History is an evolving story. Here at The Historic New Orleans Collection, we gather, research, and share artifacts from New Orleans’ many stories, weaving together the people, places, and events that connect us to the city. First Draft gives readers inside access to our vast institutional holdings and staff expertise in a fresh and dynamic way. Read the latest stories below, or scroll down to browse by theme.

August 10, 2023
Alexandra Cullen, summer 2023 archives and special collections practicum intern

The Cane River Collection illuminates the complicated history of a multiracial community in Louisiana.




August 4, 2023
Emily Perkins, curatorial cataloger

The third part of the "Coming to New Orleans" series explores immigration to the Crescent City from the 1860s to the first World War.




July 20, 2023
Dylan Jordan, Visitor Services interpreter

As the young republic formed and took its first steps, print media served a crucial role in uniting the nation.




July 13, 2023
Kurt Owens, Visitor Services interpreter

THNOC's Aeolian organ harkens back to a decadent era in musical history.




July 7, 2023
Collin Makamson, education specialist

A product of New Orleans, Simmons sweated his way to spotlight.




July 3, 2023
Emily Perkins, curatorial cataloger

The second part of the "Coming to New Orleans" series explores immigration to the Crescent City during the 19th century.




June 22, 2023
Albert Dumas Jr., visitor services assistant/receptionist

Explore interesting connections hidden in the painter's portraits of the wealthy elite in Spanish New Orleans.




June 8, 2023
Story by Libby Neidenbach, interpretive training coordinator; video by Xiomara Blanco, media producer

Four locations where significant events took place during a century of women’s activism in New Orleans.




June 1, 2023
Molly Reid Cleaver, senior editor

Before stereos and Spotify were commonplace, much of people’s musical lives happened at home. Music boxes, soirées musicales, and more in this survey of homemade music before the broadcast era.




May 25, 2023
Mark Cave, senior historian

In a substantial new acquisition, the archive of artist Bunny Matthews comes to The Historic New Orleans Collection.






 

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