Historical Documentary Films
and Florida Parish Chronicles
Thus far, the Center for Southeast Lousiana Studies has produced four major historical documentary Films:
Louisiana's Florida Parishes: Securing the Good Life From a Troubled Land
Reluctant Americans: The West Florida Revolt, Completing the Louisiana Purchase
The Manchac Swamp: Manmade Disaster in Search of a Resolution
American Crisis, American Shame: The National Consequence of Coastal Erosion
Florida Parish Chronicles
In 2005, the Center for Southeast Lousiana Studies branched out to local media with the
Florida Parish Chronicles. This project is a Center-created television show written and narrated by Dr. Sam Hyde. The brainchild of SLU TV director Rick Settoon, the program has won three national awards. Dr. Hyde continues his travels across the Florida parishes bringing the region’s colorful history to life on the small screen. Topics have included a two-part assessment of the Civil War and a powerful depiction of the civil rights struggle in southeast Louisiana. The latter program featured never-before-seen photographs and amateur film footage of the 1967 civil rights march from Bogalusa to Baton Rouge, organized by A.Z. Young. Following the airing of that episode, both the Center and the Southeastern Channel were swamped with calls from local residents offering praise for the well-rounded handling of the sensitive subject.
The “Florida Parish Chronicles” remains a popular program on the Southeastern Channel, ensuring that the Center’s reach extends beyond academics. What better way to spark interest in area history than to bring the compelling story of the Florida parishes into the living rooms of thousands?
Check your local cable listings for airtimes. New episodes are scheduled to appear every other month.