Acadian Memorial honoring Longfellow with special events

ST. MARTINVILLE — The Acadian Memorial will honor legendary poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and his influence on the city during special events beginning next week.

The Memorial will kick off its celebration on Valentine’s Day with a 4 p.m. showing of the 1929 film “Evangeline” in the Conference Room. The film, based on Longfellow’s poem of the same name, was made in St. Martin Parish.

Following the movie, “Calling All Lovers” will take place at 6 p.m. The event is a reception at the Old Castillo Hotel/La Place de Evangeline Bed and Breakfast on Evangeline Boulevard.

Couples engaged or married under the Evangeline Oak will be honored. It will also serve as an opportunity to learn about Longfellow’s influence on St. Martinville as well as the history of the famed Evangeline Oak.

There will be opportunities to win prizes and refreshments will be served.

On Feb. 27, the Memorial will unveil a plaque honoring Longfellow at 11 a.m. under the Evangeline Oak. The plaque was donated by the St. Martinville Rotary Club.

The event will also serve as a commemoration and remembrance of Longfellow’s 200th birthday and the 160-year-old poem “Evangeline.”

The public is invited to attend both events.

The Memorial will sponsor other celebrations to honor Longfellow throughout the remainder of the year.