Center for Southeast Louisiana Studies hosts exhibit on regional political history
Friday, November 20, 2020
by: Tonya Lowentritt 
GRADUATE STUDENTS CREATE POLITICAL HISTORY EXHIBIT - The Center for Southeast Louisiana Studies at Southeastern Louisiana University recently announced the opening of a new exhibit titled “Pioneers in Politics: Examining Influential Political Figures as Revealed in the Holdings of the Center.” The center’s graduate research assistants that completed research and construction of the exhibit are, from left, Amelia Haag, Abigail Simmons, and Bailey Hall Sones.
HAMMOND – The Center for Southeast Louisiana Studies at Southeastern Louisiana
University recently announced the opening of a new exhibit titled “Pioneers in Politics:
Examining Influential Political Figures as Revealed in the Holdings of the Center.”
Center Director and Southeastern History Professor Sam Hyde said the exhibit
is designed to educate the campus community and wider public about the vast holdings
highlighting regional and statewide political history that are housed in the archives
of the center. The center’s graduate research assistants, Amelia Haag of Slidell,
Abigail Simmons of Kentwood, and Bailey Hall Sones of Hammond, completed research
and construction of the exhibit.
“The exhibit spans the colonial period to the present day and includes details
revealing the political careers of some well-known figures, as well as some the public
has likely never heard of before,” Hyde said. “With the exception of a few editorial
suggestions from Assistant Director Keith Finley and myself, the students put the
project together completely on their own.”
The exhibit includes information on nationally recognized figures such as Huey
Long and longtime congressman James H. “Jimmie” Morrison, as well as local leaders
such as former Hammond Mayors Tom Anderson and Debbie Saik Pope. Special segments
are devoted to the contributions of women, African Americans, and long-term families
from the Florida Parishes.
“Preparing this exhibit, showcasing southern and Louisiana politicians, gave
us a chance to closely explore the original artifacts and materials within the center’s
holdings,” said Research Assistant Simmons, who led the effort. “We did our best to
reveal the positive aspects of each individual's career.”
“Many people are drawn to stories of corruption and other negative aspects often
associated with political figures,” added Sones. “We instead focused more on their
constructive policies that helped shape Louisiana communities.”
Research Assistant Haag summed up the project by saying, “It was a lot of work,
but it allowed us to take a deep dive into the center’s holdings. We found a lot of
extraordinary three dimensional artifacts, such as Huey Long’s signed autobiography,
campaign materials, Civil War era swords, and even Jimmie Davis’ cowboy hat and boots.”
The exhibit opened Nov. 20 and will remain available for viewing by the public
until March 10. It will be housed in the exhibition area of the center on the third
floor of Sims Library on Southeastern’s campus. Interested individuals are invited
to visit, but masks are required and social distancing will be maintained.
For more information on the exhibit, call the center at 985-549-2151.
