The Historic New Orleans Collection

Reminder: registration closes for our 2024 Study Tour on January 19!

Embarking May 29 – June 7, 2024, this year's tour will explore Germany's rich, fascinating, and complicated history. Spanning Berlin, Leipzig, and Munich, join us for visits to remarkable palaces and museums, poignant memorials, beautiful parks and gardens, cultural and historical sites, and much more.

Accompanied by our knowledgeable THNOC staff experts, Study Tours are a great way to see the world while supporting THNOC's mission.

Download the brochure and learn more: https://brnw.ch/21wFYdF

Study Tours | The Historic New Orleans Collection Every year, The Historic New Orleans Collection offers both international study tours and regional trips. International Study Tours Springtime German Treasures Berlin, Leipzig, Munich May 29–June 7, 2024 DOWNLOAD BROCHURE REGISTER NOW Join The Historic New Orleans Collection on its 2024 internatio...

Last Saturday, THNOC hosted a whirlwind of Carnival celebrations and cultural connections! In the morning, The Shop at The Collection teamed up with King Cake Connection to kick off the season in style, with help from Treme Brass Band and party boutique!

We were also thrilled to host a delegation from the Rotary Club Orléans (France), including special guest Ms. Clairvie Quesne, the 2023 Orléans, France, Jeanne d’Arc, who is visiting through January 9 as part of a new cultural exchange between our cities. THNOC welcomed the delegation and Ms. Quesne — joined by Emmeline L. Meyer (honorary Jeanne d'Arc for 2023’s Twelfth Night procession in New Orleans) and Marley Marsalis (our 2024 Jeanne) with a tour of our historic buildings and French-related collections.

And, in the evening, our Caillot Circle membership group for young professionals held their annual toast to the Krewe de Jeanne d'Arc, the first parade of the Carnival Season! We were honored to be joined by Mayor LaToya Cantrell and Consulate General of France in Louisiana Rodolphe Sambou for this yearly tradition celebrating New Orleans's French heritage.

Check out photos from Saturday's events below!

Stop by The Shop at The Collection for King Cakes and Mardi Gras themed items from local bakers and vendors all season long at 520 Royal Street.

Join Caillot Circle: https://brnw.ch/21wFVXS


Joan of Arc parade and reception photos by Amber Shields (THNOC)

Now that the season is in full swing, THNOC is your destination for all things through on February 13!

To get you in the spirit, we'll be featuring rarely-seen archival footage from New Orleans's Mardi Gras past, explorations into our Carnival-themed collections and past exhibitions, plus posts from our First Draft blog that dive into the diverse cultures and traditions of New Orleans.

Grab your slice of King Cake and explore our Mardi Gras-themed content now at hnoc.org/carnival!


Maroon Queen Cherice, 2020. Photograph by Ryan Hodgson-Rigsbee (THNOC # 2021.0203.11)

At the end of the 19th century, somewhere between 20 and 40 percent of American men belonged to at least one fraternal order. Why were they so popular?

Beyond the social perks—illustrated by this invite to an Odd Fellows Carnival ball—there were many tangible benefits to membership, including aid for wages lost due to illness, medical expenses, and funeral costs. This meant orders had an outsized economic impact on their communities, benefitting physicians, undertakers, newspapers that published lodge notices, brass bands who performed at parades, and regalia-makers.

Explore the hidden history of the Crescent City at "A Mystic Brotherhood: Fraternal Orders of New Orleans," on view until May 10!

Admission is free: https://brnw.ch/21wFS7i


Invitation to the Two Well-Known Gentlemen Carnival ball at Odd Fellows Hall (reproduction),1887. Color lithograph (THNOC # 1979.254.29)

We are excited to share that Fatima Shaik, author of "Economy Hall: The Hidden History of a Free Black Brotherhood" (published by THNOC), will host a presentation in collaboration with Hermann-Grima + Gallier Historic Houses next week!

On Wednesday, January 10, at 6 p.m. CST, Fatima's 45-minute presentation will highlight some of the distinguished members of Economy Hall, the most important organization created by free people of color in the South in terms of its longevity, international reach, and cultural impact.

Learn more and RSVP for free: https://brnw.ch/21wFQcJ
About the book: https://brnw.ch/21wFQcH

Who Were The Economy Society Members? Join us for this virtual Gallier Gathering with Fatima Shaik, author of Economy Hall: The Hidden History of a Free Black Brotherhood

"Throw me somethin’, mister!" From sweet treats handed from ladies in carriages, to today’s wonderfully colorful souvenir trinkets of sparkling, blinking plastic, throws have a long history in the celebration of Carnival in New Orleans, but they also bring unintended consequences.

Just in time for the season, we're excited to announce "It's the Gettin’, Not the Havin’!", our new free tour about the history and challenges brought by the most iconic symbol of Mardi Gras.

The tour is offered at 12:30 pm each Saturday and no RSVP is required: simply speak to a member of our visitor services team at 520 Royal Street to begin!

Learn more and plan your visit: https://brnw.ch/21wFOiD


"Mardi Gras Parade," ca. 1946–1956. Photograph by Homer Emory Turner. Gift of Ms. Beverly T. Lynds (THNOC # 2002.84.20)

Michael P. Smith During his nearly forty-year career, photographer Michael P. Smith (1937-2008) immersed himself in the larger world of New Orleans’ musical culture. At public events, from music festivals and concerts to…

Friday, January 5, is : the official beginning of season, and you're invited to celebrate with us at The Shop at The Collection on January 6!

From 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. this Saturday, don your festive finery and enjoy music from Treme Brass Band, pose at our Carnival shimmer wall photo station, or decorate your very own Mardi Gras mask. Admission is free!

RSVP to the Facebook event: https://brnw.ch/21wFMV4

New this year, we are excited to partner with Black-owned bakeries from the King Cake Connection, including Adrians Bakery, Violaheritagebreads, A.J. Treats, Heavenly Sweets LLC, MadiCakez, and NOLA Cookie Co., whose king cakes and Carnival-themed treats will be for sale throughout the season.

The Shop is also excited to introduce Mardi Gras-themed items from two new vendors: Conrad Rose and DomChanel Mixed Media Arts.

We'll see you Saturday!

Happy New Year from all of us at The Historic New Orleans Collection! THNOC's museum, shop, and Williams Research Center are closed today in observance of New Year's Day and will reopen tomorrow.

With the holidays behind us, help us kick off the Carnival season this Saturday, January 6, with Caillot Circle and the Krewe of Jeanne d’Arc!

Raise your glass at THNOC's annual champagne toast and salute the Krewe de Jeanne d’Arc on . The event is free and open to members of Caillot Circle, THNOC's membership group for young professionals age 21–45.

Not a member? Join today as an individual or a couple: https://brnw.ch/21wFJzi
Already a member? RSVP: https://brnw.ch/21wFJze


Photo by Amber Shields Johnson (THNOC)

Caillot Circle for Young Professionals | The Historic New Orleans Collection Are you 21-45 years of age? If you are, please consider being a part of the Caillot Circle, a membership group focused on young professionals between the ages of 21 and 45. Members enjoy all of the benefits of general membership, as well as opportunities to participate in several exclusive events.

The Historic New Orleans Collection's museum, shop, and Williams Research Center are closed today and tomorrow in observance of New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. We look forward to seeing you in the new year when we reopen on Tuesday, January 2.

The staff and board of The Collection wish you and yours a wonderful, safe, and happy new year!


"Canal Street looking towards the Merry Christmas sign. About 20 minutes," 1915. Photograph by John Tibule Mendes. Gift of Waldemar S. Nelson (THNOC # 2003.0182.71)

Tonight at 7 p.m. CST, WLAE-TV New Orleans Public Television will rebroadcast THNOC's 2022 presentation of "Concert Spirituel: Saint-Domingue and New Orleans." We hope you can tune in!

The 15th edition of Musical Louisiana: America's Cultural Heritage, "Concert Spirituel" was co-presented by THNOC and Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra at St. Louis Cathedral. Under the baton of guest conductor Pedro Memelsdorff, the performance resurrected forgotten music from the 18th-century Caribbean, including a 1763 Mass setting written by the Jesuits intended to be sung for and by enslaved people featuring performances by OperaCréole.

Learn more: https://brnw.ch/21wFHHR


Support for this program was provided by the Edgar “Dooky” Jr. Chase and Leah Chase Foundation, the New Orleans Tourism and Cultural Fund - NOTCF, Acción Cultural Española, AC/E through the Programme for the Internationalisation of Spanish Culture, and the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation.

For a bonus post on this , we're sharing a just-published overview of a recent THNOC acquisition -- a collection of essays and family papers related to Dr. Louis Charles Roudanez, the Creole physician and newspaperman who became a leader of the Reconstruction-era civil rights movement in New Orleans.

The collection will be the subject of the keynote address at THNOC's 2024 History Symposium, the theme of which is "Above the Fold: The History of Newspapers in Louisiana." Read more about the Symposium and plan to attend the February 24 event: https://brnw.ch/21wFH5e

Dr. Louis Charles Roudanez: A Revolutionary's Life in Letters | The Historic New Orleans Collection Since 2015 THNOC has sought to acquire a collection of essays and family papers related to Dr. Louis Charles Roudanez, the Creole physician and newspaperman who became a leader of the Reconstruction-era civil rights movement in New Orleans. This summer, they arrived at The Collection following a len...

As this year comes to a close, we are excited to present our First Draft retrospective featuring the top posts from 2023!

Read now: https://brnw.ch/21wFGTl

Our top 10 stories featured local celebrities, including Richard Simmons, Vic and Nat’ly, and Chris Owens; pondered the impact of the Roman Empire in New Orleans; covered histories of immigration to our city' shone a light on spooky stories of our past; and more.

Check out our most popular posts and sign up for our First Draft newsletter to receive stories from New Orleans history in your inbox every month!

We take pride in our mission to preserve and illuminate the rich history of Louisiana and the Gulf South. Much of this work happens in our internship programs, where professionals provide valuable experiences to budding historians, archivists, and researchers. Beyond growing their skills, our interns also contribute to research projects that help uncover hidden histories and ensure that voices of the past are not forgotten.

As the year draws to a close, please consider the impact you can make on the future of history by supporting THNOC with a tax-deductible gift or membership. Thank you!

Donate or join today: https://brnw.ch/21wFDIX


Photos by Amber Shields Johnson (THNOC)

This preservationist has devoted her life's work to saving New Orleans' historic architecture This is the first story in The Guardians, a 6-part series highlighting those dedicated to saving and passing down New Orleans' unique heritage.

Merry Christmas from the staff and board of The Historic New Orleans Collection! Our offices, museum, shop, and Williams Research Center are closed today in observance of the holiday.

Have family in town for the season? Stop by THNOC and visit our free French Quarter History Galleries at 520 Royal Street, or book our fun and informative "New Orleans Mosaic" tour for an excellent introduction to the history and culture of New Orleans.

Plan your visit: https://brnw.ch/21wFAQl

Please note: THNOC will be closed December 31 and January 1 in observance of the New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.


"Joyeux Noël" Christmas card, ca. 1944–1954. Illustration by Marjorie Clark. Gift of Dr. Edward B. Ferguson Jr. (THNOC # 1999.50.48)

Happy holidays from the staff and board of THNOC! Though our museum, shop, and cafe are closed today and tomorrow in observance of Christmas, we are excited to share a recording from our recent holiday collaboration with the New Orleans Concert Band!

On December 10 at St. Louis Cathedral - Cathedral-Basilica of St. Louis King of France, THNOC and the band partnered to present "Festive Favorites: A Celebration of Community Music Making." Led by Music Director Dr. Charles Taylor, the free concert served as a holiday tribute to New Orleans's music traditions, with a special guest appearance by former WDSU News anchor Norman Robinson who narrated "Twas The Night Before Christmas."

Sit back, relax, and enjoy a little holiday joy from our family to yours!


This concert was presented as part of by French Quarter Festivals, Inc, an annual series of free holiday concerts in the French Quarter.

Festive Favorites: A Celebration of Community Music Making feat. New Orleans Concert Band “The bandstand is a sacred place.” – Wynton MarsalisLarge musical ensembles featuring brass, woodwind, and percussion instruments date back to the Age of Rev...

Looking for that perfect last-minute gift for the New Orleans "cultcha-lovas" in your life? Look no further than our Vic and Nat'ly prints by artist Bunny Matthews, available at The Shop at The Collection!

Earlier this year, THNOC acquired the Bunny Matthews collection, which means you can now gift your own iconic piece of New Orleans pop culture.

Shop in-store at 520 Royal Street until 4:30 pm today.

Read our First Draft blog post about the Bunny Matthews Collection: https://brnw.ch/21wFzIh

The Historic New Orleans Collection loved being French Quarter neighbors of K-Paul's Louisiana Kitchen for many delicious years. Read about the next chapter for the structure where chef Paul Prudhomme made culinary history in Stephanie Riegel's story for NOLA.com:

Historic New Orleans Collection buys old K-Paul's Kitchen for $5M The Historic New Orleans Collection has purchased the original K-Paul’s Louisiana Kitchen building at 416 Chartres Street in the French Quarter for $5 million, further expanding its campus of museums,

For a city in the subtropics, New Orleans has made its mark on the wintry landscape of holiday recordings.

From the golden age of midcentury Christmas music featuring local stars like Mahalia Jackson, Louis Armstrong, and Louis Prima to today's top New Orleans artists including Big Freedia, tune in to our special feature and bring some Louisiana flavor to your holiday music traditions!

Check out the blog post and be sure to add our Spotify playlist to your music library: https://brnw.ch/21wFyvk

'Tis the season . . . for Louisiana holiday music | The Historic New Orleans Collection For a city in the subtropics, New Orleans has had no trouble making its mark on the wintry landscape of holiday recordings. In the golden age of midcentury Christmas music, New Orleans–born recording stars such as Mahalia Jackson, Louis Armstrong, and Louis Prima contributed tracks to compilation ...

Organized by free men of color and built in the neo-Gothic style in 1844, St. James was the first African Methodist Episcopal church established in the Deep South.

Richmond Lodge No. 1, which was affiliated with Prince Hall Freemasonry, was organized at the church in 1849 by Rev. Thomas W. Stringer. The Prince Hall Masons would become known for their social-justice activism from the Reconstruction era through the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and ’60s.

A testament to the legacy of Prince Hall Freemasonry, the second photo shows members of Axiom Lodge No. 216, affiliated with the Prince Hall Masons, laying famed clarinetist and lodge member George Lewis to rest in the McDonoghville Cemetery in Gretna, Louisiana in 1969.

Explore the impact of fraternal orders on the Crescent City at "A Mystic Brotherhood," on view through May 10.

Reserve free tickets: https://brnw.ch/21wFwtb


This exhibition is made possible with support from media sponsor WWLTV.

St. James African Methodist Episcopal Church, 222 N. Roman Street (reproduction), 1994. By Jan White Brantley, photographer; Libby Nevinger, photographic printmaker (THNOC # 1994.138.34).

Member of Axiom Lodge No. 216 at the funeral of George Lewis, 1969. Photograph by Effie M. Stockton. Gift of Effie M. Stockton (THNOC # 2010.0100.4)

Organized by free men of color and built in the neo-Gothic style in 1844, St. James was the first African Methodist Episcopal church established in the Deep South.

Richmond Lodge No. 1, which was affiliated with Prince Hall Freemasonry, was organized at the church in 1849 by Rev. Thomas W. Stringer. The Prince Hall Masons would become known for their social-justice activism from the Reconstruction era through the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and ’60s.

A testament to the legacy of Prince Hall Freemasonry, the second photo shows members of Axiom Lodge No. 216, affiliated with the Prince Hall Masons, laying famed clarinetist and lodge member George Lewis to rest in the McDonoghville Cemetery in Gretna, Louisiana in 1969.

Explore the impact of fraternal orders on the Crescent City at "A Mystic Brotherhood," on view through May 10.

Reserve free tickets: https://brnw.ch/21wFwsh


This exhibition is made possible with support from media sponsor WWLTV.

St. James African Methodist Episcopal Church, 222 N. Roman Street (reproduction), 1994. By Jan White Brantley, photographer; Libby Nevinger, photographic printmaker (THNOC # 1994.138.34).

Member of Axiom Lodge No. 216 at the funeral of George Lewis, 1969. Photograph by Effie M. Stockton. Gift of Effie M. Stockton (THNOC # 2010.0100.4)

Looking for that perfect last-minute gift? Stop by The Shop at The Collection and browse our curated selection of books!

Shop online (for pick up before 12/24) or pop by the shop at 520 Royal Street to find books about New Orleans, THNOC published releases, cookbooks, books for children, banned books, and much more. And, for the photography-lovers in your life, don't forget our newest release, "Louisiana Lens" by John H. Lawrence, is now available.

Shop our books: https://brnw.ch/21wFuq7
Buy "Louisiana Lens": https://brnw.ch/21wFuq6

While the holidays are just around the corner, is fast approaching. Kick off the season with Caillot Circle and the Krewe of Jeanne d’Arc!

Raise your glass at THNOC's annual champagne toast and salute to the Krewe de Jeanne d’Arc on : Saturday, January 6. The event is free and open to members of Caillot Circle, THNOC's membership group for young professionals age 21–45.

Already a member? RSVP: https://brnw.ch/21wFsIj
Not a member? Join or give the gift of membership: https://brnw.ch/21wFsIjhttps://www.hnoc.org/support/caillot-circle


Photos by Amber Shields Johnson (THNOC)

This year marks the 75th anniversary of WDSU News, the first television station in New Orleans. THNOC is proud to share many historical connections with the station, including the site of WDSU's one-time studio at the Seignouret-Brulatour House in the French Quarter–now the location of our museum at 520 Royal Street.

It was within these hallowed walls where history was made, as captured in this 1950s-era photo of Dick Van D**e and Maggie Brooks filming on the WDSU set.

We highly recommend that you watch WDSU's segment about how the station came to be, which incorporates footage from THNOC's archives: https://brnw.ch/21wFpXk

Watch all 75th Anniversary coverage: https://brnw.ch/21wFpXj


Dick Van D**e and Maggie Brooks, ca. 1949-1959. Photograph by Charles F. Weber (THNOC # 2012.0208.1.7)

"In 1992, Ronald W. Lewis asked me if I would run the Double Nine with him. It was the first time having a parade in the Lower Ninth Ward. I thought about how they kept saying we could never organize nothing down here. That was my driving point—to show Uptown, and all-around town, that it can be done. That I can put it together!"

– Robert Starks

is back! Watch for the Big Nine taking it to the lower and upper 9th Ward from 12 to 4 p.m. today, and learn more about the group in our club narrative, produced in collaboration with the Neighborhood Story Project. See you on the street!

Club narrative: https://brnw.ch/21wFoqU
Route info from WWOZ 90.7 FM New Orleans: https://brnw.ch/21wFoqT


Image: Santa Claus comes out the door; 2016; by and courtesy of MJ Mastrogiovanni

Big Nine | The Historic New Orleans Collection Everybody got to carry they own weight in a social and pleasure club. In 1992, Ronald W. Lewis asked me if I would run the Double Nine with him. It was the first time having a parade in the Lower Ninth Ward. I thought about how they kept saying we could never organize nothing down here. That was my....

Our traveling exhibition, "The Trail They Blazed," has settled into its new home at University of Holy Cross's Kern Library on the West Bank.

Accessible to library visitors, "The Trail They Blazed" is a traveling exhibition, developed by THNOC in collaboration with community leaders and organizations, that tells the story of the Civil Rights Movement in New Orleans. Through interactive displays, oral histories, and photography, the exhibition explores boycotts, public school desegregation, the 1963 March on City Hall, and other key moments in a struggle that continues to this day.Learn more and plan your visit: https://brnw.ch/21wFnGQ

Thank you to all who joined us Wednesday for "Timely and Timeless: Photography in Louisiana History," a lecture presented in collaboration with PhotoNOLA, the international festival of photography!

The lecture focused on a selection of photos featured in THNOC's new book "Louisiana Lens: Photography from the Historic New Orleans Collection" by author John H. Lawrence, former photography curator at The Collection. Lawrence was joined by his friend and former colleague Jeff L. Rosenheim, photography curator at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. The lecture was followed by a reception and book signing at 520 Royal Street.

If you were unable to attend, watch our recording of the lecture livestream here: https://brnw.ch/21wFmZs

Purchase "Louisiana Lens": https://brnw.ch/21wFmZu

Thank you to the New Orleans Photo Alliance for making this annual collaboration possible!

Looking for something festive to do this weekend? Join The French Quarter Museum Association on Sunday, December 17, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. for a celebration of the season with live music, cocktails, and historic homes, followed by caroling in Jackson Square! Admission is $10 and includes bathroom access.

Learn more and RSVP: https://brnw.ch/21wFmBK

The French Quarter Museum Association is a collection of 13 organizations that support 11 Museums in the French Quarter. Learn more at fqma.org.