Southeastern to host exhibit on Tangipahoa Parish history
Thursday, October 10, 2019
by: Tonya Lowentritt
HAMMOND – Southeastern Louisiana University’s Center for Southeast Louisiana
Studies has opened a new exhibit titled “From Blood to Berries: A History of Tangipahoa
Parish” in conjunction with its support of the ongoing events celebrating the sesquicentennial
of Tangipahoa Parish.
A creation of the Center for Southeast Louisiana Studies’ student worker staff,
the exhibit is located on the third floor of Sims Library in the exhibition area of
the center and remains open for viewing through January 2020.
“We asked our graduate research assistants and student worker to come up with
an idea to highlight collections in the center and how they reveal the history of
our university’s home parish,” said Center for Southeast Louisiana Studies Director
Samuel Hyde. “They developed the concept, conducted the research, and completely constructed
the exhibit on their own.”
The exhibit includes photographs, primary source documents, news reports, and
three- dimensional artifacts, among other items found in the center’s extensive holdings,
detailing the history and cultures of the region. Included are vintage images and
reports revealing the initial explorations of the territory, creation of the parish,
and economic development of the area. Specified cases detailing development in
each of the major communities in Tangipahoa Parish, Hyde explained, interface
with segments dedicated to specific items of interest.
“We thought it would be fun to include a section highlighting festivals and major
events occurring in Tangipahoa parish, as well as a section honoring famous figures
who have made the parish their home,” said Graduate Research Assistant Amelia Haag.
Southeastern’s role in the parish’s history does not go unnoticed in the exhibit,
Hyde said.
“As we completed the exhibit we noticed that we were just entering Southeastern’s
homecoming week,” added Graduate Research Assistant Bailey Hall. “We added a segment
that details the evolution of Roomie the Lion as Southeastern’s mascot. Visitors will
be surprised to see how Roomie evolved from humble beginnings, to virtual cartoon,
all the way to the polished cheerleading symbol he is today.”
Student worker Amber Hughes and Graduate Research Assistant Abigail Simmons complete
the contingent of students who created the project.
For more information on the exhibit or hours of operation, contact the Center
for Southeast Louisiana Studies at 985-549-2151 or visit selahistory@southeastern.edu.
