Shreveport history lovers: Check out these history presentations for free in July

SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) – Those interested in learning about the history of northwest Louisiana are invited to attend one or more of 13 upcoming interactive local history projects that will take place in July.

Various Shreve Memorial Library branches are offering free programs that will feature Mike and Mark Mangham of Twin Blends, local historian Robert Trudeau, and historians from Fort St. Jean Baptiste State Historic Site.

The Mangham brothers will present their much-loved Northwest Louisiana History Hunters Summer Lagniappe Presentations and share a selection of historical and current photographs and videos of the Shreveport area. Those attending their presentations are encouraged to bring any historically significant photos they have with them to the event.

Here’s the schedule for presentations by Twin Blends:

• Monday, July 1 at 6:00 p.m. at the Broadmoor Branch, 1212 Captain Shreve Drive
• Saturday, July 13 at 11:00 a.m. at the Wallette Branch, 363 Hearne Avenue
• Tuesday, July 16 at 6:00 p.m. at the Belcher-Wyche Branch, 409 Charles Street, Belcher
• Saturday, July 27 at 2:00 p.m. at the Atkins Branch, 3704 Greenwood Road

Robert Trudeau will discuss the history of Vaqueros, Spanish cowboys who brought the art of herding and driving cattle into northwest Louisiana. Trudeau will explore the significance of trail rides in Northwest Louisiana. His presentation will include black cowboys, white trail rides, and an overview of America’s cowboy history. He’ll also discuss historic horses and saddles.

To see Trudeau’s lecture, choose the time, date, and location that best suits you:

• Monday, July 8 at 5:30 p.m. at the North Shreveport Branch, 4844 North Market Street
• Thursday, July 11 at 10:00 a.m. at the Cedar Grove-Line Avenue Branch, 8303 Line Avenue
• Wednesday, July 17 at 11:00 a.m. at the North Caddo Branch, 615 North Pine Street, Vivian

Historians from Fort St. Jean Baptiste State Historic Site will discuss Colonial Life in NWLA, The Fur Trade, Colonial Games, 18th-century fairy tales, trade talk, and host wampum (beading) demonstrations throughout the month of July.

Here’s a list of the locations, times, and dates for the presentations from Fort St. Jean Baptiste State Historic Site in Natchitoches, Louisiana:

Thursday, July 18

• 10:00 a.m. Colonial Life at the North Shreveport Branch
• 1:00 p.m. The Fur Trade at the Hollywood/Union Avenue Branch, 2105 Hollywood Avenue

Friday, July 19

• 10:00 a.m. Colonial Games at the Cedar Grove-Line Avenue Branch
• 2:00 p.m. 18 th Century Fairy Tales at the Means Branch, 7016 E. Magnolia Lane, Ida

Friday, July 26

• 12:00 p.m. Trade Talk at the Blanchard Branch, 344 Alexander Street, Blanchard
• 2:00 p.m. Wampum Demonstration at the Hamilton/South Caddo Branch, 2111 Bert Kouns Industrial Loop

Visit Shreve Memorial Library’s website for more information.