NEW ORLEANS (press release) – The Louisiana History Galleries at The Historic New Orleans Collection have been described in travel guides as one of the best introductions to multicultural history of this area, but they have been closed since the start of the coronavirus pandemic. On Friday, Nov. 26, this flagship experience returned to the community for the first time in 21 months.
Located in THNOC’s original campus at 533 Royal St. in the heart of the French Quarter, this free museum experience allows visitors to embark on their own self-guided journey through time. Each of the 13 galleries explores a different era, beginning with the earliest days of the colonial period through the beginnings of the 21st century. Visitors will see a wide array of original art, maps, decorative works, and artifacts from the history museum’s permanent holdings, including objects such as:
• Original documents from the Louisiana Purchase, including a coded letter from Robert Livingston to James Madison
• Examples of 19th-century immortelles made with locks of hair
• The drum of Jordan Noble, who was enslaved when he served as a drummer for the Seventh US Infantry Regiment during the Battle of New Orleans.
• Works of decorative art made in this area, including New Orleans–made silver, porcelain, and furniture
• The original Sugar Bowl trophy from 1935
When the Louisiana History Galleries at THNOC reopen, they will be available to patrons Tuesday– Saturday, 9:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., and Sunday, 10:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., excluding holidays. Admission is free and more information is available by visiting www.hnoc.org or by calling (504) 523-4662.
