HistoryFEST Program
Three days of art, literature, scholarship, history, faith, and community celebrating the lives and legacies of Black women of Iberia Parish.
Art + Literature
Welcome to HistoryFEST 2026
Join IAAHS and the community as we open the three-day HistoryFEST celebration.
Brandon Lewis
Featured artist talk and art display.
Honoring Jackie Reedom
A special tribute and table reading celebrating the work of the late playwright Jackie Reedom.
An Evening of Art & Community
Musical selections, authors’ tables, art, and a community reception close out opening night.
Research + Scholarship
Dr. Ashley D. Farmer
Historian and author of Queen Mother: Black Nationalism, Reparations, and the Untold Story of Audley Moore, Dr. Ashley D. Farmer explores the life and legacy of New Iberia-born activist Queen Mother Audley Moore.
Say Their Names: Honoring the Legacies of Black Women of Iberia
Phebe Hayes leads a celebration of local Black women’s histories and an invitation to help preserve their stories through the community archive.
Dr. Abigail Cooper
Historian Abigail Cooper explores the experiences of African Americans who sought freedom in Civil War refugee communities, often called “contraband camps.” Her scholarship offers a powerful lens for understanding a local story: during the Civil War, formerly enslaved people from New Iberia and the surrounding Teche region fled with Union forces toward refugee communities in the Brashear City area of St. Mary Parish.
Candace Harrison
Genealogy presentation, discussion, and audience engagement.
THROUGHOUT THE DAY
Community archive · Books and authors · Book giveaway · IAAHS membership · Community story sharing
Community + Faith
Rev. Mary Louise Bashay
Featured community and faith presentation.
Daphne Thomas
Featured musical performance.
John Warner Smith
Poetry and conversation featuring the former Louisiana Poet Laureate.
Financial Literacy with Karen Dugas
A financial literacy session for the community.
Free HistoryFEST Community Lunch · 12:15 PM
Stay with us following the closing program for a free community lunch provided by HistoryFEST.
Join Us for HistoryFEST
HistoryFEST is free and open to the public. Registration is not required, but your RSVP helps us plan for seating, materials, and Sunday’s community lunch.
RSVP for HistoryFEST