National History Day in Louisiana
Topic Ideas
Contributed by Nathan Huegen, NHD in Louisiana Coordinator
The Career of Huey P. Long
A Dorm Room at the Football Game! Huey P. Long’s Compromise at Tiger
Stadium
In 1931, The Governor involved himself in an issue of whether LSU should
build more dorms or expand the football stadium. The decision was to do
both in a unique compromise.
Every Man a King: The Share our Wealth Society
Long was among a group of politicians that felt the New Deal did not do
enough, so he came up with a plan that drifted further toward the Left.
A State Media? Huey Long & the Louisiana Progress
Upset at what he perceived to be as biased coverage in the media, Long
started his own newspaper with a built-in audience as subscription was
mandatory for all state employees.
Other Louisiana Politicians & Political Bosses
Race, Legacy and Power: Judge Leander Perez’s Political Machine
Judge Leander Perez ruled St. Bernard and Plaquemines Parishes through
intimidation, nepotism and scare tactics in the middle of the 20th Century.
New Orleans’ First Black Mayor: Ernest “Dutch” Morial
Long a majority African American city, New Orleans did not elect a black
mayor until 1977 when former Civil Rights attorney Ernest Dutch Morial
won a narrow victory.
The Sheriff of Shreveport: Thomas R. Hughes
Thomas R. Hughes was the popular sheriff of Shreveport, Louisiana for 24
years through Prohibition, the Great Depression and the fatal shootout with
Bonnie and Clyde.
Other Notable Louisianans
A Southern Woman in the US Congress: Lindy Boggs
Lindy Boggs entered the US House of Representatives following the death
of her husband, Representative Hale Boggs. Lindy would serve a total of 8
terms in the House.
The Global Minister: Jimmy Swaggart
Jimmy Swaggart was a pioneer in televangelism, and his Swaggart
Ministries appeared on the televisions of millions of people throughout the
globe. His influence and popularity grew so much that he had open access
to the Reagan White House.
Sisters for Progress: Jean & Kate Gordon
Jean and Kate Gordon were the leaders of progressive movements in New
Orleans in the 19th Century. Each sister took a different track with Jean
focusing on child labor and Kate working to gain suffrage for women.
John McDonogh & the Growth of Public Education in New Orleans
By most accounts John McDonogh was a miserly millionaire, but after his
death in 1850 his fortune was given to build and fund public schools for
poor white and free black children.
Wilbert Rideau: The Inmate Journalist of Angola
Angola State Penitentiary has been named “The Worst Prison in America” by
several publications. Among the many attempted reforms was a successful
newspaper called The Angolite with inmate Wilbert Rideau serving as editor
for 25 years.
Rights for All: The Legacy of Oretha Castle Haley
Oretha Castle Haley was an activist for Civil, Women’s and Humanitarian
Rights. She began her career as a member of the Congress on Racial
Equality and later worked at Charity Hospital in New Orleans making health
care available to those without means.
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