Announcement

Recap: HNOC Celebrates “Making It Home: From Vietnam to New Orleans”

May 8, 2025

Curated by Thuy Pham of NOLA Nite Market, the vibrant celebration brought together HNOC supporters and members of our community.

Photo by Amber Johnson, HNOC

On Tuesday, April 29, HNOC hosted an special reception to celebrate the opening of our exhibition Making It Home: From Vietnam to New Orleans. The culmination of a decade of research, Making It Home highlights stories of New Orleans’s Vietnamese community, showcasing personal narratives, compelling photographs, and cherished heirlooms—honoring the experiences of those who made the Crescent City their home.

The celebration, curated by Thuy Pham of Nola Nite Market, was a lively and vibrant affair, with HNOC members, supporters, community members, and friends filling our Royal Street campus with warmth and camaraderie. Guests were treated to an exciting lion dance accompanied by live drumming, followed by heartfelt performances from Melody Band whose songs explored themes of home, identity, and belonging. The event featured authentic Vietnamese cuisine, with a generous donation of delicious egg rolls from the beloved Lilly’s Café.

Photo by Amber Johnson, HNOC

Photo by Tere Kirkland, HNOC

Photo by Amber Johnson, HNOC

Photo by Amber Johnson, HNOC

Photo by Tere Kirkland, HNOC

Photo by Tere Kirkland, HNOC

Photo by Tere Kirkland, HNOC

Photo by Amber Johnson, HNOC

Photo by Tere Kirkland, HNOC

Photo by Amber Johnson, HNOC

Photo by Tere Kirkland, HNOC

We invite everyone to bring their friends, colleagues, and community groups to experience this unforgettable exhibition, which will be on view until October 4, 2025. Guided tours are also available several days a week, which we strongly recommended to help make the most out of your visit.

HNOC is grateful for the support from our members and donors, which enables us to share these important stories. Our members enjoy access to opening receptions, such as this one, plus many great perks and benefits to enjoy year-round. Learn more about the benefits of membership, below.