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A worker in an ice factory grips an ice block with tongs.
First Draft

The Big Freezy

Sweltering New Orleans played a pivotal role in the history of man-made ice.  

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Amanda McFillen, HNOC Director of Audience Engagement, speaking on NOLA Now about Museum Month activities happening now at the museum.
HNOC in the News

NOLA Now: HNOC Offering Free Tours and Special Perks During Museum Month

August 11, 2026
Organized by New Orleans & Company each August, members of participating local museums receive free access to all other participating institutions throughout the month.
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View of window display at Maison Blanche department store. The mannequins are modeling swimwear, including a two-piece. A school of fish mounted on the wall behind.
Collection highlights

Maison Blanche Collection

Memories of the lost art of window dressing

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Casa de la Legacion de Espana en Filadelfia
Events

Spain and the American Revolution along the Mississippi River

September 24 to September 26, 2026
Presented by the Queen Sofía Spanish Institute (QSSI), join us for a special symposium exploring Spain’s strategic, social, and cultural impact on the American Revolution.
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Michael Mamp Headshot
Events

Public Session: Fashioning Belief and Commitment

August 7, 2026, 3–4 p.m.
Join us for a free lecture at HNOC’s 2026 Antiques Forum exploring life’s milestones through fashion, featuring Michael E. Mamp, curator of the LSU Textile and Costume Museum.
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2026 Summer Quarterly cover
Quarterly

Well Suited: Maison Blanche at Mid-Century

Summer 2026
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An image of Club My-O-My master of ceremonies Jimmy Callaway dressed as a Southern belle.
First Draft

When the Drag Queens of Club My-O-My Ruled the Lake

Straddling gender and parish lines on piers over Lake Pontchartrain, tourists flocked to see “The World’s Most Beautiful Boys in Women’s Attire.” 

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Children are playing chess at a table covered with a blue cloth in a busy room. One child looks thoughtful while contemplating a move. Adults and other children are engaged in activities at surrounding tables.
Events

2026 Chess Club Meeting

September 12, 2026, 1–3 p.m.
Join HNOC’s free, all-ages Chess Club to learn more about the game and help plan future gatherings and events.
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A young girl in glasses, wearing a striped shirt, thoughtfully playing chess with purple and yellow pieces. She is sitting at a blue table among other concentrated players in a room with several chess games in progress.
Events

2026 Chess Club Meeting

July 11, 2026, 1–3 p.m.
Join HNOC’s free, all-ages Chess Club to learn more about the game and help plan future gatherings and events.
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