Mansfield State Historic Site will host its first annual Black History Month Symposium. The understanding of pre-1865 American history of the South is often seen in Black and White. This view often ignores the French and Spanish influences to our nation’s social structure. Come learn about America’s as well as Louisiana’s forgotten history.

Slavery and Its Culture: 11AM-12:30PM
Before LSU at Alexandria: A Brief History of Oakland Plantation during the Antebellum South 
- Dr. Christopher Stacey, LSU-Alexandria 
Why Solomon Northup Still Matters: “Twelve Years A Slave” and the Image of American Slavery - Dr. Jerry P. Sanson, LSU-Alexandria
(Question and answer segment at conclusion)

Research Opportunities: 1:45PM-2:30PM
NSU Cammie G. Henry Research Center Manuscript, Map and Book Collections; Related to Louisiana’s Slave, Free People of Color and Creole Culture
- Ms. Mary Linn Wernet and Mr. Nolan Eller, NSU Archivists

Civil War and Reconstruction: 2:45PM-3:30PM
William Smith: Civil War Soldier and Buffalo Soldier
-Thom Brennan, Cane River Creole National Historical Park Volunteer

The fee to attend this program is $4.00 per person age 4-61; $2.00 for seniors 62 and over; free for children 3 and under. Fee to tour museum and grounds is $4.00 per person age 13-61; seniors 62 and over and children 12 and under can tour free of charge. Mansfield State Historic Site is located on La. Hwy. 175, three miles south of Mansfield. For more information, call 318.872.1474 or 888.677.6267, or visit www.LaStateParks.com.