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The Historic New Orleans Collection
Announcement

Stories Behind the Sounds: Celebrate Music History at French Quarter Fest

February 26, 2026

Join HNOC for three days of hot music, cool indoor spaces, and legendary musical experiences that are free to the public.

Jackson Square at French Quarter Festival in 1985.

During the week of French Quarter Fest (April 16–19), visit the Historic New Orleans Collection to revel in the sounds that changed the world through an eclectic mix of discussions, performances, and films. From the deep connections between Cuba and New Orleans to the groundbreaking studio sessions that launched rock ’n’ roll, join HNOC as we explore the city’s renowned musical heritage.

Mark your calendar for these free events and explore the entire French Quarter Festival schedule at frenchquarterfest.org.Opens in new tab

Upcoming Events

Join us for these free events during French Quarter Fest!

Events

Syncopated Siblings: The Music of Cuba and New Orleans

April 15, 2026, 6–7:30 p.m.
Events

“Tierra Sagrada” Film Screening and Q&A

April 16, 2026, 2–4:30 p.m.
Events

Cosimo at 100: The Sound That Shaped New Orleans

April 18, 2026, 1–4 p.m.

Exhibition Shortcut Talk

Offered Wednesday through Sunday at 2 p.m.

Visit

The New Orleans Sound: From R&B to Rock ’n’ Roll

Visit Our Exhibitions

American Revolution poster 1
Colonial Wars & Conflicts

American Revolution: The Augmented Exhibition

March 20, 2026 to January 17, 2027
Black and white photo of people in line for voting registration outside a building. Two men are seated near a Voting Applications sign, and several individuals are standing in line, some wearing hats and summer clothing.
The Civil Rights Movement

The Trail They Blazed

June 6, 2025 to June 7, 2026
Antique map of a city grid with detailed plots, streets, and buildings. It includes a compass rose and features ships sailing on the river at the bottom. The layout is intricate, showcasing a geometrically organized urban plan.
French Quarter Life

French Quarter Galleries

Ongoing
New Orleans French Quarter Festival poster from 2004

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First Draft

Vintage Jazz Fest Photos That Make Us Want to Sing, Dance, Laugh, Cry, and Eat

First Draft

Behind the Scenes at Jazz Fest 1972—the First Held at the Fair Grounds

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Allison “Tootie” Montana, big chief of the Yellow Pocahontas wearing an elaborate pink and orange feathered costume with detailed beadwork and intricate patterns stands confidently. The outfit includes a large headdress and symbolic designs across the chest and arms.

Michael P. Smith Collection

Smith documented the music, parading, and Black folk traditions of New Orleans for decades.

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Books

In the Spirit: The Photography of Michael P. Smith from the Historic New Orleans Collection

A lively black-and-white photo of a parade in New Orleans. People are dancing exuberantly in the street, dressed in formal attire with hats. The scene is vibrant with energy and joy.
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