The Louisiana Political Museum and Hall of Fame on April 6 hosted its 2024 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at the illustrious Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center, situated in the heart of Baton Rouge. Steeped in history, the Baton Rouge Capitol Center, formerly known as the Heidelberg Hotel, holds a significant place in Louisiana’s past. Once a favored residence of Governor Huey P. Long, the hotel even boasted a tunnel leading to the old Louisiana State Capitol.

In a nod to Governor Long’s legacy, museum director Shonna Moss felt it appropriate to hold this year’s event at one of Long’s cherished second homes, especially given the museum’s location in Winnfield, the birthplace of the legendary governor.

The ceremony saw the induction of seven distinguished individuals into the Louisiana Political Hall of Fame, among them the state’s former governor, John Bel Edwards. Joining Edwards were former Senator Louis Lambert, former State Representative Joe Delpit, Chairman of the Board of Regents Richard Lipsey, former President of the LA Chemical Association Dan Borné, radio journalist and WAFB’s political analyst Jim Engster, and former newspaper reporter and Pulitzer Prize winner Ed Anderson.

With the addition of these seven esteemed gentlemen, the Louisiana Political Museum and Hall of Fame now proudly boasts 243 luminaries in Louisiana politics. This diverse group includes journalists, politicos, visionaries, and pundits, all of whom have left an indelible mark on the state’s political landscape.

In addition to honoring individual achievements, the ceremony also recognized the Carter family as the recipient of the prestigious Family of Officeholders Award. The Carter family’s legacy of public service traces back to Judge Burrell Carter, former Mayor of Greensburg and Chief Judge of the First Circuit Court of Appeal. Carrying on his father’s political legacy, Robby Carter serves as the State Representative for District 72 and was recently appointed Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee.

Notably, the Honorable Jay Dardenne, former Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, and State Senator, served as the master of ceremonies for the event, adding an extra layer of prestige and significance to the proceedings.

The 2024 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony not only celebrated the accomplishments of these remarkable individuals but also underscored the enduring significance of Louisiana’s rich political history.