‘Looking for Voodoo’ looks at African and Louisiana ties

The Jeanerette Museum will present the history talk, “Looking for Voodoo,” at 6 p.m. on Feb. 22. This talk will explore the culture associated with the history of African diasporic religions, the most prominent example of which was Louisiana voodoo.
Leading the talk will be Jeffrey Anderson, the William R. Hammond professor of liberal arts at the University of Louisiana — Monroe. He has also worked as an assistant professor at Middle Georgia College and as an independent writing and research consultant.
His first book, “Conjure in African American Society,” examines black magical practices from colonial times to the rise of modern spiritual supply stores. In 2008, he finished a second book, “Hoodoo, Voodoo, and Conjure: A Handbook,” which he followed by editing the Voodoo Encyclopedia in 2015. Dr. Anderson’s current project is a focused on study of Mississippi Valley voodoo.
Hoodoo, voodoo and conjure are part of a mysterious world of African American spirituality that has long captured the popular imagination, according to the Jeanerette Museum news release. These magical beliefs and practices have figured in literary works by many authors.
This free program to be held at the museum located at 500 E. Main St., and is suitable for an adult audience. Seating may be limited and taken on a first come, first serve basis.
For information online visit www.jeanerettemuseum.com or email jeanerettemuseum@yahoo.com, or call the museum at 337-276-4408 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays.