Canary Islanders Heritage Society of Louisiana
An organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the culture of the Canary Islanders descendants in Louisiana, with a focus on the 18th century settlements of Valenzuela and Galveztown
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.
Upcoming Meetings and Events
Even
Saturday, November 7, 2026
Gonzales, LA (Address provided with RSVP)
CIHSL Fall Quarterly Meeting
30th Anniversary Celebration
In recognition of our 30th anniversary as a society, we will be having a gathering at President Chad LeBlanc's home in Gonzales. Members of the society and guests can RSVP here - president@canaryislanders.org. Please RSVP by October 30th.
December 2026
TBA
CIHSL Annual Holiday Gathering
PAST MEETINGS AND EVENTS
CIHSL 2026 Spring Quarterly Meeting
May 2, 2026
The spring quarterly meeting was held on Saturday, May 2nd at 11am at the EBRPL Bluebonnet Branch.
Mr. Dennis Dale presented his documentary video on Louisiana Geopolitics during the American Revolution.
You can view his documentary here - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Z0ILUSeQXPYNoLOhUVH6ClaOB3alZOdM/view?usp=drive_link
CIHSL 2026 Winter Quarterly Meeting
February 28, 2026
The winter quarterly meeting was held on Saturday, February 28th at 11am at the EBRPL Bluebonnet Branch.
Our secretary, Shannon Achord delivered a presentation on her genealogical journey to find her Isleño ancestors.
Video of her presentation can be found here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3eqPfv7C9o&t=1156s
CIHSL Fall 2025 Meeting
November 1, 2025
The fall quarterly meeting was held on Saturday, November 1st at 11:00 AM at the EBR Parish Library - Bluebonnet branch at 9200 Bluebonnet Blvd. in Baton Rouge.
Mary Lydia Ruiz, a retired healthcare executive and long-time member of the Canary Islanders Heritage Society of Louisiana, presented a fascinating talk about José de Rivera, the world-renowned modern sculptor whose work is featured on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., and at the 1964 New York World’s Fair.
The meeting was well attended and we thank Mrs. Ruiz for her time and information.
CIHSL Summer 2025 Meeting
August 2, 2025 - Thibodaux, Louisiana
For our summer 2025 meeting, we met at the Lafourche Heritage Society annual seminar in Thibodaux, LA. President Chad LeBlanc delivered a presentation on the families of Pierre Part and Belle River which included many Isleño descendants.