Sorority learns of the New Acadia Project

CROWLEY - Members of Laureate Mu chapter of Beta Sigma Phi met at the home of Shirley Griffin on Jan. 5.
Following the opening ritual and Pledge of Allegiance, the hostess presented a program she called “Meet the Broussards,” in which she introduced the group to her ancestors.
She began by explaining an initiative called the New Acadia Project, a research effort designed to locate, identify and investigate the 18th-century homesteads and unmarked gravesites of Acadian exiles in south-central Louisiana. Those involved in the project are searching for artifacts like bits and pieces of dinner plates, pieces of broken brick, rusted nails, shards of bottle glass and fragments of animal bone.
Griffin traces her ancestry to Joseph Broussard, also known as Beausoleil, who in 1765 led a group of 193 Acadians to New Orleans. The group settled in the Attakapas District along the banks of the Bayou Teche. Among the most important information that has come to light by talking with residents is the existence of abandoned family cemeteries in the area. In one instance a small cemetery no longer in use is reported to be the burial place of Broussard children who are descendants of Beausoleil Broussard
Griffin displayed pictures, books and newspaper articles having to do with her family.
During the business portion of the meeting Griffin reported that she had received correspondence regarding rushing. Paper towels were collected to be delivered to Miss Helen’s Soup Kitchen.
The next meeting will be held on Feb. 2 at the home of Glenda Atkinson, and members are asked to bring Ajax dish detergent. The cultural outings chairman, Connie Jaubert, described current exhibits at the Hilliard Museum in Lafayette. Plans to visit St. Michael Church to view the renovations were discussed.
Following the meeting, the hostess served king cake to those present, including Glenda Atkinson, Jaubert, Brenella Joubert, Elsie Rowell, Gloria Stutes, Nancy Tislow and Phyllis Triggs.