The beautiful home of Mimi and Claude Schlesinger was the site on June 28 of the Historic New Orleans Collection’s thank-you dinner for Bienville Circle’s sponsorship of the exhibition, “American Democracy: A Great Leap of Faith.”

The exhibition, which was from the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service, takes a look at the evolution of American government, “of, by, and for the people.” It was on view through Oct. 8.

The Bienville Circle is the museum’s highest donor level.

“Thanks to this group’s generosity, thousands of museum visitors, including local students and citizens as well as tourists to our city, were able to experience the Smithsonian’s stirring and thought-provoking lesson in liberty,” said Daniel Hammer, president and CEO of The Historic New Orleans Collection.

“It was an honor for The Historic New Orleans Collection to host this engaging journey through American history.”

Remarks were also made by HNOC Board Chair Bonnie Boyd and HNOC Board Member, Bienville Circle and Laussat Society Chair Lisa Wilson. The Schlesingers, in addition to being the night’s hosts, were the 2023 Bienville Circle honorary chairs.

Ralph Brennan Catering was the party food purveyor and music was performed by the Eric Merchant Band. The home was adorned with flowers from Arbor House.

Fun Fact: Every year, the Bienville Circle sponsors an exhibition at THNOC.