The State Archives offers visitors the opportunity to research family history and a variety of governmental records, as well as appreciate various exhibits displayed throughout the year in our gallery and exhibit rooms.
Exhibit Rooms
Visitors to the State Archives can catch a "glimpse" of Louisiana's colorful past via its exhibit program. Upon entering the State Archives building, one has easy access to The Louisiana Room, where rare documents, photographs, artifacts, and other antiquities are displayed in eleven wall cases and two floor cases. Adjacent to the Louisiana Room is the The Gallery which has traditionally hosted such shows as the River Road Art Show, the Associated Women in the Art Show, and the National Society of Watercolorists. The Gallery is also used for the display of oversize artifacts as well as for small meetings. For exhibit schedules or rental information call 225.922.1000.
Wade O. Martin, Jr. Auditorium
Larger meetings are held in the Wade O. Martin Jr. Auditorium in the main lobby. This 100-seat facility is made available to groups for a minimal fee. The auditorium features theater seating with retractable writing platforms, state of the art sound and lighting systems, a stage, and a large video/television screen. The auditorium is dedicated to the memory of former Secretary of State Wade O. Martin, Jr. For meeting schedules or rental information call 225.922.1000.
Biography of Wade O. Martin, Jr.
Born on April 18, 1911, in Arnaudville, Louisiana, the son of Wade Omer and Alice Mills Martin, young Wade attended public schools in St. Martinville, Louisiana and later earned a B.A. in Education from Southwestern Louisiana Institute (now the University of Southwestern Louisiana) in 1932 and LLB and Juris Doctor degrees from Louisiana State University in 1935.
He served as an assistant attorney general from 1936-40 and practiced law from 1940 until his election as Secretary of State in 1944.
Martin was raised in the frenetic and colorful worlds of Acadiana and state politics. His father, the long-time sheriff of St. Martin Parish, won election in 1936 to the Louisiana Public Service Commission, remaining a member and serving several years as that body's chairman until his death in 1956.
Involvement in his father's campaigns enabled the younger Martin to develop political skills which proved essential in his own successful campaigns. He served continuously as Secretary of State until 1976, a longevity record which earned the bow-tied Martin the affectionate title of "Mr. Secretary of State."
His career was marked by the creation of the Louisiana State Archives, modernization of the Corporations (corporate filings) Division, the reform of Louisiana's election system, and a famous political feud between himself and Governor Earl K. Long during Long's final term. He was also a pioneering leader in support of the Council for the Development of French in Louisiana, the Louisiana-Quebec Cultural and Economic Exchange and the Louisiana Tourist Development Commission.
Of himself, Martin once observed, "I seem to have been born into public service, and the desire to help people has always been a part of my life." Wade Martin, Jr. died on August 5, 1990, following a lengthy illnesss.
Hours of Operation
The Louisiana State Archives is located at 3851 Essen Lane, Baton Rouge LA 70809, and isopen Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For questions regarding visiting the Louisiana State Archives, please call 225-922-1000.
The Archives Research Library hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and patrons wishing to research archival materials from the permanent collections are encouraged to schedule an appointment in advance by calling 225-922-1208. Access to archival material ends at 3 p.m. on weekdays.
The Archives lobby, exhibit rooms and Research Library are also open on the first Saturday of each month from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Access to archival material is not available on first Saturdays. Please note that when a major holiday falls on a Friday preceding or a Monday following the first Saturday of the month, the Archives Research Library will be closed on that first Saturday. **Please note that the Archives will be closed on Saturday, March 4, 2023 for a private event.**