The Louisiana Historical Society was founded in 1835 and is the oldest organization of its kind in our State. Among the presidents of the Society were such prominent men as Supreme Court Judges Henry A. Bullard and Francois Xavier Martin, and historians Charles Gayarre and Alcée Fortier. Historical writers, educators, or notables in every cultural field in Louisiana have belonged to the Society. Beginning in 1895 the Society published 48 annual volumes of the <em>Louisiana Historical Quarterly</em>, more than 30,000 printed pages. This journal constitutes the finest single collection of published historical source material in existence relating to Louisiana.

For a century the Society has presented monthly public lectures on subjects relevant to Louisiana history. Today it meets eight times a year in September, October, November, March, April and May on the second Tuesday, usually at 7:00 p.m. (though dates and times are subject to change; please check “Upcoming Events” on this website for up-to-date information).  Since 1836, the Society has taken the lead in observing the important anniversaries of Louisiana’s historic past—notably the victory at the Battle of New Orleans on January 8 and the Louisiana Purchase on or about December 20 of each year at the Cabildo in the very room in which the document was signed followed by a Champagne reception.

The Society conducts annual fall tours to important sites in Louisiana history, frequently visiting seldom-opened homes. Tours are available to members at a nominal cost. It also sponsors symposia on topics in Louisiana history.

By joining the Louisiana Historical Society you will receive notices about the five lectures a year with the receptions and book signings that follow. Guests are welcome at our regular lecture meetings. Receptions include beverages, wine, beer, light appetizers and sweets.  In May, we host a catered dinner and lively action of ephemera. Members <em>only</em> will receive an invitation to our annual festive Battle of New Orleans Banquet as well as our annual fall tour of “seldom seen places”. (There is an additional charge for the Banquet and the fall tour). Only our members have access to all of the volumes of the Louisiana Historical Quarterly online.

You are cordially invited to join the Louisiana Historical Society, the state-wide organization devoted to the exploration and dissemination of Louisiana history.

Sincerely,
Howard Margot
President