About this item
At the close of the nineteenth century, Louisianas ports hosted an influx of Italian immigrants. Like so many immigrant communities before, acclimating to their new home was not easy. Though the Italian contribution to Louisianas culture is palpable and celebrated, at one time ethnic Italians were constantly embroiled in scandal, sometimes deserved and sometimes as scapegoats. The new immigrants hoped that they would be welcomed and see for themselves the streets paved with gold. Their new lives, however, were difficult. Italians in Louisiana faced prejudice, violence and political exile for their refusal to accept the southern racial mores. Author and historian Alan Gauthreaux documents the experience of those Italians who arrived in Louisiana over one hundred years ago.
About the Author
Mr. Gauthreaux was born and raised in the New Orleans area and served as a deputy with the Orleans Parish Criminal Sheriff's Office. Mr. Gauthreaux is a graduate of the University of New Orleans with bachelor's and master's degrees in History (with honors) . Prior to becoming a teacher, Mr. Gauthreaux worked as a legal investigator for some of the most prestigious law firms in New Orleans and Metairie, Louisiana. He has taught in middle school, high school, and college, and even worked as the National Outreach Coordinator for the National World War II Museum in New Orleans, drawing praise for his inventive educational programming and lively speaking engagements.
Mr. Gauthreaux presently teaches American History and Western Civilization courses in an adjunct capacity at a local community college. Mr. Gauthreaux is the author of "Italian Louisiana: History, Heritage and Tradition," "Dark Bayou: Infamous Louisiana Homicides," "Echoes of Valor: Ordinary Men, Extraordinary Lives," and the upcoming "Bloodstained Louisiana: Twelve Murder Cases, 1896-1934." His other previous works may be found in Civil War Times Magazine, America's Civil War Magazine, warhistoryonline.com, Louisiana History: The Journal of the Louisiana History Association, and Globe Communications.
