Creole Memories

We are seeking funding to support a project entitled “Creole Memories”. The main function of this project will create a mechanism for all to share digital images of Creole cultural items such as photos, documents, letters, etc. These items will represent links within the culture.The concept proposed will involve the submission of these items by the public to the Center who will create an online searchable database. This database will allow the user to search for items that link to their family connections, view the item online and download a printable file. The user will also have the opportunity to upload items to include in this database.

While this project will meet various needs, the most important will be the opportunity to provide some of the “Creole Memories” lost by so many during the recent hurricanes. Do you have a copy of a wedding, birthday, family gathering or “just visiting” photo from a New Orleans family link that would add to their rebuilding their lives? Do you have a copy of a photo of YOUR great-grandfather who is also the great-grandfather of distant cousins you’ve never met?

The recent devastations have brought comments like these:

“We lost all of our pictures, I lost my memories. All of my growing up years, school pictures, pictures with my cousins and friends - it’s all gone.”

“Forty years of research is gone”

“We had a photo album that was over 115 years old, it’s ruined. I hope and pray that someone has copies.”

Although funding is not currently available to support the full execution of this project, the Center will begin the development of gathering any and all submissions. An online form that will allow users to submit requests for pictures they are seeking and for others to submit information about the pictures they have is currently being programmed. This form should be available soon. In the meantime, start looking back at all those photos and documents that may connect to someone - let’s start sharing and preserving our Creole Memories NOW.