When did you first hear of the Napoleonic Code? Was it when Stanley Kowalski asked Stella about Belle Reve in A Streetcar Named Desire by famed playwright Tennessee Williams? He said, “Did you ever hear of the Napoleonic Code, Stella?… Now just let me enlighten you on a point or two… Now we got here in the state of Louisiana what’s known as the Napoleonic Code. You see, now according to that, what belongs to the wife belongs to the husband also and vice versa…”

A charismatic, flamboyant ruler and champion of the downtrodden, Napoleon is revered to this day. His Civil Code, his most outstanding legacy, stabilized France and still impacts the laws of many nations, even here in the Miss-Lou. Now for what more could the ruler of a world power wish almost 200 years after his death?

The above words from retired educator Judy Wiggins offer just a tidbit of what she will share about her research on this subject when she entertains us as the speaker at the annual banquet of the Natchez Historical Society. Wiggins has recently retired from Copiah-Lincoln Community College where she was the Humanities Coordinator, teaching Composition, American Literature, Creative Writing, Journalism and Study Skills. She has lectured for the Mississippi Humanities Council, the Louisiana Humanities Council, Elderhostel International, the Natchez Literary and Cinema Celebration, and numerous schools and civic groups.

Co-founding the Mississippi Association for Developmental Education, Judy has served as president, treasurer, newsletter editor and the conference coordinator for Mississippi. She is the author of a cookbook entitled In the Heart of Ponder County and is the co-editor of The River: The Natchez Poetry Anthology. Judy enjoys historical reenactments and has played the roles of Judith Sargent Murray, Varina Howell Davis, and Mary Todd Lincoln.

The Natchez Historical Society was organized for the purpose of educating the membership about the history of Natchez and its surrounding areas. We are excited about the yearlong observance in 2016 commemorating the tricentennial of the settlement of Natchez in 1716. Some very interesting and informative monthly programs are planned to coincide with the tricentennial celebration. Incoming officers for 2016-2018 are: President, Judge Charlie Vess; Vice-President, Bruce Brice; Secretary, Joan McLemore; Treasurer, Page Ogden; Programs Chair, Stratton Bull; Publicity Chair, Kathy King; Genealogical/Historical Chair, Melton King; Fellowship Chair, Pat Galloway; and Membership Chair, Marsha Colson. Anyone is welcome to become a member of the Natchez Historical Society which meets monthly except for June, July and August. Dues are $15.00 and can be paid at the banquet.

Please make plans to attend the annual banquet of the Natchez Historical Society on Tuesday, January 26, at 6:30 p.m. at the Hotel Vue, 130 John R. Junkin Drive. The cost of the banquet is $25.00 per person for dinner and dessert. A cash bar will be available. Reservations must be made by January 16 by calling 601-446-5742. Come celebrate Natchez with the Natchez Historical Society!

 

Kathy King is the publicity chair for the Natchez Historical Society.