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The Old State Capital Time Line of Important Events
- Designed and constructed by architect James Harrison Dakin,
1847-1850.
- In 1861, the Louisiana Legislature convened a convention
which voted to secede from the Union.
- Seized by Union soldiers in 1862, during the Civil War;
accidentially burned while occupied.
- Abandoned for 20 years while the Louisiana seat of government
moved to Opelousas, Shreveport and then New Orleans.
- Restored in 1882, and the seat of government is returned
to Baton Rouge.
- Impeachment proceedings were brought against Gov. Huey
P. Long, the fabled "Kingfish", in its House Chamber,
1929.
- Vacated as the State Capitol in 1932 with the completion
of the city's new 34-story Art Deco Capitol Building.
- Designated a National Historic Landmark, 1977.
- Major restoration and rebirth as the Center for Political
and Governmental History, 1994.
Exhibits
Louisiana's Old State Capitol Center for Political and Governmental
History is the state's official repository of film and video
archives and houses several interactive state-of-the-art exhibits
including "We The People" — our multimedia
citizenship and voting experience, The Governor Huey P. Long
Assassination Exhibit, The Governors' Exhibit, The Campaign
and Elections Exhibit, and The Louisiana Purchase Exhibit.
Also, the multi-media presentation entitled "Louisiana:
The Story is Here" offers visitors of all ages an exciting
journey through our state's past.
On February 19, 2001 a new exhibition at the Old State Capitol
was introduced to the public. "We the People" occupies
all of the exhibit rooms on the second floor of our historic
building. This one of a kind exhibit engages the visitor in
the political process through voting, identifying party platforms
and personalizing legislative activities. "We the People"
seeks to emphasize the importance and privilege of taking
an active role in democracy as the introductory panel states,
"We the people means you."
"We the People" is designed to inspire visitors
to realize they control their government through active participation
in the democratic process. The exhibit is also intended to
answer the most common questions asked by citizens: can you
alone stand up for an issue and make a difference in your
state? If you controlled the state budget, how would you allocate
your tax dollars? Are you an informed voter? Do you vote in
every election?
The exhibition can answer these questions in many exhibits
throughout its rooms. A computer interactive kiosk allows
visitors to make a Louisiana budget. A Hall of Fame highlights
Louisianians with intriguing stories of political participation.
An evaluation of the key national and state issues ends with
the identification of party platforms. In the exhibit's final
room, visitors listen to stories of groups who fought to acquire
suffrage, and the visitors are guided through a process of
making an informed voting decision.
Special Events
The magnificent Rotunda and Senate Chambers are available
for after hours rentals, receptions and special events. Elegant
conference/public meeting rooms may be used for smaller meetings
and gatherings during the day, as well as for lectures and
conferences. The beautiful five-acre grounds are ideal for
outdoor functions such as concerts and picnics. Please call
us at (225) 342-0500 for more information.
Museum Shop
The store specializing in political memorabilia, reproductions,
maps and artifacts, as well as a variety of Louisiana books
and gifts.
Location
The museum is located in the downtown section next to the
Mississippi river at 100 North Boulevard. Metered on-street
and private parking lots are located nearby. Tour buses are
welcomed. Visit the Baton Rouge Downtown Development District
web site for a downtown parking map.
Hours of Operation
Visit the museum Monday through Saturday from 10 AM until
4 PM, and on Sunday from noon until 4 PM. Closed on Mondays
from June until March; open Mondays in April and May. Adult
admission is $4; seniors and veterans $3; students $2; children
under 6 are admitted free. Adult groups of 20 or more are
$2 each. Organized, scheduled student groups are admitted
free. Handicapped accessible.
Information from The Louisiana Secretary of
State
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