Athénée louisianais (New Orleans, La.) | Tulane University Special Collections

Name: Athénée louisianais (New Orleans, La.)

Historical Note: The Athénée Louisianais was an organization established in New Orleans in 1876, devoted to perpetuating the French language and scholarly French literature in Louisiana. It had the following goals: 1) To perpetuate the French language in Louisiana; 2) To concern itself with literary, artistic and scientific works, and to protect them; and 3) to organize itself as an Association of Mutual Assistance. Among the founding members were the first president, Dr. Armand Mercier, Dr. Alfred Mercier, Gen. P. G. T. Beauregard, Dr. Charles Turpin, Olivier Carrière, Léon Queyrouse, Dr. Just Touatre, Judge Arthur Saucier, Dr. J. G. Hava, August Jas, and Paul Fourchy. The organization held meetings several times a month, the minutes of which were published in the journal, Comptes-rendus de l'Athénée louisianais, usually in addition to transcriptions of the notable lectures given at the meetings. It sponsored a yearly literary contest; the winning essay was published in the journal. The society also encouraged the support of foreign members, many of whose letters and essays appeared in the journal and were read at meetings.

Sources: Manuscripts Collection 108

Note Author: LAC Group

Records or Manuscript Collections Created by Athénée louisianais (New Orleans, La.)