FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Liberty, TX – The Sam Houston Regional Library and Research Center (SHC), part of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission, will host a special event on Gulf Coast pirate Jean Laffite on Thursday, Aug. 21 at 7 p.m.  

Jim Nonus, Jean Laffite expert and co-founder of the Laffite Society, will explore the pirate’s time in Southeast Texas, including his role in Liberty County’s French settlement, Champ d’Asile. He will also discuss the creation of his newly debuted “Laffite: The Musical” and share some of the songs composed. As part of the event, Center staff will offer a special viewing of items from SHC’s historic Jean Laffite Collection.

Nonus is a fifth generation Galvestonian, born on the island. He is an artist, author and lyricist with membership in the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers. Nonus has performed on stage and on television and has spent a lifetime studying and speaking on Jean Laffite.

This event is free and open to the public. No registration required. Contact the Center at (936) 336-8821 or SamHoustonCenter@tsl.texas.gov for more information.

The Sam Houston Center is a component of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission and serves as the official regional historical resource depository for the 10 Southeast Texas counties of Chambers, Hardin, Jasper, Jefferson, Liberty, Newton, Orange, Polk, San Jacinto and Tyler. The Center's primary mission is to collect, preserve and provide access to historically significant state and local government records and publications of the designated region and secondarily to serve as a library of Texana and genealogical resources.

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The Texas State Library and Archives Commission provides Texans access to the information needed to be informed, productive citizens by preserving the archival record of Texas; enhancing the service capacity of public, academic and school libraries; assisting public agencies in the maintenance of their records; and meeting the reading needs of Texans with disabilities. For more information, visit www.tsl.texas.gov.