The Old State Capitol Center
for
Political and Governmental History

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

DROWNING NEW ORLEANS

On Tuesday, August 29th the Old State Capitol will present "Drowning New Orleans", a National Geographic documentary produced by Baton Rouge native Lawrence Cumbo. The film examines the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans. The presentation will take place at 6:30 PM in the House chamber. There will be no admission charged and parking is available in the parking garage at Third and Convention Street.

 

ART FOR HEART'S SAKE

The Hurricane Poster Project exhibition will be presented on Tuesday, August 29th. The exhibition features posters created by graphic artists from around the world reflecting concern about Louisianan's plight. An opening and reception will be held in the Senate chamber from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM. Signed, numbered, limited edition posters will be available for purchase. All proceeds benefit the American Red Cross-Louisiana Capitol Area Chapter. There will be no admission charged and parking is available in the parking garage at Third and Convention Street.

HOLIDAY SCHEDULE

The Old State Capitol will be closed during the holidays from Thursday, December 21 through Monday, January 8 for routine maintenance.

EXHIBITS

Louisiana's Old State Capitol Center for Political and Governmental History houses several interactive state-of-the-art exhibits including "Huey Long Live! The Kingfish Speaks", "We The People" — our multimedia citizenship and voting experience, The Governor Huey P. Long Assassination Exhibit, The Governors' Exhibit, The Campaign and Elections Exhibit, and The Louisiana Purchase Exhibit. Also, the multi-media presentation entitled "Louisiana: The Story is Here" offers visitors of all ages an exciting journey through our state's past.

HUEY LONG LIVE! THE KINGFISH SPEAKS!

We are proud to announce the opening of Louisiana's Old State Capitol's newest exhibit, "Huey Long Live! The Kingfish Speaks". Coinciding with Long's 111th birthday, this life-size animatronic of Louisiana's former governor began its term with a grand opening extravaganza and media preview on August 30, 2004. The public was invited.

The highly realistic animatronic gives visitors the opportunity to see and hear our most famous governor as he truly was, down to the finest detail. As visitors enter the exhibit, the animatronic "Huey" will come to life after a radio announcer makes a remark about subjects near and dear to Huey's heart: paved roads, pot likker, LSU football, poll taxes and more. The animatronic is made of more than 2,000 feet of cables and air hoses, which brings lifelike movement to the pneumatically controlled figure. Electronic devices are used to start and stop movements and a closed loop positional feedback analog gives "Huey" 20 digital moves. Porous silicone stretched over a fiberglass shell keeps the Kingfish looking sharp as he pontificates on his favorite topics from a DMX controlled lighting system.    More . . .

"WE THE PEOPLE" EXHIBITION ENCOURAGES POLITICAL ACTIVISM

On February 19, 2001 a new exhibition at the Old State Capitol was introduced to the public. "We the People" occupies all of the exhibit rooms on the second floor of our historic building. This one of a kind exhibit engages the visitor in the political process through voting, identifying party platforms and personalizing legislative activities. "We the People" seeks to emphasize the importance and privilege of taking an active role in democracy as the introductory panel states, "We the people means you."

"We the People" is designed to inspire visitors to realize they control their government through active participation in the democratic process. The exhibit is also intended to answer the most common questions asked by citizens: can you alone stand up for an issue and make a difference in your state? If you controlled the state budget, how would you allocate your tax dollars? Are you an informed voter? Do you vote in every election?

The exhibition can answer these questions in many exhibits throughout its rooms. A computer interactive kiosk allows visitors to make a Louisiana budget. A Hall of Fame highlights Louisianians with intriguing stories of political participation. An evaluation of the key national and state issues ends with the identification of party platforms. In the exhibit's final room, visitors listen to stories of groups who fought to acquire suffrage, and the visitors are guided through a process of making an informed voting decision.

CLICK HERE to visit an on-line preview of "We the People".

SPECIAL EVENTS

The magnificent Rotunda and Senate Chambers are available for after hours rentals, receptions and special events. Elegant conference/public meeting rooms may be used for smaller meetings and gatherings during the day, as well as for lectures and conferences. The beautiful five-acre grounds are ideal for outdoor functions such as concerts and picnics. Please call us at (225) 342-0500 for more information.

MUSEUM SHOP

Visit our store specializing in political memorabilia, reproductions, maps and artifacts, as well as a variety of Louisiana books and gifts.

LOCATION

The museum is located in the downtown section next to the Mississippi river at 100 North Boulevard. Metered on-street and private parking lots are located nearby. Tour buses are welcomed. Visit the Baton Rouge Downtown Development District web site for a downtown parking map.

HOURS OF OPERATION

Visit the museum Monday through Saturday from 10 AM until 4 PM, and on Sunday from noon until 4 PM. Closed on Mondays from June until March; open Mondays in April and May. Closed on most state holidays .  We are wheelchair accessible. Click HERE for a map.

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The Old State Capitol   |   100 North Boulevard   |   Baton Rouge, LA 70801
(225) 342-0500   or   (800) 488-2968
E-Mail to OSC: osc@sos.louisiana.gov