Purpose: Preparation for Teaching the Relevance of the American Revolution in Louisiana and the 250 Anniversary of the United States
“Louisiana’s Curious Role in the American Revolution: Revealing the Untold Stories and Historical Inaccuracies”
For teachers of American History, Louisiana History, Civics, Politics and Government (4th grade through High School)
Sponsored by: Center for Southeast Louisiana Studies, Southeastern Louisiana University Dept. of Education, and the America 250 Louisiana State Commission
Special thanks to the Office of the Lieutenant Governor and Southeastern Louisiana University for helping to make this event possible.
The first 150 invitees to sign up and attend the entire symposium will receive a $75 honorarium, with a maximum cap of 150 total honorariums given, the information for which will be collected upon the conclusion of the event.
Samuel Hyde is Leon Ford Endowed Chair, Professor of History, and director of the Center for Southeast Louisiana Studies/Archives at Southeastern Louisiana University. He is the author/editor of eleven books including the award winning Pistols and Politics: Feuds, Factions, and the Struggle for Order in Louisiana’s Florida Parishes, 1810-1935 . He is also script writer and producer of five docu-drama films including American Crisis, American Shame: The National Consequences of Coastal Erosion, recipient of a Gold Medal at the New York International Independent Film and Video Festival and Reluctant Americans: Completing the Louisiana Purchase recipient of a Special Remi Jury Award at Worldfest International among other awards. The product of his research has been featured in national and international media outlets such as the New York Times, Washington Post, National Public Radio, British Broadcasting Corp., History Channel, Travel Channel, and ABC World News Tonight among others.
Robert Gray Freeland is VP of Membership f or the Friends of the Cabildo, the volunteer organization of the Louisiana State Museum. He manages the Spanish Heritage Field Trip Program based on Louisiana’s connection to the Spanish Speaking world. He is the Past Governor of the La Louisiana Chapter of the Granaderos y Damas de Galvez, an organization with chapters in Spain, Florida, Louisiana, and Texas. The mission of the Granaderos is to educate the public on the role of Spain and Louisiana in the American Revolution. Robert holds a BA from Tulane University with a double major in Economics and Latin American Studies.
James Winter is the Artistic Director of the Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts and a Professor of Theatre at Southeastern Louisiana University. He is a professional actor, director, playwright, and producer. Jim is the author of two plays celebrating our region’s rich history: Only in Louisiana and Strawberries, Guns, and Milk. Plays he has written have been produced in New York, Cleveland, Texas, Louisiana, Ireland, and Scotland.
John S. Zaffuto Director of Student Programming, Southeastern Channel, has served as the operations manager of The Southeastern Channel since 2005. During his tenure, he has created and supervised several short- and long-format productions within every content category. A veteran director, writer, editor and producer with over 30 years of production experience, John is the recipient of numerous honors and distinctions, including three regional Emmy Awards recognizing his work for both the channel and university. John is the instructor of four courses focusing on the planning and production of creative motion media and also is the author of two published books detailing his research in the digital media field—Essential Knowledge for the Aspiring Media Professional and Producing Graphic Media for Sports.
Keith M. Finley is Associate Professor of History and Assistant Director of the Center for Southeast Louisiana Studies at Southeastern Louisiana University. He is the author of the award winning Delaying the Dream: Southern Senators and the Fight Against Civil Rights, 1938-1945 and From Slavery to Segregation: Reckoning with White Supremacy in the American South.