Avoyelles genealogy forum set for Oct. 7-8

    A  two-day trip into the history of this area and the families who turned wilderness into communities is set for Oct. 7-8.

  "Forum Généalogique des Avoyelles 2016" -- or “Avoyelles Genealogy Forum 2016” -- will include a field trip to neighboring Pointe Coupee Parish on Oct. 7 and a seminar at the LSU/SU AgCenter building in Mansura on Oct. 8.

   “We welcome anyone with a passion for researching Avoyelles lineages,” event organizer Cathy Lemoine Sturgell said. “There are no strangers among genealogists!”

   This will be similar to a genealogy forum held last year, which drew many out-of-state visitors researching their families’ early colonial French roots.

   “Seating is limited so registration is required,” Sturgell said. 

   There is a $10 per person registration fee to offset program expenses, Sturgell added.

   More information is available at the website louisianalineage.com/forum2016.htm. 

   Registration information and information on hotel accommodations for out-of-state visitors is included on the website.

   The event is being organized by Sturgell, Ellen Dauzat and Cherrie Shadow Bearden.

   Those interested may call 318-308-9452, 318-541-0259 or 615-449-9641 for more information.

   Registration can be made by check, made out to Cathy Sturgell, and mailed to 83 Hiwassee Road, Lebanon, TN 37087.

   The field trip to Pointe Coupee will include a presentation by Brian Costello at the St. Francis Chapel, built in 1895.

   Avoyelles and Pointe Coupee share many of the same families who came from France to colonize Louisiana -- also known at the time as New France.

   The seminar on the second day will include presentations on Avoyelles history, cultures, immigrants, churches and many other aspects that make Avoyelles a unique community.