New Iberia Honors Former Louisiana Governor Kathleen Blanco

A new statue and museum exhibit celebrate Blanco's life, leadership, and lasting impact on the state.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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The city of New Iberia, Louisiana unveiled a statue and museum exhibit honoring the legacy of former Governor Kathleen Blanco. Blanco was the first woman to serve as Louisiana's governor and led the state through the devastating Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita. The exhibit at the Bayou Teche Museum showcases Blanco's history, faith, family, and commitment to community, featuring her own personal artifacts and an interactive display allowing visitors to hear from her directly.

Why it matters

Kathleen Blanco's tenure as governor was marked by her compassionate leadership and dedication to serving all Louisianans, even the smallest communities. By honoring her legacy with a permanent statue and museum exhibit, New Iberia is ensuring her impact on the state will be remembered for generations to come.

The details

The dedication ceremony for the new statue and exhibit was held at the Sliman Theater for the Performing Arts in New Iberia. Blanco's family, state government representatives, and local residents attended the event. Veteran lobbyist Randy Haynie spoke about Blanco's legacy, calling her "a blessing for the state" and "Louisiana's hope and future." Current Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser, who worked closely with Blanco during Hurricane Katrina, praised her love and passion for helping people across the state, even in the smallest communities.

  • The dedication ceremony took place on Saturday, February 7, 2026.
  • The new exhibit at the Bayou Teche Museum is now on display.

The players

Kathleen Blanco

The first woman to serve as Louisiana's governor, Blanco led the state through Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita and was known for her compassionate leadership and dedication to all Louisianans.

Randy Haynie

A veteran lobbyist in Baton Rouge who spoke about Blanco's legacy at the dedication ceremony.

Billy Nungesser

The current Lieutenant Governor of Louisiana, who worked closely with Blanco during Hurricane Katrina and praised her love and passion for helping people across the state.

Misty Taylor

The curator who was at the forefront of creating the exhibit on Blanco's life and legacy at the Bayou Teche Museum.

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What they’re saying

“She was a blessing for the state. She was for many of us. And she was the blessing for Louisiana's hope and future.”

— Randy Haynie, Veteran Lobbyist

“She was by far my favorite partner that I worked with... her love and passion, not just for the big population areas, but every individual in this state. No matter how small, she took the time and attention.”

— Billy Nungesser, Lieutenant Governor of Louisiana

“She never gave up and stopped (on helping people). And she did that throughout the state of Louisiana. And many of the smaller towns and communities that we will never really know.”

— Billy Nungesser, Lieutenant Governor of Louisiana

“I had no idea how compassionate she was. She left a lasting impression on Louisiana and everyone in this room.”

— Misty Taylor, Exhibit Curator

What’s next

The new exhibit at the Bayou Teche Museum will be on display for the public to visit and learn about Kathleen Blanco's legacy.

The takeaway

By honoring Kathleen Blanco's compassionate leadership and dedication to serving all Louisianans, even the smallest communities, New Iberia is ensuring her profound impact on the state will be remembered for generations to come.