NEWS RELEASES

News release summaries are in reverse chronological order, placing the most recent releases at the top of the page. Some files may be saved as Abobe PDF documents and can be read using the free Adobe Acrobat Reader plug-in.

July 14, 2009

Secretary of State Jay Dardenne is proud to announce that the treasured objects and artifacts held by the Louisiana State Exhibit Museum will be preserved for future generations with help from the IMLS Connecting to Collections Bookshelf, a core set of conservation books and online resources donated by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. The information contained in the resource library will contribute to the professional development of the staff, thereby allowing them to preserve artifacts in the museum for the public to enjoy.

June 30, 2009

Secretary of State Jay Dardenne is inviting the public to attend the opening of the "Romantic Seasons" exhibit on Sunday, July 12, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Louisiana State Archives. The Baton Rouge Chinese Association and the Baton Rouge Chinese Culture Club are sponsoring the exhibit by Hong Kong artist Delia Chien.

June 11, 2009

Secretary of State Jay Dardenne is inviting the public to visit the award-winning Louisiana State Cotton Museum in Lake Providence. The Louisiana Association of Museums named the Cotton Museum the Museum of the Year on Monday, May 18, at its annual convention. The award recognizes museums that demonstrate commitment to their communities through outstanding, professional programming.

June 5, 2009

Secretary of State Jay Dardenne is inviting the public to attend openings of the Archives Road Show exhibit and the Eye Twenty Group Art Show from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, June 7, at the Louisiana State Archives.

May 29, 2009

The staff at the Mansfield Female College Museum in Mansfield is inviting the public to participate in free heritage scrapbooking classes. The first class is at 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 2, and subsequent classes are the first Tuesday of each month.

May 22, 2009

Secretary of State Jay Dardenne and the Friends of the Louisiana State Exhibit Museum are holding a reception honoring the World War II veterans of United Gas Co. from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, May 24. A rededication ceremony for a plaque honoring the veterans will be at 3 p.m. on the east lawn of the museum.

May 21, 2009

Secretary of State Jay Dardenne is inviting the public to a Memorial Day celebration at the Chennault Aviation and Military Museum in Monroe from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 23. The celebration will honor veterans and begin the museum's recognition of the 65^th anniversary of D-Day.

May 13, 2009

Secretary of State Jay Dardenne and the staff of Louisiana's Old State Capitol will join Baton Rouge, USS Kidd and Downtown Development District officials in celebrating Veterans Day on Saturday, May 16, at 10 a.m. "The Wall That Heals," a half-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., will be on display on the grounds of the Old State Capitol from May 15 through 17.

May 13, 2009

Secretary of State Jay Dardenne and the Friends of the Louisiana State Exhibit Museum are announcing the opening recpetion for the "Retrospective & New Works" exhibit by local Shreveport artist Zama Blanchard Dexter on Sunday, May 17, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the museum. The exhibit will include new paintings, as well as an assemblage of past works from various private and museum collections.

April 28, 2009

Secretary of State Jay Dardenne will swear in the members of the Eddie G. Robinson Museum Commission at a news conference on Friday, May 1, at 11 a.m. at the site of the Eddie G. Robinson Museum in Grambling. Secretary Dardenne will also kick off the museum's fundraising campaign.

April 23, 2009

Secretary of State Jay Dardenne will honor the Louisiana Legislature at the dedication of the 1855 cast iron fence on Tuesday, April 28, upon adjournment of the legislative session. The 1,575-foot fence, cast by the John Hill Foundry in Baton Rouge, is one of the most architecturally significant in the nation.

April 15, 2009

Secretary of State Jay Dardenne and the Louisiana Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission are announcing the presentation of two plays on Sunday, April 26, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the House Chamber at Louisiana's Old State Capitol. Secretary Dardenne will portray Lincoln in a conversational debate with Robert E. Lee. "A Meeting Between Lincoln and Robert E. Lee" and "Lincoln Lives" are two of five plays commissioned by the Louisiana Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission.

April 1, 2009

Secretary of State Jay Dardenne is announcing the schedule of festivities for the Eighth Annual Delta Music Festival on Saturday, April 4, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in downtown Ferriday, La. This year's inductee, Johnny Rivers of Baton Rouge, becomes the 18th member of the Hall of Fame and will receive a star on the museum's "Walk of Fame" sidewalk. The celebration includes arts, crafts, food, games and more. Admission is $3.

March 23, 2009

Secretary of State Jay Dardenne and the staff and Friends of the Mansfield Female College Museum are inviting the public to visit the museum during an open house on Saturday, April 4, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The event is in conjunction with the re-enactment of the Battle of Mansfield, said to have been the "Bull Run of the West" by a Union soldier who was at both battles, scheduled for 10:30 a.m. at the Mansfield Battle Park.

March 19, 2009

Secretary of State Jay Dardenne will present musician Johnny Rivers with a plaque to induct him into the Delta Music Museum Hall of Fame tomorrow, March 20, at 4 p.m. at Baton Rouge High School. Rivers will be performing at a special concert that night at the school.

March 18, 2009

Secretary of State Jay Dardenne and the staff of the Louisiana Military Museum are announcing the opening of a Civil War artillery projectiles and accessories exhibit at the Lincoln Parish Library. The exhibit is free and will be on display through April 13.

March 9, 2009

Secretary of State Jay Dardenne and the Friends of the Mansfield Female College Museum would like the public to join them on Saturday, March 14, to dedicate this museum which showcases a historic institute of education. Family fun and activities will take place from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. with a reception from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The reception will include heavy hors d'oeuvres and entertainment by local musicians.

March 4, 2009

Secretary of State Jay Dardenne and the staff of the Shreveport Water Works Museum are honoring all Science and Engineering Fair participants at an open house Sunday, March 8, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

March 4, 2009

Secretary of State Jay Dardenne is announcing that the staff of the Louisiana State Archives will host the 2009 Genealogical Seminar on Saturday, March 7, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Archives. The seminar will include a book fair beginning 8 a.m. and speakers throughout the day. Admission is free and the seminar is open to the general public.

Feb. 20, 2009

Secretary of State Jay Dardenne and the staff of the Chennault Aviation and Military Museum will host a flag ceremony on Monday, Feb. 23, at 10:15 a.m. at the museum. Mayor Jamie Mayo, town officials and the Friends of the Chennault Aviation and Military Museum will join Secretary Dardenne to dedicate the donation of the 45-foot flag pole.

Feb. 19, 2009

Secretary of State Jay Dardenne and Louisiana Public Broadcasting are partnering to present the Archives Road Show on Saturday, Feb. 28, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Louisiana State Archives. Baton Rouge-area citizens are encouraged to bring Louisiana memorabilia and collectibles to the show. Participants are limited to two items and can register at the event. Experts will be available to give verbal appraisals on the items. Select items will be included in an exhibit in the summer at the Louisiana State Archives.

Feb. 17, 2009

Secretary of State Jay Dardenne and the staff of the Shreveport Water Works Museum are announcing the "Technology of the Past" celebration from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 21. The exhibition will give visitors a chance to marvel at old technology and engineering innovations that were cutting-edge in their time.

Feb. 12, 2009

Secretary of State Jay Dardenne and the Louisiana Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission are announcing the "Louisiana Looks at Lincoln" exhibit opening on Sunday, Feb. 15 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Louisiana State Archives. The exhibit showcases a timeline of Lincoln's life from his early years through his death.

Feb. 12, 2009

Secretary of State Jay Dardenne and the Louisiana Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission are announcing the celebration of Lincoln's 200^th birthday at 3 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 12 on the steps of the State Capitol. Secretary Dardenne will also kick off the Children's Lincoln Penny Campaign during the event.

Jan. 30, 2009

Secretary of State Jay Dardenne and the staff of Louisiana's Old State Capitol are announcing the opening of a Presidents Month exhibit on Sunday, Feb. 1, from noon to 4:30 p.m. The focus of the exhibit will be the four United State presidents born in the month of February: George Washington, William Henry Harrison, Abraham Lincoln and Ronald Reagan. There will also be a President Barack Obama exhibit featuring Inauguration Day memorabilia and the showing of the Inauguration Day video which includes edited footage of the event.

Jan. 26, 2009

Secretary of State Jay Dardenne and the Louisiana Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission are announcing the celebration of Lincoln's 200th birthdayon Thursday, Feb. 12, with the "Lincoln Chose Louisiana" program. The events will begin on Wednesday, Feb. 4 and continue through Sunday, Feb. 15.

Jan. 23, 2009

Secretary of State Jay Dardenne and the Louisiana Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission are annoucing the selection of "Abraham Lincoln" by George McGovern as the common book for Louisiana citizens. The Commission recommended the book the citizens to learn about Lincoln as part of the celebration surrounding his 200th birthday.

Jan. 21, 2009

Secretary of State Jay Dardenne and the Friends of the Louisiana State Exhibit Museum are announcing the opening reception of the "John James Audubon: American Artist and Naturalist" exhibit on Friday, Feb. 8, 2009, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Dec. 22, 2008

Secretary of State Jay Dardenne is announcing that Louisiana's Old State Capitol will be closed during the holidays from Wednesday, Dec. 24 through Monday, Jan. 12 for routine maintenance. At all other times the Old State Capitol will continue to operate under normal hours: Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 4:30 p.m.

Dec. 16, 2008

Secretary of State Jay Dardenne and the staff of the Spring Street Historical Museum are announcing the opening of the "Jingle Bells and Shotgun Shells: Christmas Traditions and Where They Came From" exhibit. The exhibit examines the origins of many of our most treasured Christmas traditions.

Dec. 10, 2008

Secretary of State Jay Dardenne is announcing the meeting of the Louisiana Electoral College on Monday, Dec. 15 at 11 a.m. in the governor's Press Room on the 4^th Floor of the State Capitol. Secretary Dardenne will administer oaths of office to the nine electors of the Republican Party prior to their votes for president and vice president of the United States.

Dec. 8, 2008

Secretary of State Jay Dardenne, the Friends of the Louisiana State Oil and Gas Museum and the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities are announcing the opening of the "New Harmonies: Celebrating American Roots Music" exhibit on Thursday, Dec. 11. The exhibit is a Smithsonian Traveling Exhibit and is on display through Jan. 15, 2009.

Dec. 8, 2008

Secretary of State Jay Dardenne is holding a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Plantation Hall, a multipurpose meeting facility on the grounds of the Louisiana State Cotton Museum on Wednesday, Dec. 10 at 1 p.m. The area legislative delegation, town officials, the museum's governing board and the Friends of the Louisiana State Cotton Museum will join Secretary Dardenne to celebrate the opening of the facility.

Nov. 21, 2008

Secretary of State Jay Dardenne, the staff of the Louisiana State Exhibit Museum and the Louisiana Society of Animal Artists are announcing the Second Annual ARK-LA-TEX Youth Wildlife Art Competition on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2009 at 2 p.m. at the museum.

Nov. 21, 2008

Secretary of State Jay Dardenne will speak at the Delta Music Museum Arcade Theater for the opening of the "New Harmonies: Celebrating American Roots Music" exhibit at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 23. The exhibit is a Smithsonian Traveling Exhibit and is on display through Dec. 5. Secretary Dardenne is honored to have Ann T. Speyer, Smithsonian Chief Information Officer, as a guest at the event.

Nov. 7, 2008

Kick off the holiday season at the Louisiana State Exhibit Museum! Secretary of State Jay Dardenne and the Friends of the Louisiana State Exhibit Museum are announcing the 21^st Annual Greening of the Museum on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2008, from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. This year's theme is "Louisiana 'B's': Birds, Bees, Butterflies and Bugs." Additional sponsors are the Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier, J.P. Morgan Chase Foundation and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana.

Nov. 6, 2008

Secretary of State Jay Dardenne is announcing a Veterans Day celebration taking place at Chennault Aviation and Military Museum in Monroe on Saturday, Nov. 8. The program will begin at 11 a.m. with guest speaker Michael McNaughton from the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs. McNaughton is a wounded veteran who served in Afghanistan and a recipient of a Purple Heart. Mayor Jamie Mayo will also speak.

Oct. 31, 2008

Secretary of State Jay Dardenne and Louisiana Public Broadcasting are announcing the broadcast of the Shreveport Archives Road Show on Monday, Nov. 3 at 8 p.m., and again on Sunday, Nov. 9 at 4 p.m. The September show identified Louisiana's treasures held by institutions, individuals and families. Experts and scholars made verbal identification of items ranging from artwork and jewelry to sports and military memorabilia.

Oct. 7, 2008

In recognition of Archaeology Month, Jeff Girard will speak at the Louisiana State Oil and Gas Musem in Oil City at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 14. Girard will present his lecture "Identifying Broken Pieces of Pottery -- From Prehistoric Times to the 20^th Century."

Oct. 7, 2008

The staff of the Chennault Aviation and Military Museum in Monroe welcomes journalists from China Central Television. The crew will be at the museum on Wednesday, Oct. 8, to interview World War II veterans. A photo session will begin at 10 a.m.

Sept. 19, 2008

In a season filled with spooky cemeteries and ghastly ghouls, the Spring Street Historical Musuem offers visitors a glimpse at past and present death practices and superstitions with the fall exhibit "Dye It Black: Death Practices and Superstitions." The exhibit, featuring a Victorian wake in the museum's parlor, is on display from Thursday, Sept. 25 through Saturday, Nov. 22.

Sept. 18, 2008

Secretary of State Jay Dardenne is announcing the Eddie G. Robinson Museum groundbreaking ceremony will take place at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 20. Secretary Dardenne invites the public to attend the event at the Grambling State University Women's Gym across from the Grambling Post Office. Community leaders and members of the Robinson family will unveil the museum plans at the event.

Sept. 18, 2008

Dr. Richard B. Chardkoff is signing copies of his book "The Fly Boy Heroes of Selman Field" at the Chennault Aviation and Military Museum in Monroe at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 21.

Sept. 18, 2008

Secretary of State Jay Dardenne and Louisiana Public Broadcasting are postponing the Louisiana State Archives Road Show due to Hurricanes Gustav and Ike. The show will be rescheduled for Saturday, Feb. 28, 2009, at the Louisiana State Archives from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Aug. 27, 2008

Secretary of State Jay Dardenne and Louisiana Public Broadcasting are holding the Shreveport-area Archives Road Show on Sunday, Sept. 21, from noon to 6 p.m. at the Louisiana State Exhibit Museum in Shreveport. The show strives to collect and preserve Louisiana's treasures held by institutions, individuals and families.

Aug. 26, 2008

Secretary of State Jay Dardenne and the staff of the Louisiana State Exhibit Museum are announcing the "Red River to the Sea: Landscapes and Landmarks of Louisiana and Charleston" exhibit opening in the museum's west wing gallery on Saturday, Sept. 28 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. This unique art exhibit takes an interpretive journey around town with former Louisiana State University football coach Paul Dietzel and his daughter, Katherine DuTremble, both recognized artists, visiting some of Shreveport and Bossier City's historic landmarks and Louisiana and Charleston landscapes.

Aug. 20, 2008

National Aviation Week is celebrated during the week of Orville Wright's birthday and Monroe will celebrate with Aviation Day at the Chennault Aviation and Military Museum at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 20. The celebration will begin with a news conference with Mayor Jamie Mayo followed by a tour of the museum. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn about the history of the Monroe Regional Airport at the museum.

Aug. 8, 2008

Secretary of State Jay Dardenne is announcing the Germantown Colony Museum as an addition to the Secretary of State Museums Division. Germantown was founded in 1836 in order for its settlers to practice their religion and maintain their German culture.

Aug. 7, 2008

Secretary of State Jay Dardenne is holding a news conference at the Chennault Aviation and Military Museum in Monroe at 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 7, to announce the museum's name change in honor of military hero Gen. Claire Lee Chennault. The museum, formerly known as the Aviation and Military Museum of Louisiana, exhibits historical items from all branches of the military and showcases Chennault and astronaut Jim Halsell.

July 7, 2008

The Louisiana Secretary of State's Office is using Louisiana's annual voter education week to remind Louisiana voters of the major changes going into effect for the fall elections this year. So during the week of July 14-18, Secretary of State Jay Dardenne will join elections officials throughout the state in spreading the message of closed congressional primaries and the importance of accurate voter registration.

June 20, 2008

Secretary of State Jay Dardenne will attend the Second Annual Faith-Based and Grass-Roots Community Response to Domestic Violence Luncheon on Thursday, June 26 from noon to 1 p.m. at the Holiday Inn in Bossier City, La. Secretary Dardenne will join Attorney General Buddy Caldwell and 26th Judicial District Attorney J. Schuyler Marvin to present the community leadership awards. He will also speak about the Address Confidentiality Program administered by the Secretary of State's Office.

May 29, 2008

Secretary of State Jay Dardenne is the keynote speaker at the 30th Annual National Notary Association Conference on Friday, May 30, at 8 p.m. at the New Orleans Hilton Riverside Hotel. Secretary Dardenne will speak about Louisiana's political and cultural history. He will also address how notaries from Louisiana and the surrounding states assist New Orleanians post-Hurricane Katrina. The secretary of state is responsible for registering all notaries in the state.

May 23, 2008

Secretary of State Jay Dardenne is pleased to announce the hiring of Nell Calloway as director of the Aviation and Military Museum of Louisiana in Monroe. Calloway, granddaughter of Gen. Claire Lee Chennault, began work May 12 overseeing the museum.

May 19, 2008

Secretary of State Jay Dardenne is proud to announce plans for the exhibit redesign "Spirit of Louisiana" by BRC Imagination Arts at Louisiana's Old State Capitol. BRC Imagination Arts, a world leader in museum design, developed a master plan to revitalize the Old State Capitol into a destination attraction. BRC will use high-tech multimedia productions and state of the art exhibits, withouth altering the structure of the building, to tell the story of the Louisiana spirit.

May 13, 2008

Secretary of State Jay Dardenne is announcing the exhibit "America Hits the Road: Tourism and Historic Highway 80" opening on Thursday, May 15 at the Spring Street Historical Museum. The exhibit features photographs and memorabilia from the hotels, gas stations and diners lining the historic highway.

May 6, 2008

Secretary of State Jay Dardenne and the staff of the Louisiana State Exhibit Museum are announcing the "William Dunlap: Look at it - Think about it" exhibit opening and wine and cheese reception on Sunday, June 29 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. The exhibit features a gathering of paintings, constructions and works on paper of surreal and humorous interpretations of the American landscape.

May 2, 2008

Secretary of State Jay Dardenne is announcing "The McIlhenny Family: Generations of Tabasco Sauce at Avery Island" exhibit opening and recpetion on Sunday, May 4 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Louisiana State Archives. The exhibit features photographs and memorabilia from the McIlhenny family and Tabasco employees. The reception is open to the public.

April 30, 2008

Secretary of State Jay Dardenne welcomes seventh and eighth grade students from McKinley Middle Magnet School and Riser Middle School of Monroe, La. to the "Brick Brigade" at Louisiana's Old State Capitol today, Wednesday, April 30 at 9:30 a.m. Archaeologists, engineers and preservationists will help students investigate layers of statehouse history as they examine the Old State Capitol's century-old fence and bricks and participated in a simulated archaeological dig.

April 23, 2008

Secretary of State Jay Dardenne is proud to announce that John Ratzenberger’s “Made in America” will feature the Old State Capitol tonight, April 23 on The Travel Channel. There will be two episodes with the first beginning at 8 p.m.

April 23, 2008

Secretary of State Jay Dardenne is unveiling an innovative elections educational program at McKinley Middle Magnet School tomorrow, Thursday, April 24 at 10 a.m. The GeauxVote Election 2008 Journal is a practical, first-hand approach to helping students learn about all aspects of the 2008 presidential election process and the importance of active citizenship. He will be joined by students from the seventh grade American history and eighth grade Louisiana history classes who have worked with the database on a trial basis.

April 21, 2008

Secretary of State Jay Dardenne is partnering with the East Carroll Parish School Board, the Friends of the Louisiana State Cotton Museum, Louisiana Farm Bureau, the Louisiana State University Agriculture Center Cooperative Extension Service, the Progressive Agriculture Foundation and the Southern University Cooperative Extension Service to present Ag Safety Day. The activities will be held on the grounds of the Louisiana State Cotton Museum on Wednesday, April 23 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:15 p.m.

April 18, 2008

Secretary of State Jay Dardenne is holding a groundbreaking ceremony for the Louisiana Military Hall of Fame and Museum at the Chris Crusta Memorial Airport in Abbeville, La. on Friday, April 18 at 3 p.m. The area legislative delegation, town officials, the museum's governing board and the Friends of the Louisiana Military Hall of Fame and Museum will join Secretary Dardenne in this first step toward the construction of the facility.

April 11, 2008

Secretary of State Jay Dardenne is announcing the “Louisianians on the Hill: A Congressional Exhibit” opening on Tuesday, April 15 at 3 p.m. at Louisiana’s Old State Capitol. Secretary Dardenne invited all former congressional members to the opening and at present Patrick Caffery, Henson Moore, John Rarick and Dave Treen will join him in dedicating the exhibit. All former congressional members in attendance will be recognized by the Legislature prior to the opening.

April 9, 2008

Secretary of State Jay Dardenne is announcing the commissioning of the electric rim drive on one of the vintage crank-and-flywheel steam engines at the Shreveport Water Works Museum located at the McNeill Street Pumping Station. First Assistant Secretary of State Tom Schedler and museum staff will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the occasion at the museum on Friday, April 11 at noon.

April 3, 2008

Secretary of State Jay Dardenne is announcing the exhibit "40 Days and 40 Nights: The Artistic Resiliency of Louisiana" opening on Saturday, Aug. 9 at 6 p.m. at the Louisiana State Archives. The exhibit tells the story of communities rebuilding after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, told through the eyes, hearts and souls of Louisiana artisans.

March 27, 2008

Secretary of State Jay Dardenne is announcing the schedule of festivities for the Seventh Annual Delta Music Festival on April 5 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in downtown Ferriday, La. This year's inductee, Pete Fountain of New Orleans, will have an exhibit dedicated to him within the museum and receive a star on the museum's "Walk of Fame" sidewalk. The celebration includes arts, crafts, food, kids' games, pony rides and more. Admission is $3.

March 19, 2008

Secretary of State Jay Dardenne will accept a donation to the Louisiana State Archives from Peter and Lauren Barrios on Thursday, March 20 at 3:30 p.m. The Barrios' will donate a Louisiana State University cadet portrait which was formerly displayed in the Archives Road Show exhibit.

March 18, 2008

Secretary of State Jay Dardenne is holding a news conference on the first floor at Louisiana's Old State Capitol on Wednesday, March 19 at 4 p.m. He will announce the opening of an exhibit honoring the individuals in the Louisiana Basketball Hall of Fame. Louisiana basketball icons Frank Brian, Dean Church, Joe Dean, Don Landry, Rudy Macklin, Collis Temple Jr. and Don Wilson will join Secretary Dardenne in dedicating the exhibit, which was formerly displayed in the concourse of the Pete Maravich Assembly Center.

March 11, 2008

Secretary of State Jay Dardenne is holding a groundbreaking ceremony for Plantation Hall, a multipurpose meeting facility on the grounds of the Louisiana State Cotton Museum on Thursday, March 13 at 11 a.m. The area legislative delegation, town officials, the museum's governing board and the Friends of the Louisiana State Cotton Museum will join Secretary Dardenne in this first step toward the construction of the facility.

March 10, 2008

Secretary of State Jay Dardenne is holding a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Delta Music Museum's Arcade Theater on Wednesday, March 12 at 5 p.m. The area legislative delegation, town officials, the museum's governing board and the Friends of the Delta Music Museum Foundation will join Secretary Dardenne to celebrate the opening of the facility. A reception from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the museum precedes the Arcade's opening performance by Easy Eddie and the Partyrockers at 7 p.m. with a guest appearance by Mickey Gilley.

March 7, 2008

Secretary of State Jay Dardenne is announcing a change of address at the Secretary of State's Office in United Plaza off Essen Lane. The new address, 8585 Archives Ave., accurately describes the physical location of the office. In addition, the clarification makes it easier for patrons to file paperwork with the commercial division, individuals to qualify for elections and visitors to the executive office.

March 7, 2008

Secretary of State Jay Dardenne welcomes special guest Mickey Gilley to the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Delta Music Museum’s Arcade Theater in Ferriday, La. on Wednesday, March 12 at 5 p.m. A reception from 5:30 p.m. to 6: 30 p.m. in the museum precedes the Arcade’s opening performance by Easy Eddie and the Partyrockers at 7 p.m.

March 6, 2008

Secretary of State Jay Dardenne and the staff of the Spring Street Historical Museum are celebrating women's history with an exhibit featuring the women's club movement which began in the late 19th century. The Women's Club Movement and Women's Suffrage in Shreveport exhibit showcases teh achievements of local women through artifacts, documents and photographs, including the museum's costume collection.

March 6, 2008

Secretary of State Jay Dardenne and the staff of the Louisiana State Archives are celebrating the 200^th anniversary of Louisiana's Civil Code with an exhibit opening on Sunday, March 9 at 2 p.m. at the Archives. The exhibit showcases the work of artist Jacques Royal including photographs, pencil sketches of Louisiana plantations, a collection of French stamps about America and Louisiana Purchase memorabilia.

March 4, 2008

Secretary of State Jay Dardenne welcomes Gregory Hadley, author of “Field of Spears,” to the Aviation and Military Museum of Louisiana on Saturday, March 8 from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. The book explores the account of an American B-29 crew under the direction of West Monroe native Gordon “Porky” Jordan during World War II and of the villagers near the Japanese city of Niigata.

Feb. 15, 2008

Secretary of State Jay Dardenne is announcing the opening of the Portraits of the Presidential Hopefuls exhibit at Louisiana's Old State Capitol. The canvas paintings are works of Baton Rouge artist Gary Noel showcasing numerous presidential candidates.

Jan. 16, 2008

Secretary of State Jay Dardenne is announcing the Archives Road Show exhibit opening on Sunday, Jan. 20 at 2 p.m. in the Wade O. Martin Auditorium at the Louisiana State Archives. The exhibit showcases items brought to the inaugural Archives Road Show in September. The Archives Road Show exhibit will also premiere on Louisiana Public Broadcasting on Monday, Jan. 21 at 8 p.m.

Dec. 13, 2007

Secretary of State Jay Dardenne is announcing that Louisiana's Old State Capitol received five Audubon original prints donated by Julia Fremin and Brent Wood on behalf of the Chevron Corporation. The Audubon original prints will be on display through Sunday, June 1 in the 1882 Governor's Office off of the first floor rotunda where the recent act of donation took place.

Dec. 7, 2007

Secretary of State Jay Dardenne and the family of former Secretary of State Fox McKeithen invite you to attend a portrait dedication ceremony and reception at Louisiana's Old State Capitol on Monday, Dec. 10 at 4:30 p.m. McKeithen's official portrait will hang on the second floor of the former statehouse.

Dec. 6, 2007

Secretary of State Jay Dardenne and staff are honoring the Blue Star and Gold Star Mothers and their families with a reception on Sunday, Dec. 9 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. The Louisiana National Guard exhibit will also be on display. This exhibit features historic uniforms from the Spanish Colonial Period through 2007, weapons, soldier's personal items and photographs.

Dec. 5, 2007

Secretary of State Jay Dardenne is pleased to announce the hiring of Sen. Tom Schedler as first assistant secretary of state effective Monday, Dec. 10. As well as representing Secretary Dardenne throughout the state at events where the Secretary cannot be present, Sen. Schedler will spearhead the agency's legislative package. In the office, he will oversee the elections and security operations.

Nov. 30, 2007

Secretary of State Jay Dardenne is announcing the opening of the exhibit "The American Soldier, A Photographic Tribute" on Sunday, Feb. 3. The exhibit features 116 photographs from the Civil War to the War in Iraq.

Nov. 28, 2007

Secretary of State Jay Dardenne invites everyone to attend the holiday events scheduled at the Louisiana State Archives and Louisiana's Old State Capitol.

Nov. 28, 2007

Secretary of State Jay Dardenne invites everyone to attend the holiday events scheduled at the Louisiana State Archives and Louisiana's Old State Capitol.

Nov. 7, 2007

Secretary of State Jay Dardenne is partnering with the USS Kidd Veterans Memorial to celebrate Veterans Day on Monday, Nov. 12 at 11 a.m. in the House Chamber of the Old State Capitol. Secretary Dardenne will open the event followed by keynote speaker Mayor Kip Holden.

Nov. 5, 2007

Kick off the holiday season at the Louisiana State Exhibit Museum! Secretary of State Jay Dardenne, the Friends of the Louisiana State Exhibit Museum, the Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier and Caddo Parish schools announce the 20th annual greening of the Louisiana State Exhibit Museum will be held on Friday, Nov. 30 from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. This year's theme is "Native Americans of Louisiana: Past and Present."

Nov. 5, 2007

Secretary of State Jay Dardenne is announcing the grand opening and Veterans Day festivities at the Aviation and Military Museum of Louisiana on Saturday, Nov. 10 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will be prizes, treats for children and entertainment provided by "The Jazzers," an ensemble of St. Joseph Arts, Inc.

Nov. 5, 2007

Secretary of State Jay Dardenne is announcing the opening of an exhibit honoring the Louisiana National Guard on Sunday, Nov. 11 at 2 p.m. at the Louisiana State Archives in celebration of Veterans Day. Military vehicles, including Humvees, a light medium tactical vehicle and a heavy expanded multipurpose mobility tactical truck, will also be on display in the Archives parking lot.

Oct. 20, 2007

The story reported in today's Bastrop Daily Enterprise inaccurately quotes Secretary of State Jay Dardenne as saying that the allegations against Rep. Charles McDonald are "unfounded." In an interview yesterday Secretary Dardenne told the reporter for the Bastrop Daily Enterprise that his office had received a complaint, initiated an investigation and that the investigation was ongoing and would not be resolved before the election.

Oct. 12, 2007

Secretary of State Jay Dardenne welcomes John Ratzenberger and the crew of "Made in America" to Louisiana's Old State Capitol on Friday, Oct. 12. The show, which airs on The Travel Channel, will focus on the historic structure's architecture including past and ongoing restoration projects.

Oct. 11, 2007

Secretary of State Jay Dardenne and the Louisiana State Archives are concluding Archives Week on Friday, Oct. 12 at 2 p.m. with a reception honoring Dr. Edwin A. Davis and Baton Rouge artist Al Lavergne. Secretary Dardenne will dedicate the Edwin Davis Plaza and the historical sculptured panels during the reception.

Oct. 8, 2007

Secretary of State Jay Dardenne is announcing that the Louisiana State Oil and Gas Museum will hold its annual membership fish fry on Thursday, Oct. 11 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the museum.

Oct. 5, 2007

Early voters in East Baton Rouge Parish now have another option when it comes to voting in the Oct. 20 and subsequent elections -- the Louisiana State Archives. Secretary of State Jay Dardenne is announcing that, as part of a pilot program approved by the Legislature last year, he is using the Archives building at 3851 Essen Lane as an early voting location open to any voter registered in the parish. Early voting begins at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 6, and will continue through Saturday, Oct. 13, ending each day at 4:30 p.m. There will be no early voting on Sunday, Oct. 7.

Oct. 5, 2007

Secretary of State Jay Dardenne and Louisiana's Old State Capitol, in partnership with the Louisiana Department of Education, are holding the inaugural Civics Expo on Wednesday, Oct. 10 from 9:30 a.m. to noon. The professional development conference will focus on the status and significance of the 21st century civic education.

Oct. 5, 2007

Secretary of State Jay Dardenne and the Louisiana State Archives are celebrating Archives Week beginning Monday, Oct. 8 through Friday, Oct. 12. Daily activities are planned to celebrate Louisiana's patchwork of history and culture.

Sept. 28, 2007

Secretary of State Jay Dardenne welcomes the teams of the Fireball Run to Louisiana's Old State Capitol on Sunday, Sept. 30 at 10:30 a.m. The Fireball Run is an annual event promoting national awareness for the Child Rescue Network's "Race to Recover America's Missing Children" campaign.

Sept. 14, 2007

Secretary of State Jay Dardenne is returning to work on a limited basis beginning next week. Today's doctor's visit shows him progressing on schedule. Secretary Dardenne will continue to wear his brace, but will walk with a cane instead of a walker.

Sept. 14, 2007

Secretary of State Jay Dardenne and Louisiana Public Broadcasting are holding the inaugural Louisiana State Archives Road Show on Sept. 29-30, 2007 at 1 p.m. daily at the Louisiana State Archives.

Sept. 5, 2007

The Secretary of State's Office and LSU Student Government are presenting a quilt to Virginia Tech alumni in memory of the victims of the Virginia Tech tragedy. The presentation will be at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 8 at the LSU Field House prior to the football game. Dan Borne, president of the Louisiana Chemical Association, will present the quilt on behalf of Secretary of State Jay Dardenne.

Sept. 4, 2007

Anyone wishing to follow along with candidate qualifying can view updates in real time on the redesigned Secretary of State Web site at www.sos.louisiana.gov by clicking on Jay 360°.

Aug. 29, 2007

The Secretary of State's Office and Hurricane Poster Project founder Leif Steiner are presenting a $45,000 donation to the Louisiana Capital Area Chapter of the American Red Cross. Congressman Richard Baker will accept the donation on behalf of Secretary of State Jay Dardenne and present it to Red Cross CEO Victor Howell.

Aug. 27, 2007

The Louisiana Secretary of State's Office is holding qualifying for the Oct. 20 election on Sept. 4-5, 2007 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Sept. 6 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Aug. 24, 2007

The Louisiana Secretary of State's office is conducting Louisiana's annual voter registration drive on Aug. 27-31 throughout the state. Secretary of State Jay Dardenne is encouraging all Louisiana residents 17 years old or older who are not registered to vote to visit our Web site at www.GeauxVote.com or to contact your local registrar of voters.

Aug. 15, 2007

Secretary of State Jay Dardenne is announcing the return of the first section of historic fence tomorrow, Thursday, Aug. 16, at Louisiana's Old State Capitol. Robinson Iron, Inc. in Alexander City, Ala. is restoring the 160-year-old cast-iron fence.

July 30, 2007

Secretary of State Jay Dardenne is announcing the opening of an extraordinary exhibit of 80 commercially woven American Indian trade blankets from the collection of internationally acclaimed artist Dale Chihuly on display Sept. 23 to Nov. 30, 2007. The exhibit, Wrapped in Tradition: The Chihuly Collection of American Indian Trade Blankets, will contain vibrantly colored woolen blankets dating from the 1880s to the 1930s, as well as 15 rarely seen glass sculptures from Chihuly’s “Navajo Blanket Cylinders” series.

July 24, 2007

Secretary of State Jay Dardenne is holding a groundbreaking ceremony for the Arcade Theater at 10 a.m. tomorrow, Wednesday, July 25, at the Delta Music Museum. The area legislative delegation, town officials and the Friends of the Delta Music Museum Foundation will join Secretary Dardenne in the first step toward the restoration of this historic facility.

June 22, 2007

The secretary of state's office is partnering LSU Student Government to organize a quilting project in memory of the victims of the Virginia Tech tragedy. Beginning at 1 p.m. Saturday, June 23, at the Louisiana State Archives, about 20 LSU students will work to create a quilt honoring the memories of those slain earlier this year in Blacksburg, Va. Secretary of State Jay Dardenne will present the quilt to a Virginia Tech representative at halftime of the LSU vs. Virginia Tech football game on Sept. 8.

June 20, 2007

Secretary of State Jay Dardenne is announcing that the Louisiana State Archives will hold the 2007 Genealogical Conference on Saturday, June 23, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Archives. The conference will include registration and a book sale at 8 a.m. and speakers throughout the day.

June 18, 2007

Secretary of State Jay Dardenne is partnering with Houma/Thibodaux area Key Clubs for a trash collection project on Tuesday, June 19, 2007. Secretary Dardenne will join the group at 2 p.m. after addressing the Thibodaux Rotary Club.

June 18, 2007

Secretary of State Jay Dardenne announces the opening of an extraordinary exhibit from the private collection of Charlton E. Meyer Jr. and Gloria B. Meyer titled, “American Heritage: Autographing History” on July 22 2007, at the Louisiana State Exhibit Museum.

June 15, 2007

Secretary of State Jay Dardenne is taking steps to ensure that Louisiana voters who have registered to vote in another state cannot vote in both states. Beginning today, the secretary of state's office is sending notices to approximately 55,000 voters who appear to be registered both in Louisiana and in another state. The notices will alert these voters that, should they choose to remain on Louisiana's voter rolls, they need to provide the registrar of voters in the parish where they are registered with a certified copy of the cancellation of their voter registration from the other state within 30 days.

June 13, 2007

The Louisiana Military Museum is hosting the U.S. Army's 232nd birthday celebration at the museum at noon on Thursday, June 14. The museum will be open for tours and refreshments will be provided by the Army. Admission is free and the building is wheelchair accessible.

June 11, 2007

Secretary of State Jay Dardenne announces the opening of the exhibit “From Sea to Shining Sea:  200 Years of Charting America’s Coasts” at the Louisiana State Exhibit Museum in Shreveport, Louisiana Thursday, June 21, 2007 from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.

May 24, 2007

Secretary of State Jay Dardenne is pleased to announce the hiring of Cliff Deal as museums coordinator. Deal, who is currently on the Louisiana Association of Museums Council, began work May 14 to oversee the museum program's curatorial needs.

May 14, 2007

Secretary of State Jay Dardenne is announcing the opening of “Fletcher Thorne-Thomsen: A Retrospective Exhibit of Photographic Images” at the Louisiana State Exhibit Museum on Sunday, May 20, 2007. The exhibit will feature photographs of local interest as well as images from his international travels, and each is accompanied by a written observation or inspirational thought.

April 26, 2007

Secretary of State Jay Dardenne is partnering with the Tioga Historical Society for the Second Annual Tioga Commissary Trade Day. The day's activities will be held on the grounds of the Tioga Heritage Park and Museum on Saturday, April 28, 2007, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

April 25, 2007

Secretary of State Jay Dardenne is announcing the opening of an extraordinary exhibit from the private collection of Charlton E. Meyer Jr. and Gloria B. Meyer titled “American Heritage: Autographing History” on Wednesday, April 25, 2007, at the Louisiana State Exhibit Museum.

April 23, 2007

Secretary of State Jay Dardenne is announcing the opening of the McNeill Street Pumping Station Museum as one of the newest additions to the Secretary of State’s Museums Program. The ribbon cutting ceremony will be held at the museum on April 25 at 12:15 p.m.

April 20, 2007

Secretary of State Jay Dardenne is partnering with the Progressive Agriculture Foundation, the East Carroll Parish School Board and the LSU Agriculture Center Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service to present Ag and Home Safety Day. The activities will be held on the museum’s grounds on April 25 from 8:45 a.m. to 2 p.m.

April 10, 2007

Secretary of State Jay Dardenne is announcing the swearing in of the governing board of the Louisiana Military Hall of Fame and Museum on April 11 at noon. The ceremony will take place at the future museum site at Chris Crusta Airport in Abbeville.

March 29, 2007

Secretary of State Jay Dardenne is pleased to announce the hiring of Steve Windham as director of the First Stop Shop and Uniform Commercial Code sections. Windham, a CPA (inactive) and a Certified Economic Developer, will begin work April 2. He is tasked with overhauling First Stop Shop, the program assisting new Louisiana businesses with all their start-up needs, and UCC, the statewide notification system that provides lenders with information regarding liens on movable property. The two positions were previously overseen by separate unclassified employees, but Secretary Dardenne combined them into one position.

March 29, 2007

Secretary of State Jay Dardenne is announcing that the Mansfield Female College will hold a community Easter Egg Hunt sponsored by the Greater Mansfield Ministerial Association. The hunt will be held on the museum's grounds on April 7 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Mansfield Mayor Curtis W. McCoy and the Friends of the Mansfield Female College will also attend.

March 28, 2007

Secretary of State Jay Dardenne is partnering with the town of Lake Providence and the East Carroll Parish Sheriff’s Office for a community Easter Egg Hunt. The hunt will be held on the museum’s grounds on April 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

March 28, 2007

Secretary of State Jay Dardenne is announcing the schedule of festivities for the Sixth Annual Delta Music Festival on April 7 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in downtown Ferriday. This year’s inductees, the late John Fred Gourrier and Dale Houston and Grace Broussard of Dale and Grace, will have exhibits dedicated to them within the museum and receive a star on the museum’s “Walk of Fame” sidewalk. Admission is $3.

March 6, 2007

Secretary of State Jay Dardenne is announcing the opening of an exhibit from the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History titled "Jeweled Objects of Desire" at the Louisiana State Exhibit Museum on Sunday, March 25, 2007. Secretary Dardenne invites all patrons to wear their best "jewels of desire" and attend the opening reception from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. The wine and cheese reception is free and open to the public.

Feb. 23, 2007

Secretary of State Jay Dardenne is announcing the North Louisiana Military Museum’s celebration of Black History Month at the Lincoln Parish Library featuring the Alaskan-Canadian (ALCAN) Highway, Buffalo Soldiers, the Red Ball Express and the Tuskegee Airmen.

Feb. 23, 2007

Secretary of State Jay Dardenne is announcing that the Aviation and Military Museum of Louisiana will be closed the weekends of Feb. 24-25, March 3-4 and March 10-11 for maintenance. The museum will continue to operate under normal hours on all other days from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Feb. 9, 2007

Secretary of State Jay Dardenne is proud to welcome the work of Baton Rouge photographer J. Nash Porter and his photographs of Mardi Gras Indians to the Louisiana State Archives as part of its Black History Month exhibit.