Otisha Paige

"Acadie Then and Now: A People's History" traces the history of Acadian and Cajun culture from 1605 to today.

All proceeds from book sales will go to 22 Acadian museums across the world.

In the lobby of Vermilionville, a cluster of people gathered around a table Sunday where Warren and Mary Perrin signed copies of their latest project, "Acadie Then and Now: A People's History." Publisher Philip Andrepont showed support while standing by a box of copies waiting to be purchased.

"I think they've done a great job putting it together," said Carrol Leblanc, while standing by with two copies in his hands. "It's a lot of work to get this together and make sure it's right."

"It's fascinating to learn everything about it and this was well worth it."

For Leblanc and other Acadians, "Acadie Then and Now" strikes a personal chord.

Leblanc, an Oliver native, remembered growing up speaking Cajun French in school and being punished until he learned to speak English. In spite of instances like this that emphasize assimilation, "Acadie and Now" tells the origins, struggles and ways Acadians and Cajuns have preserved their unique culture.

The 470-page book features articles from 50 authors worldwide and discusses demographic history, aspects of Cajun culture and what it means to be a black Cajun, among other topics. The Perrins served as directors for the written work and added the expertise of filmmaker Phil Comeau.

Referring to the filmmaker's insight, "He had absolutely amazing ideas," said Mary Perrin.

Taking notice of items representative of Acadian culture, Warren Perrin's curiosity was piqued.

"I wanted to know why we have an Acadian flag and other remnants of Acadie even though it ceased to exist three centuries ago," said Perrin.

Taking a look back in time, the French settled Acadie in 1605, which is now Nova Scotia in Canada. After 150 years of prosperity, the British exiled Acadians and forced them to explore other lands.

"No matter where Acadians were sent, they had to adapt to the climate, the food, and they even changed their names," said Perrin. "In our hearts today, it still exists."

Jason Theriot, an author and historian, traced Acadian culture all the way to Texas and wrote his article on Les "Pe-Te" Johnson, a radio host whose show focuses on Cajun music.

Among numerous connections that Cajuns share with each other, "music is one of those binding threads," said Theriot.

Another "binding thread" is an emphasis on family within Cajun culture.

Mary Perrin's favorite aspect of her culture is "our love for family and friends. We try to have family dinner every Sunday."

The project took three years to compile all research and pertinent information. The book focuses on 40 places in the world where Acadians reside such as Louisiana, Texas and Maine. The Perrins contributed eight articles in total. The book made its debut in August.

After finishing the collection of articles, Mary Perrin hopes readers will have a "better knowledge of who Acadians are, where we've been and where we're going."

The late George Rodrigue, a Cajun artist, supported the project by allowing the Perrins to use his 1977 painting, "Spinning Cotton in Erath," as the cover. All proceeds from the book sales will go to 22 Acadian museums located throughout the world. The Perrins asked historians who contributed to pick sites for donations.

"Acadie Then and Now: A People's History" is available for purchase at the Vermilionville gift shop.