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The Historic New Orleans Collection
1979 33
2026 New Orleans Antiques Forum

Material Belief

Objects of Faith, Spirit, and Tradition

August 7 to August 9, 2026

Williams Research Center, 410 Chartres Street

The 2026 New Orleans Antiques Forum presents Material Belief: Objects of Faith, Spirit, and Tradition, a program exploring the rich world of antiques shaped by belief, devotion, and spiritual practice across cultures. This year’s forum examines historic objects connected to religious and spiritual traditions, from Catholic statuary and stained glass to cemeteries, synagogue artifacts, church furnishings, and more.

Through lectures, conversation, and other activities, attendees will explore the history and cultural context of objects that help communities express faith and spirituality. The program will highlight how these objects are made, used, and kept—and how they continue to function as powerful material expressions of belief throughout the American Gulf South.

Registration opens on June 3 for HNOC members and June 10 for the general public.

Event schedule, slate of speakers, and ticketing information coming summer of 2026. Subscribe to our email list to receive updates about HNOC events.

Explore the Antiques Forum

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French Baroque Music of New Orleans

Cover of a musical album titled French Baroque Music of New Orleans: Spiritual Songs from the Ursuline Convent (1736). The background is dark brown with a vintage texture, and the text is in white, aligned centrally.
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