Local historians collaborated to trace the roots and evolution of the Jewish community in and around Natchitoches with the research presented at the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum in the monthly Lunchtime Lagniappe program held Friday.
Kevin Shannahan, a self-described history buff and well-known local photographer, worked with Donna Baker of the Cammie G. Henry Research Center at Northwestern State University’s Watson Library and other sources to develop the material for an interesting 45-minute presentation.
An appreciative and inquisitive audience took in Shannahan’s talk and some shared additional facts and memories supplementing what he discovered in museum archives and public records.
Did you know that one of the original 53 Jewish people to settle in Natchitoches, beginning in 1849, was the driving force behind the creation of what is today Northwestern State University?
Leopold Caspari arrived in Natchitoches at the age of 19 and overcame modest beginnings to rapidly emerge as a business and civic leader who became a Louisiana state senator. He authored the bill signed into law in 1884 that created Louisiana Normal School, the most lasting of many impactful accomplishments in his life.
This was just one of a series of fascinating stories Shannahan shared with the audience. For more information, contact Lunchtime Lagniappe coordinator Scott Williams at the museum (318-357-2492). Lunchtime Lagniappe is a free monthly program.
Museum hours are 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday, Admission charges top at $6 with discounted rates available for seniors, youth and military personnel. Student groups can receive free admission when arranged in advance.
