Promotional graphic for the Friends of the Cabildo 12th Annual Academic Symposium. On the left is a circular emblem reading “Friends of the Cabildo – 12th Annual Academic Symposium,” featuring an illustrated Spanish sailing ship with white sails and red flags on dark blue water. On the right, large gold text reads “Spanish Colonial Louisiana and the American Revolution.” Below, white text reads “Saturday, December 13,” with red text underneath stating “In-Person and Virtual Symposium,” all set against a dar

Friends of the Cabildo's 12th Annual Academic Symposium

Sat, Dec 13, 2025

9:45 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

New Orleans

New Orleans Jazz Museum at the Old U.S. Mint

The Friends of the Cabildo will host its 12th annual educational symposium for members, general admission and students of St. Bernard, Orleans and Jefferson Parishes. The full day of talks will include seven speakers on the unknown role that Spanish Louisiana, commanders and everyday residents played in the American Revolution. Also, preview of the Louisiana State Museum’s upcoming exhibition Gálvez and Louisiana in the American Revolution (opening 2026 at the Cabildo), presented by Steve Kling, Guest Curator.

From the Battle of Baton Rouge that Bernado de Gávez crushed the English with tactical genius to the unknown huge impact of the Battle of Lake Pontchartrain, much of Colonial Louisiana participated from Natives, Free People of Color, former French and new Spanish Citizens. The role of Galvez eventually led to the victories in Spanish Colonies of Mobile and Pensacola. The Symposium will also focus on Spanish Colonial Life in the 1770s and the political impacts of the Spanish Governments role in the war.

Join us in-person at the New Orleans Jazz Museum or Online via Zoom.

Ticket are $25 for FOC Members and $40 for general admission. Student tickets are $10 for in-person. This symposium will be presented FREE via Zoom for all college, Jefferson, St. Bernard & Orleans Parish students.

Reserve your seat today!

Lecture Schedule

9:45 a.m. – 10:25 a.m.
Life in Spanish Colonial Louisiana in the 1770s
Dr. Charles Chamberlain (University of New Orleans, Zoom)

10:30 a.m. – 11:15 p.m.
The Role of the Spanish Government in Louisiana at the time of the Revolution
Dr. Larrie Ferreiro (George Mason University, Zoom)

11:20 a.m. – 12:05 p.m.
Bernado Gálvez His Life Before Louisiana
Alfonso Aurioles (Galvez Museum – Spain, Zoom)

12:10 p.m. – 12:30 p.m.
LUNCH BREAK

12:30 p.m. – 1:20 p.m.
Battle of Baton Rouge & Lake Pontchartrain
Dr. Samuel Hyde (Southeastern Louisiana University)

1:25 p.m. – 2:25 p.m.
Battle of Mobile & Pensacola
Mike Bunn (Blakely State Park Alabama, Zoom)

2:30 p.m. – 3:20 p.m.
Impact of the Revolution on the Louisiana Purchase
Dr. Derek Wood (Xavier University of New Orleans)

3:30 p.m.– 4:00 p.m.
Preview of the Louisiana State Museum’s Gálvez Exhibit Opening 2026 at the Cabildo Steven Kling (Guest Curator, Louisiana State Museum)