Welcome to Preserving Our History in Tangipahoa and St. Helena Parishes, Louisiana. "Our History, Our Story, Our Legacy!" Dr. Antoinette Harrell is a native of Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana. She is a genealogist and local historian with a broad emphasis of African Americans in the Louisiana Florida Parishes.
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
Ella Williams secretary for Grant Chapel AME Preserving the Church History
Monday, October 20, 2025
Greater St. James AME Historical Marker Initiative with Hammond City, Councilman Kip Andrew
Sunday, October 19, 2025
Rev. Herman O. Kelly, Jr., is dedicated to safeguarding Grant Chapel's history and legacy
Thursday, October 16, 2025
Monday, October 13, 2025
Rosa Etta Wooldridge was delivered by Annie Nutter a midwife in St. Helena Parish
Pheoby Self Vining was born in 1880 in Pine Grove, Louisiana
Louisiana birth records uncover names of midwives in the Southeast Florida Parishes
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| Charley Green 1917 Louisiana Birth Records Source: Ancestry. com |
Sam Holden birth record found in Ancestry online Louisiana birth records
Ancestry has introduced a new collection of Louisiana birth records spanning the years 1911 to 1923, facilitating access to historical birth information online. Additionally, a 2022 Louisiana law permits adoptees aged 24 and older to request non-certified copies of their original birth certificates, though this process is managed directly by the state and is not included in Ancestry's collection.
Sunday, October 5, 2025
Could Grandma's quilts be on the verge of being lost forever?
It's not just the quilt; it is the beautiful memories of our loved ones who have passed away. Those quilts hold the stories of many who joined in to make them. It was a time when women gathered, sharing conversations, problem-solving, and planning actions to keep their homes and community families together.
If anyone in St. Helena, Washington, East Feliciana, Livingston, and Tangipahoa parishes would like to share their story and images of the quilt for a story, please email me at nurturingourroots@gmail.com.
Edgar Pitts preserving southern old-fashion tea cake recipes
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| Eric Lee Pitts with his father's homemade teacakes. Photo credit Dr. Antoinette Harrell |
Our community thrives when we come together for events like this, which create a sense of connection and shared purpose. The combination of delicious food, meaningful conversations, and a welcoming atmosphere made for a beautiful fall Saturday morning. Not only was it enjoyable, but it also proved to be an educational and heartwarming experience that left a lasting impression.
| Mary Womack bringing in the box of homemade teacakes Photo Credit Dr. Antoinette Harrell |
Saturday, October 4, 2025
Sugarcane syrup making is deeply rooted in the Womack family traditions
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| The Womack Brothers Photo Credit: Dr. Antoinette Harrell |
The Womack brothers—Floyd, Richard, John, and Larry—shared their passion for the craft and extended an invitation tothe audience to witness the process the day after Thanksgiving. Images and video from my collection and Donald Davis's collection provided a glimpse into the intricate process of sugarcane syrup making. The library personnel noted that it was the highest number of visitors they had seen on a Saturday morning. The event, which had been widely promoted across various platforms, attracted a diverse crowd of enthusiasts and
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| Photo Credit: Dr. Antoinette Harrell |
Floyd Womack and his brothers recounted how this annual event serves as a unifying occasion for their family. Richard described the tradition of roasting sweet potatoes on the handmade stove, while Floyd reflected on the homemade biscuits and the inviting aroma of smoked sausages that permeated the air. Preserving the culinary traditions of rural communities is essential. As younger generations migrate to cities for better opportunities, the knowledge of traditional recipes and cooking techniques is at risk of being lost. Globalization and the rise of processed foods further threaten these unique culinary practices, which have been passed down for generations. Without dedicated efforts to document and sustain them, these traditions may fade away over time.







