The University of Louisiana at Lafayette is conducting research on the history of the offshore oil industry in Louisiana. The project will focus on the development of the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) and its impact on the culture of south Louisiana. The study is being conducted for the Minerals Management Service of the United States Department of the Interior in order to synthesize information already collected from previous studies of the OCS. The UL Lafayette History Department is seeking information from individuals involved in the development of the offshore oil industry to facilitate the study. UL Lafayette is working in conjunction with the University of Arizona, the University of Houston , and Louisiana State University .

Goals of the project include understanding the nature and evolution of the offshore oil and gas industry in Louisiana, identifying factors which helped shape the industry, and bridging the gap between school and community. The UL Lafayette History and Geography Department will conduct interviews with individuals who have worked on and have knowledge of the industry. At UL Lafayette, the project is headed by Dr. Robert Carriker and Dr. Robert Gramling. David DiTucci and Steven Wiltz served as Graduate Research Assistants on the project. Information from the project will be housed at Dupré Library on the campus of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.