On April 12, 1922, Gonzales was officially incorporated and proclaimed to be a village by Governor John M. Parker. Thirty years later, in May 1952, Governor Earl K. Long proclaimed the village as a town, and in 1977 the Jambalaya Capital of the World became a city. As the city celebrates 100 years, residents are invited to reminisce and share thoughts about the history of Gonzales and Ascension Parish. 

Ascension Parish Library in Gonzales, in partnership with the Gonzales Committee on Cultural Affairs, presents Explore Your Heritage, Ascension Parish: Its History and Its Future. A panel of local historians and community members (Ira Babin, Harriet Miller, Ruth Hanson, Marilyn Glindmeyer, and Andrew Capone) will reflect on the history and rich heritage of Gonzales and other areas around Ascension Parish. Scot Byrd, chief administrative officer for the City of Gonzales, will join us to discuss plans for the upcoming centennial celebration. 

Guests are invited to help lay the groundwork for the next centennial by contributing to our growing local history collection on the Louisiana Digital Library. Staff will be available to answer any questions and will be conducting brief oral history interviews with those who would like to share any stories about Gonzales or Ascension Parish that cannot be found in any history books. 

Following the presentation, join us for refreshments and music in the library’s courtyard. Call 647-3955 for more information.

Explore Your Heritage is sponsored by the Gonzales Committee on Cultural Affairs (GCCA), a “sister-city” program that creates and strengthens cooperation at the municipal level, promotes cultural understanding, and stimulates economic development.