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About the Society
Founded in 1835, the Louisiana Historical Society
is the oldest historical organization in the state. The State of
Louisiana first chartered it in 1836, and has rechartered it several
times since then. For a number of decades during the 19th century, the
society was the official custodian of the colonial records of
Louisiana, including the French Superior Council records and the
Spanish Judicial Records of the Illustrious Cabildo (local
governing body). In 1906 the Society promoted a legislative act to
create a Louisiana State Museum to be housed in the old Cabildo
on Jackson Square. When the Museum opened in 1911, the Society
deposited there the colonial archives in its care, as well as thousands
of other documents, paintings, prints, and other museum objects from
its own collection.
Today the Society remains dedicated to the writing, promotion and
understanding of Louisiana history. It has sponsored eight public
lectures each year for almost a century. Membership is open to all. The
Louisiana Historical Society is an IRS-approved 501-c3 organization.
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