(August 10, 2009, New Orleans, La.) - A Spanish Gentleman in 19th Century New Orleans will be the topic presented by UNO history graduate student Rafael Degadillo on Thursday, August 13 at 6 p.m. as the free History Ya-Ya lecture series continue at the Louisiana State Museum's Cabildo on Jackson Square.

 

The talk will focus on the strong Spanish influence in New Orleans which continued long after the colonial period ended in 1803. Throughout the 19th century, immigrants from Spain and Latin America contributed to the city's vibrant social and economic life while maintaining their linguistic and cultural heritage. Degadillo explores their story through the life of Jose Antonio Fernandez deTrava, publisher and editor of El Moro de Paz, a weekly newspaper that promoted ties between New Orleans and the Spanish-speaking world.

 

The monthly History Ya-Ya lecture series exploring Louisiana's historical and cultural legacies is co-sponsored by the University of New Orleans Midlo Center for New Orleans Studies and the Friends of the Cabildo. Programs are held the second Thursday of each month.

 

Upcoming presentations include: on September 10, Orphanages and Charity Societies in Antebellum New Orleans by UNO history graduate student Mark Duvall; and on October 8, Swimming and Resorts in Old New Orleans by UNO history graduate student Chrsitina Offutt.

 

For more informaiton, contact Gabriela Hernandez, LSM adult programs manager, at (504) 568-8215 or ghernandez@crt.state.la.us.