Louisiana's Old State Capitol

05/29/2026

We are forever grateful for the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities and all those who support them!

When you support the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, you support critical funding to ensure our state's cultural insitutions can prepare for, and recover from, emergencies.

A 2025 LEH Emergency Readiness grant helped Louisiana's Old State Capitol address mold issues, ensuring historic elements of the 1850-era building remain for future generations of Louisianans.

Natural disasters, such as hurricanes, floods, and a range of other types of emergency events, pose serious threats to Louisiana’s critical cultural infrastructure. Your support helps cultural organizations in ongoing efforts to mitigate previous impacts from emergency events and prepare for future threats.

Support this work at leh.org/donate

05/26/2026

Huey P. Long's hospital bed is one artifact that our visitors are always anxious to see. Viewing it in person is a sobering experience for many. Thank you NOLA.com and Robin Miller for this special article highlighting this very unique artifact!

Huey P. Long died in Our Lady of the Lake Sanitarium in 1935. Where is his hospital bed? https://www.nola.com/curious_louisiana/huey-longs-death-bed-on-display-at-la-old-capitol/article_eceee451-047c-54f5-9190-f9bfa9d118f4.html?utm_campaign=trueanthem&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook

"I saw the bed on a recent visit, and it struck me how this was a small ending for someone who was bigger than life," a reader said. "But it also made me think about who had the foresight to save this bed in 1935."

05/21/2026

Everyone in the building stopped for this.

Yesterday, the Chuck Wagon Gang surprised visitors of Louisiana's Old State Capitol with an impromptu performance in our rotunda. Their voices filled the rounded halls and could be heard throughout the entire building. You never know what might happen in the castle!

05/19/2026

The Friends of the Louisiana State Archives and the Friends of the Old State Capitol are excited to invite you to the next lecture in the "Becoming Louisiana" series, "The Acadians," given by Warren Perrin.

"Becoming Louisiana" is an ambitious historical exploration tracing the many origins that converged to create the Louisiana we know today and will continue to become.

We hope to see you there!

🗓️ May 26, 2026 | 5:30 p.m.
📍 Louisiana State Archives, 3851 Essen Ln, Baton Rouge
🎟️ Admission is free, but please register here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/becoming-louisiana-the-acadians-presented-by-warren-perrin

05/15/2026

Yoneko's story reflects just one of 45,000. Like many Japanese war brides, her courage, resilience, and impact inspires us today.

"Japanese War Brides: Across A Wide Divide" is an exhibition that allows us to step into an array of stories like Yoneko's. Don't miss your chance to view it for free at Louisiana's Old State Capitol until June 6.

This exhibition is on loan from the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service, the National Museum of American History, and the War Bride Experience, Inc.

05/14/2026

05/13/2026

🚨 This is for people who blank on trivia night while someone else's dad answers every question.

Join us at Louisiana's Old State Capitol for a special talk given by Jay Dardenne on the fascinating history of the Louisiana Purchase, a deal that forever changed our country and gave Louisiana one of the best origin stories around.

Come listen, learn, and get ready for the sweet look of defeat on John's dad's face when he realizes that you know something he doesn't.

📍 Louisiana's Old State Capitol
🗓️ Sunday, May 17 | 1-3 p.m.
🔗 Admission is free, but please register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/louisiana-the-deal-of-the-century-a-talk-by-jay-dardenne-tickets-1988502648952

05/12/2026

They kept WHAT in the ceiling?! 🫠

Our historic House Chamber has seen landmark legislation, spirited debates, and a fistfight or two. What room should we do next?

05/10/2026

We are CLOSED for Mother’s Day. We hope everyone has a wonderful day celebrating with family. ❤️

05/08/2026

Every year, we are lucky to welcome educators from across Louisiana into our castle.

They allow us to act on, develop, and strengthen a core tenet of our work as a public institution and National Historic Landmark. By bringing their students here time after time, they let us in on their magic. Because of Louisiana's teachers, we get to be a part of positively shaping the young minds, hearts, and spirits of our vibrant, courageous, curious, and smart children. This is a gift we can never repay.

To all the teachers who continue to inspire and invest in the next generation, thank you.

Happy Teacher's Appreciation Week from the staff, volunteers, docents, and supporters of Louisiana's Old State Capitol. ❤️