“The story of Congo Square continues to unfold, for it mirrors that of New Orleans and of the people who were essential to the city's survival, development, and cultural formation.”
—Freddi Williams Evans, Congo Square: African Roots in New Orleans
Enjoy free admission every day. Visit the museum and shop or conduct research at the Williams Research Center.
Immerse yourself in America’s fight for independence in this new exhibition experience designed and produced by French technology firm Histovery. On view until January 17, 2027.
On Friday, May 8, bring your dancing shoes and enjoy classic tunes from the Great American Songbook, including hits by Louis Prima, in HNOC’s historic courtyard at 520 Royal Street.
Dive into the Collection’s holdings with image-rich previews of treasures from New Orleans history.
June 8–12, Curator Camp is a weeklong summer program for teens who get excited by history, artifacts, and storytelling! Daily hands-on workshops and experiences introduce skills that bring history and museums to life.
Captivating true stories that surprise and inspire, written and published by HNOC staff and special guest authors.
On October 29, join us in celebrating six decades of preserving, collecting, and making history. Save the date for music, memories, and more at what is sure to be a fantastic night out in the French Quarter.
“The story of Congo Square continues to unfold, for it mirrors that of New Orleans and of the people who were essential to the city's survival, development, and cultural formation.”
—Freddi Williams Evans, Congo Square: African Roots in New Orleans
This interactive resource traces the evolution of Congo Square, explaining how it became ground zero for African culture in New Orleans and has remained an important space for the African American community today. Included are a timeline, notes on the reliability of historical sources related to Congo Square, and a video featuring scholar Freddi Williams Evans.
Learn more in this presentation created by Kaitlyn Sercovich, HNOC Derven Scholar and student at Tulane University.
A new novel and a unique genealogical project are bringing fresh attention to the countless stories of separation and struggle in the tragedy of slavery.
How Juvenile and Gottschalk brought New Orleans music to the world, 150 years apart.
This stylish menu from a restaurant in a former plantation home belies the site’s dark history of human enslavement.
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