLE HISTORY

The Creole 2000, Part II event will focus on researchers concerned with the history and culture of the Creole culture. The Louisiana Creole Heritage Center (LCHC) will sponsor a symposium of individuals involved in this research. Actual research items would include Creole families, communities, churches, occupational trades, folklife, and music, to mention a few.  This symposium is being held to help identify the individuals, their areas of research, the current status, and most importantly how the Center can assist with this research and its future documentation.

It will be necessary to limit the number of participants in this symposium, so applications will be accepted on a first come, first served basis.  Anyone wishing to participate should contact the LCHC Center via phone 318/357-6685 or e-mail colsonj@alpha.nsula.edu to request an application form.  This event is presently scheduled for March 11, 2000 and will consist of a day-long workshop with lunch provided.