Skip to content
The Historic New Orleans Collection
Topic
Commerce & Trade
Filter
A historical illustration depicts soldiers marching in formation along a riverbank, with a steam-powered boat in the background. Two officers stand on the right, observing the procession. Trees and a small building are visible, with an American flag in the distance.
First Draft

The Story Behind Some of TV’s Most Haunting Ruins

Before appearing in HBO’s “True Detective” and Beyoncé's “Lemonade,” Fort Macomb provided a crucial line of defense for New Orleans and the country at large.

A vintage illustration depicts a bustling horse racing scene. A grandstand filled with spectators overlooks a dirt track where horses and jockeys race. In the foreground, horse-drawn carriages and people are gathered, evoking an active 19th-century atmosphere.
First Draft

From Slavery to Sports Stardom

At a time when horse racing was arguably the most popular sport in America, Abe Hawkins was known as “the best rider on the continent.”

A black and white photo of a department store decorated with large inflatable Santa Claus and snowman figures. A Christmas tree stands in front, with people and cars visible on the street below.
First Draft

For Decades, Mr. Bingle Ruled the Holidays on Canal Street

For generations of New Orleanians, “Jingle, Jangle, Jingle” ushered in the start of the holiday season.

A bustling city street scene from the early 20th century, showing people in period attire and hats walking on a crowded sidewalk. Numerous vintage cars are on the road, with shops and buildings lining the street.
First Draft

“The Liquor Capital of America”

The 18th Amendment outlawed the sale and manufacture of alcohol in the United States. New Orleans proved itself loathe to give up old habits.

A person with a thoughtful expression stands outdoors under a clear blue sky. They have short, curly hair and are wearing a striped shirt. Green foliage is visible in the background.
First Draft

The Teenager Investigating New Orleans’s Drainage System

Chasity Hunter wanted to understand why the city has historically struggled with water management, so she did her own research.

A vintage postcard shows a birds-eye view of New Orleans, Louisiana. The cityscape is filled with historic buildings, streets, and rooftops, capturing the architecture and feel of the early 20th century.
Exhibitions

Storyville: Madams and Music

April 5 to December 9, 2017

An award-winning exploration of the sights and sounds of New Orleans’s former red-light district.

Book cover for Guidebooks to Sin by Pamela D. Arceneaux. Features an outline of a woman in blue and red, with images of vintage blue books above the title. Subtext includes a foreword by Emily Epstein Landau.
Books

Guidebooks to Sin: The Blue Books of Storyville, New Orleans

by Pamela D. Arceneaux
with a foreword by Emily Epstein Landau

Illustration of a woman in a red and black costume with a heart motif. She stands in front of a large red heart background, holding a ribboned staff and wearing a pointed hat. The style is vintage and theatrical.
Collection highlights

Blue Books

Visitors to Storyville navigated the red-light district with help from these illustrated guides. 

Vintage advertisement for Dr. G. H. Tichenors Antiseptic Refrigerant, featuring a soldier with an American flag. Lists uses such as for wounds, burns, and cramps. Produced by Dr. G. H. Tichenor Antiseptic Co. in New Orleans, USA.
Collection highlights

Dr. Tichenor’s Bottle Label

Still sold today, the sharp New Orleans tonic has its roots in the Civil War.

...
10 11 12
...