Pick Your Poison: Discovering Storyville’s History
Grades 11–12
Students will read background information on the history of Storyville, then select a vice-related subtopic to study—music, prostitution, or alcohol. Students will analyze primary sources related to the subtopic, then will be prompted to summarize their analyses via a question-and-answer worksheet. This lesson plan was created by Mandy Perret, teacher at Dutchtown High School, as part of an educator workshop hosted at HNOC and presented by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History.
Related Stories
The Burlesque Dancer Who Took Bourbon Street by Storm
Stacy “Stormy” Lawrence and her Casino Royale club were known for outlandish acts on Bourbon Street.
The Storyville Madam Who Challenged Jim Crow—and Won
When the City of New Orleans passed an ordinance to remove black prostitutes from Storyville, Willie Piazza fought back.
Related Collection Highlights
Blue Books
Visitors to Storyville navigated the red-light district with help from these illustrated guides.
Hugh Hefner Letter
The Playboy founder laments the effect of Jim Crow on his budding empire.
Poodle’s Patio Pamphlet
During the golden age of Bourbon Street burlesque, Poodle’s Patio featured performers such as Galatea and Jezebel.
Related Virtual Exhibitions
Storyville: Madams & Music
Explore the history of Storyville, New Orleans's legally sanctioned prostitution district that helped give birth to jazz.
Related Books
Guidebooks to Sin: The Blue Books of Storyville, New Orleans
by Pamela D. Arceneaux
with a foreword by Emily Epstein Landau
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