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The Historic New Orleans Collection

New Orleans, United States

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Comprehensive Guide to Visiting The Historic New Orleans Collection, New Orleans, United States

Date: 18/08/2024

Introduction

Welcome to The Historic New Orleans Collection (THNOC), a cornerstone of cultural preservation situated in the heart of the French Quarter. Established in 1966 by General L. Kemper Williams and his wife, Leila Hardie Moore Williams, THNOC serves as a vital repository of New Orleans and Gulf South history. The founders’ vision was to ensure the accessibility and preservation of their extensive collection of Louisiana-related artifacts. This commitment has led to the development of an institution that not only showcases historical artifacts but also serves as a dynamic educational and cultural center (Wikipedia).

THNOC is an exceptional destination for both locals and tourists, offering free admission to its various exhibitions and research facilities. The collection spans multiple historical buildings, including the Spanish Colonial Merieult House and the Williams Research Center, which houses over 30,000 library items and more than 500,000 photographs, prints, and drawings. These properties and their contents provide a comprehensive look into the architectural and cultural evolution of New Orleans (THNOC).

The institution’s significance extends beyond its collections. It plays a crucial role in educating the public through guided tours, special exhibitions, and interactive programs. For those keen on delving deeper into the history of New Orleans, the French Quarter Tours app offers themed walking tours, making THNOC not just a museum but a gateway to understanding the rich tapestry of the region’s heritage (New Orleans). Whether you’re interested in the largest private collection of Tennessee Williams materials or the architectural beauty of historical buildings, THNOC offers something for everyone.

Table of Contents

History and Significance of The Historic New Orleans Collection

Founding and Early Years

The Historic New Orleans Collection (THNOC) was established in 1966 by General L. Kemper Williams and his wife, Leila Hardie Moore Williams. The couple, who were avid collectors of Louisiana-related artifacts, aimed to preserve and make accessible their extensive collection of historical materials. The foundation bearing their names was created to ensure the financial support and continuity of the institution (Wikipedia).

The Williamses’ Contributions

The Williamses purchased two significant properties in the French Quarter in 1938: the Spanish Colonial Merieult House on Royal Street and a late 19th-century residence on Toulouse Street. These properties became the cornerstone of THNOC. The Merieult House, dating back to the 18th century, now serves as the main entrance to the collection and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places (Wikipedia).

Expansion and Development

Over the years, THNOC has expanded its facilities and holdings. In 1996, the Williams Research Center (WRC) was opened in a restored Beaux Arts building on Chartres Street. This center houses over 30,000 library items, more than two miles of documents and manuscripts, and over 500,000 photographs, prints, drawings, and paintings (Wikipedia). The WRC’s annex, completed in 2007, was the first new construction in the French Quarter since Hurricane Katrina (Wikipedia).

Notable Collections

THNOC boasts several notable collections, including the largest private collection of Tennessee Williams materials, acquired in 2001 from collector Fred Todd. This collection is a significant resource for researchers and enthusiasts of the playwright’s work (Wikipedia).

Architectural Significance

THNOC’s properties are not only repositories of historical artifacts but also exemplars of various architectural styles. The Merieult House, the Seignouret-Brulatour Building, and the Italianate brick townhouse that was the Williamses’ residence are all significant structures that have been meticulously restored. These buildings offer visitors a glimpse into the architectural evolution of New Orleans (THNOC).

Cultural and Educational Impact

THNOC plays a crucial role in preserving and disseminating the history and culture of New Orleans and the Gulf South. The institution offers a variety of guided and self-guided tours, educational programs, and special exhibitions. Its French Quarter Tours app provides themed walking tours that explore various aspects of the neighborhood’s history, including its architecture, literature, music, and the history of free people of color (New Orleans).

Free Admission and Accessibility

One of the most significant aspects of THNOC is its commitment to accessibility. The museum offers free admission to all its exhibitions and facilities, making it an ideal destination for both locals and tourists. The institution also provides clean and accessible spaces, on-site dining, and shopping options (Tatted Nomad).

Publishing and Research

In addition to its museum and research facilities, THNOC is also a prolific publisher. The institution has produced award-winning books and its own magazine, the Historic New Orleans Collection Quarterly. These publications aim to spread understanding of the region’s history, culture, music, and art (Tatted Nomad).

Visitor Information: Tickets, Hours, and Travel Tips

Tickets and Visiting Hours

THNOC offers free admission to all its exhibitions and facilities. The main museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM, and Sunday from 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM. The Williams Research Center operates Monday through Saturday from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM. It’s always a good idea to check their official website for the most current visiting hours and any special closures (THNOC).

Travel Tips and Nearby Attractions

Located in the heart of the French Quarter, THNOC is easily accessible by public transportation, and there are numerous parking options nearby. When planning your visit, consider exploring other nearby historical sites such as Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral, and the Cabildo. The French Market and Café du Monde are also within walking distance, offering a taste of New Orleans’ vibrant culture and cuisine.

Accessibility

THNOC is committed to accessibility for all visitors. The facilities are wheelchair accessible, and the staff is trained to assist visitors with disabilities. Guide dogs and service animals are welcome. For more detailed information, visitors can contact THNOC directly or visit their official website (THNOC).

Special Exhibitions and Events

THNOC hosts a variety of special exhibitions and events that delve into different aspects of New Orleans’ history. These exhibitions are often thought-provoking and cover a wide range of topics, from the city’s colonial past to its musical legacy. The institution’s special events calendar is filled with programming that celebrates Louisiana’s unique culture and history (THNOC).

Guided Tours and Photographic Spots

THNOC offers guided tours that provide in-depth insights into its collections and the history of New Orleans. These tours can be booked in advance through their website. Additionally, the picturesque courtyards and historic buildings make THNOC a fantastic spot for photography enthusiasts. Don’t miss the interactive smart table at the Welcome Center, which maps properties within the French Quarter, providing historical, architectural, legal, and sociological data (Tatted Nomad).

Future Developments

In 2023, THNOC began a renovation project to improve the Merieult House. During this period, most of the displays from this residence have been temporarily moved to the French Quarter Galleries at 520 Royal Street. This ongoing commitment to preservation and improvement ensures that THNOC remains a vital and dynamic institution (Tatted Nomad).

FAQ

What are the visiting hours for The Historic New Orleans Collection?

The main museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM, and Sunday from 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM. The Williams Research Center operates Monday through Saturday from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM.

How much are tickets for THNOC?

Admission to all exhibitions and facilities at THNOC is free of charge.

Are guided tours available at THNOC?

Yes, THNOC offers guided tours that can be booked in advance through their website.

Is THNOC accessible for visitors with disabilities?

Yes, THNOC is wheelchair accessible, and the staff is trained to assist visitors with disabilities. Guide dogs and service animals are welcome.

Must-See Exhibitions at The Historic New Orleans Collection in 2024

The Trail They Blazed

“The Trail They Blazed” is a traveling exhibition collaboratively built by THNOC with speakers and community members who participated in the local Civil Rights movement. This exhibition honors the legacy of those who fought for freedom and civil rights in New Orleans. It will be on display at the Main Library until August 23, 2024, and will be hosted by the Library’s REACH Center from December 2024 through March 2025. The exhibition includes oral histories from New Orleans Civil Rights pioneers such as Leona Tate, Malik Rahim, and Doratha “Dodie” Smith-Simmons (source).

A Vanishing Bounty: Louisiana’s Coastal Environment and Culture

Opening on June 21, 2024, “A Vanishing Bounty: Louisiana’s Coastal Environment and Culture” addresses the region’s natural abundance and the threats to its welfare. Through images, objects, and interactive multimedia installations, visitors can experience the beauty and utility of cypress forests, learn about the coastal peoples and their adaptations, and see the wildlife inhabiting the region’s land, air, and water (source).

New Lives for Old Things: Refashioning Southern Material Culture

The 2024 New Orleans Antiques Forum, held from August 8–11, 2024, will discuss the long lives of objects in historic practices and current concepts. Sessions will address the reasons objects are given second lives—cultural heritage, economic necessity, sustainability—as well as the skills required for adaptive reuse. This forum highlights the Gulf South’s rich heritage of skillful creativity and the endurance of antiques and heirlooms (source).

Elements of a Home: Curious Histories behind Everyday Household Objects

This exhibition, part of the 2024 New Orleans Antiques Forum, explores the histories behind everyday household objects. Curated by Amy Azzarito, a material culture historian, the exhibition delves into the stories of domestic objects, such as the evolution of the fork or the development of door knobs. This exhibition aims to give visitors a newfound appreciation for the objects that occupy their domestic sphere (source).

Louisiana Contemporary 2024

Presented by The Helis Foundation, “Louisiana Contemporary 2024” is the Ogden Museum of Southern Art’s annual juried exhibition featuring work by contemporary artists from across the state. This year’s juror, Lauren Haynes, has selected 41 works by 37 artists from over 1,000 submissions. The exhibition will be on view from August 3 to October 13, 2024 (source).

Bringing Africa to Mardi Gras

This exhibit at the TEP Center in the Lower Ninth Ward features animal skin drums and African print outfits of Mandio Warrior drummers from 1994 to 2004. Through these artifacts and supplemental photographs, the exhibit tells the story of how Cowrie Shells came to New Orleans and became part of the Black Masking Indian tradition. The exhibit can be viewed Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., starting August 3, 2024 (source).

Hunt Slonem: A Retrospective

“Hunt Slonem: A Retrospective” considers the influence of New Orleans on Slonem’s iconic work. His paintings feature intensely colorful subjects, often suspended in antique frames. This retrospective explores Slonem’s profound connection with New Orleans and the impact of its exotic mystique on his artistic vision. The exhibit is on view through September 30, 2024, at The Cabildo (source).

The Endurance of Antiques and Heirlooms

This exhibition, part of the 2024 New Orleans Antiques Forum, highlights the reasons objects are given second lives, such as cultural heritage, economic necessity, and sustainability. It also explores the skills required for adaptive reuse, including craft techniques and creative repair methods. The exhibition underscores the Gulf South’s rich heritage of skillful creativity and the endurance of antiques and heirlooms (source).

The Beauty and History of Louisiana’s Natural Environment

This interactive exhibition explores the beauty and history of Louisiana’s natural environment and the threats posed by human habitation. Visitors can learn about the institutions of slavery and mass incarceration and how these connections have made Louisiana the world leader in incarceration today (source).

Celebrating the Life & Work of Chuck Siler: Memorial & Exhibition

This exhibit at Ashé Cultural Arts Center honors Baba Chuck Siler’s life, times, and commitment to Black institutions. The exhibit is on display from May 25 to June 15, 2024 (source).

11th Annual HBCU Art Showcase

On view at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art from May 29 to September 29, 2024, the 11th Annual HBCU Art Showcase spotlights student artists at Dillard University and Xavier University of Louisiana. The exhibit features paintings, metal casting, ceramics, and mixed media, providing a platform for young students of color to share their voice (source).

Sand, Ash, Heat: Glass at the New Orleans Museum of Art

“Sand, Ash, Heat: Glass at the New Orleans Museum of Art” looks at the more than 4,000-year history of glass around the world and how it intersects with scientific discoveries, foodways, and artistic innovations. The exhibit includes ceramics, pottery, glassware, furniture, and even a chandelier. It will be on view from August 30, 2024, to February 10, 2025 (source).

Rebellious Spirits: Prohibition and Resistance in the South

This exhibition at the New Orleans Museum of Art explores the history of Prohibition and resistance in the South. It includes photographs by Carla J. Williams and highlights the museum’s exceptional collection across genres and disciplines (source).

Called to the Camera: Black American Studio Photographers

This ongoing exhibition at the New Orleans Museum of Art showcases the work of Black American studio photographers. It explores the history and impact of these photographers on the art world and their communities (source).

The Orléans Collection

An exhibition of 40 European masterpieces from the collection of the city’s namesake, Philippe II, Duc d’Orléans, “The Orléans Collection” is on view at the New Orleans Museum of Art. This exhibition sheds new light on human creativity, ingenuity, and artistic achievement across time periods and cultures (source).

East of the Mississippi: Nineteenth Century American Landscape Photography

This exhibition at the New Orleans Museum of Art focuses on nineteenth-century American landscape photography. It highlights the museum’s exceptional collection and explores the history and impact of these photographs (source).

Changing Course: Reflections on New Orleans Histories

This exhibition at the New Orleans Museum of Art features seven contemporary art projects that reimagine stories from New Orleans’ past. It highlights the museum’s exceptional collection and explores the history and impact of these stories (source).

Ancestors of Congo Square: AfricanArt in the New Orleans Museum of Art

This exhibition at the New Orleans Museum of Art showcases African art and its influence on the culture of New Orleans. It highlights the museum’s exceptional collection and explores the history and impact of African art on the city (source).

References

  • Wikipedia. (n.d.). The Historic New Orleans Collection. source
  • THNOC. (n.d.). Visit. source
  • New Orleans. (n.d.). The Historic New Orleans Collection. source
  • Tatted Nomad. (n.d.). Historic New Orleans Collection: Why Visit this Outstanding NOLA Gem. source
  • NOLA City Archives. (2024). Program: The Trail They Blazed. source
  • New Orleans. (2024). Must-See Museum Exhibits in New Orleans This June. source
  • New Orleans. (2024). Must-See Museum Exhibits in New Orleans This August. source
  • NOMA. (2024). Major Exhibitions 2024. source
  • CN Traveler. (n.d.). The Historic New Orleans Collection. source
  • Forever Vacation. (n.d.). The Historic New Orleans Collection. source
  • Southern Trippers. (n.d.). Best Time to Visit New Orleans. source

Visit The Most Interesting Places In New Orleans

The Presbytère
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