Leonard Smith III at the Cabildo
Creole Roots: Stories of Freedom in the Family Tree
An evening at the Louisiana State Museum dedicated to uncovering forgotten family legacies, with presenters Dianne Honoré and Leonard Smith III and Creole jazz by Don Vappie.
This event has passed. It took place on May 7, 2026. Want a talk like this for your organization? Invite Leonard to speak →
The Louisiana State Museum invited the public to the Cabildo on May 7, 2026, for a night dedicated to uncovering forgotten family legacies. Presenters Dianne Honoré and Leonard Smith III shared their personal investigations into their families’ Creole genealogy, and the unknown stories of freedom they uncovered along the way.
Two families, two paths to freedom
Dianne Honoré’s presentation focused on her research into the lives of her ancestors Catiche Destrehan and Jean Baptiste Honoré Destrehan, who were able to purchase their own freedom during Spanish colonial Louisiana.
Leonard Smith III discussed how he discovered the story of his third great-grandmother Louise, a formerly enslaved woman in antebellum Louisiana who won her freedom through an eleven-year court battle. It is the story at the heart of his book and upcoming documentary, The Story of Louise.
He also shared tips for amateur historians hoping to uncover their own unique history using archival resources.
An evening of music and history
The night opened at 5:30 p.m. with Creole jazz performed by Don Vappie. The presentation began at 6:00 p.m., with time for questions afterward, and light refreshments were provided courtesy of the Louisiana Museum Foundation. The evening was free and open to the public.
Start your own search
Leonard’s research into Louise began with the same records any family historian can use: census records, church registers and court documents. His upcoming Finding Louise course will teach that method step by step, and LS3 Studios can turn what you find into a documentary for your family.