WELCOME
Welcome to the website of the Canary Islanders Heritage Society of Louisiana, a cultural, historical, and genealogical society dedicated to promoting the history and heritage of our ancestry of the Canary Islands, with emphasis on those who lived at the settlement of Galveztown and Valenzuela in south Louisiana. Over twenty years ago, our society was formed to preserve and promote the culture of our Isleño ancestors who came to Louisiana in the late 18th century in search of a better life. We also promote cultural exchanges between Louisiana and the Canaries.
NEWS
"CISLANDERUS Exhibit at Capital Park Museum"
Nov 9, 2019 - Mar 17, 2019 at 11 AM – 2 PM
The CISLANDERUS exhibit is open at the Capitol Park Museum in downtown Baton Rouge. This exhibit is the work of Thenesoya Martin and Anibal Martel, natives of the Canary Islands who are bringing the story of Canarian descendants in Louisiana to life with photographs, video and research. Come join us at the museum.
Please note that our November meeting will not be held at its normal date and time. We will instead meet on the second Saturday of November, the 9th at 11:00am at the Capitol Park Museum, located at 660 N. 4th Street. We will meet to tour the newly installed CISLANDERUS exhibit as a group. Meetings are free of charge and open to the public. Click here for more information.
Hosted by: CIHSL
Capitol Park Museum
660 N 4th St,
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70802
"The Spanish 'Conspiracy' of 1787-1797"
Apr 4, 2020 at 11 AM – 2 PM
The war with England was over. There was peace across North America...or, so it seemed. Americans now had an international border alongside Spanish Louisiana and things heated up quickly. Keeping the peace involved several countries and a slew of characters, each with their own personal agendas.
Society member Wade Falcon will present the history about a conspiracy surrounding the Mero, the Natchez and the (almost) war between Spanish Louisiana and … Kentucky?
Hosted by: CIHSL
Bluebonnet Regional Branch Library
9200 Bluebonnet Blvd,
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70810
"Islenos Public Genealogy Meeting"
May 2, 2020 at 11 AM – 2 PM
We will be hosting an open genealogy meeting to the public where our team will assist those who are in need of helping trace their Canary Islander ancestry. This meeting will honor the Caballero and Cavalier family of Louisiana. Be sure to bring your family along and together we'll help trace your family back. All are welcome!
The meeting is open to the public and will be held at the East Baton Rouge Parish Library, 9200 Bluebonnet Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA 70810, beginning at 11:00 am.
Hosted by: CIHSL
Bluebonnet Regional Branch Library
9200 Bluebonnet Blvd,
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70810
"The Spanish Tinge – The Musical Connection Between the Canary Islands and Louisiana"
June 6, 2020 at 11 AM – 2 PM
Based on their book "The Spanish Tinge – Louisiana Music Pioneers of Canary Islands Descent", published in Spanish in the Canary Islands last year, Johnette Downing and Scott Billington discuss the musical link between the Canary Islands and Louisiana through three profiles: jazz clarinetist Alcide Nuñez, Cajun accordionist Joe Falcon, and décima singer Irvan Pérez. They will also share their findings from their research trip to the Canary Islands this past December, including video footage of contemporary décima singers. The research trip was partially funded by a grant from the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation.
Johnette is an author and songwriter for Louisiana Roots Music and Books for Children. Scott is a three-time Grammy Award winner.
The meeting is open to the public and will be held at the East Baton Rouge Parish Library, 9200 Bluebonnet Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA 70810, beginning at 11:00 am.
Hosted by: CIHSL
Bluebonnet Regional Branch Library
9200 Bluebonnet Blvd,
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70810