Named after the Marquis de Lafayette, the French general who was a hero to the Continental Army in the American Revolution, Lafayette has seen a lot in the past 200 years.
Founded in 1823, Lafayette Parish now has a population of about 250,000 and is a bustling hub of business and services for much of southwest Louisiana.
Throughout the year, we've been celebrating that history with a series of short stories we called 200 for 200. Looking back at how we got here, our triumphs and mistakes we made along the way is important as we make decisions about what we want our next 200 years to look like.
Over the course of the year, we also took a more in-depth look at a handful of topics, from how Lebanese and Jewish immigrants contributed to Lafayette's culture and commerce to how Camellia Bridge was built despite stiff political and financial headwinds.
Behind the scenes, we've also been listening to your stories — from listening stations at festivals and other cultural events to more intimate conversations in living rooms across the parish.
The result of those conversations is a seven-part documentary that reflects the many diverse cultures that make up the fabric of Lafayette Parish.
Episode 1: Vermilion Voyage
Throughout the year we've been celebrating the people, places, history and heritage of Lafayette Parish with a series of short stories we called 200 for 200.
Behind the scenes, we've also been listening to your stories.
The result of those conversations is a seven-part documentary that reflects the many diverse cultures that make up the fabric of Lafayette Parish.
Find the full story collection here: https://www.theadvocate.com/acadiana/200for200/
Episode 2: Gumbo and Grooves
Throughout the year we've been celebrating the people, places, history and heritage of Lafayette Parish with a series of short stories we called 200 for 200.
Behind the scenes, we've also been listening to your stories.
The result of those conversations is a seven-part documentary that reflects the many diverse cultures that make up the fabric of Lafayette Parish.
Find the full story collection here:
Episode 3: Festivals and Faith
Throughout the year we've been celebrating the people, places, history and heritage of Lafayette Parish with a series of short stories we called 200 for 200.
Behind the scenes, we've also been listening to your stories.
The result of those conversations is a seven-part documentary that reflects the many diverse cultures that make up the fabric of Lafayette Parish.
Find the full story collection here: https://www.theadvocate.com/acadiana/200for200/
Episode 4: Cajun Prairie
Throughout the year we've been celebrating the people, places, history and heritage of Lafayette Parish with a series of short stories we called 200 for 200.
Behind the scenes, we've also been listening to your stories.
The result of those conversations is a seven-part documentary that reflects the many diverse cultures that make up the fabric of Lafayette Parish.
Find the full story collection here: https://www.theadvocate.com/acadiana/200for200/
Episode 5: Pillars of Progress
Throughout the year we've been celebrating the people, places, history and heritage of Lafayette Parish with a series of short stories we called 200 for 200.
Behind the scenes, we've also been listening to your stories.
The result of those conversations is a seven-part documentary that reflects the many diverse cultures that make up the fabric of Lafayette Parish.
Find the full story collection here: https://www.theadvocate.com/acadiana/200for200/
Episode 6: French Foundations
Throughout the year we've been celebrating the people, places, history and heritage of Lafayette Parish with a series of short stories we called 200 for 200.
Behind the scenes, we've also been listening to your stories.
The result of those conversations is a seven-part documentary that reflects the many diverse cultures that make up the fabric of Lafayette Parish.
Find the full story collection here: https://www.theadvocate.com/acadiana/200for200/
Episode 7: Cajun & Creole Renaissance
Throughout the year we've been celebrating the people, places, history and heritage of Lafayette Parish with a series of short stories we called 200 for 200.
Behind the scenes, we've also been listening to your stories.
The result of those conversations is a seven-part documentary that reflects the many diverse cultures that make up the fabric of Lafayette Parish.
Find the full story collection here: https://www.theadvocate.com/acadiana/200for200/
Can't see the embedded videos above? Click here.
This ambitious project was made possible with support from Lafayette Convention and Visitors Commission and Lafayette Consolidated Government. We hope you enjoy them and share them!