FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (10/06)
Contact: Kelsey Johnson or Peyton Dufour, Centenary News Service, 318-841-7265, or Dr. Sam Shepherd, Professor of History, 318-869-5187

Centenary College History Professor Edits Historical Work, New Orleans and Urban Louisiana

Dr. Sam Shepherd (Centenary News Service file photo)

SHREVEPORT, LA – Dr. Sam Shepherd, professor of history at Centenary College, is the editor of an important new work, New Orleans and Urban Louisiana. The three volumes of essays focus on the history of New Orleans but also include articles about Shreveport and Baton Rouge.

Published by the Center of Louisiana Studies and as part of the Louisiana Purchase Bicentennial Series, Shepherd’s New Orleans and Urban Louisiana features the best recent scholarship about Louisiana cities from the French colonial period to the Sunbelt boom of the 1970s. The work not only recounts political history, but also offers historical accounts about recreation, reform, architecture, tourism, business, culture and the environment.

According to Shepherd, “Louisiana cities have always been economic centers, and these essays capture their pivotal roles in nurturing jazz, literature and education as well.”

The essays highlight little-known facets of important events, such as the Battle of New Orleans, which reveal the valuable roles of some local businessmen and educators and consider the distinctive experiences of such groups as African Americans and Italian Americans, Shepherd said.

Volume One is devoted to the period from European settlement to 1860. Volume Two spans the time from the Civil War to World War I and Volume Three, focusing on modern Louisiana, begins with the 1920s and concludes with the late 1970s. Each volume includes an introductory essay by Shepherd and provides a bibliography. Three Centenary alumni also contributed articles: Alicia Kaigler Jackson, Class of 1995; Alyce Boudreaux Hoge, Class of 19’85; and Todd Hebert, Class of 1989.

“These historical discoveries should be a treasure trove for anyone wishing to investigate and understand this state’s cities,” Shepherd said.

For further information, contact Dr. Sam Shepherd, professor of history, at 318-869-5187 or sshepher@centenary.edu.

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