History

Thumbnail image for Mardi Gras History: The Old Line Krewes

Mardi Gras History: The Old Line Krewes

by Edward February 1, 2012 Arts & Culture

The “super-krewes” of Carnival begin their parades on the Saturday before Mardi Gras, when the Krewe of Endymion takes to the streets of New Orleans. Endymion is followed by Bacchus on Sunday, Orpheus on Monday, with Zulu and Rex on Fat Tuesday. That’s not all the parades of Carnival, though! In the weekend prior to Endymion, as well as the …

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Thumbnail image for GoNOLA Top 5: Daytime Mardi Gras Parades

GoNOLA Top 5: Daytime Mardi Gras Parades

by Sally Tunmer January 17, 2012 Arts & Culture

It may be hard to fathom that there is an alternative to the MTV version of Mardi Gras centered around neon colored alcoholic beverages and exposed breasts. While there is plenty of that to enjoy on Bourbon Street, there is actually a tamer side to Mardi Gras. Carnival maintains its time-honored traditions as a celebration for all ages, families and …

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Thumbnail image for Mardi Gras History: The Origin of the Doubloon

Mardi Gras History: The Origin of the Doubloon

by Edward January 17, 2012 Arts & Culture

The main reason why New Orleans Carnival parades are more exciting and fun than parades in other parts of the country is that the crowds are active participants. Mardi Gras parade riders don’t just stand and wave (or try to lip-sync songs), they throw stuff to you! Beads, cups, stuffed animals, plastic toys: you can catch them all at a …

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Thumbnail image for NOLA History: How The Battle of New Orleans Was Won

NOLA History: How The Battle of New Orleans Was Won

by Edward January 4, 2012 History

On the evening of January 7, 1815, the Ursuline sisters gathered in the church attached to their convent on Rue Chartres in the French Quarter, along with a number of local residents. They began to pray, in particular to Our Lady of Prompt Succor, that their city, New Orleans, be spared from the ravages of the British Army which was …

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Thumbnail image for Oh Joy! A New Orleans Movie Palace Makes a Comeback

Oh Joy! A New Orleans Movie Palace Makes a Comeback

by Liz Genest Smith December 23, 2011 Arts & Culture

Perhaps it’s my nostalgia for the glamour of old Hollywood. Perhaps it’s my weird belief that neglected old buildings experience human emotion. But, ever since I moved to New Orleans, the sight of the abandoned movie palaces on Canal Street has just broken my heart. Several months back, I even did some initial research into the future plans for these …

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Thumbnail image for Prospect 2 Spotlight: Ashton Ramsey at the Ogden

Prospect 2 Spotlight: Ashton Ramsey at the Ogden

by Nikki Carter December 22, 2011 Arts & Culture

The Ogden Museum of Southern Art, an affiliation of the University of New Orleans, houses the largest collection of southern art in the world. As part of Prospect 2, the city-wide art biennial going on now until January 29, 2012, the fifth floor of the Ogden is hosting a selection of works by Ashton Ramsey. Ramsey is a New Orleans …

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Thumbnail image for NOLA History: Christmas, Battle of New Orleans Style

NOLA History: Christmas, Battle of New Orleans Style

by Edward December 21, 2011 History

On December 16, 1814, two British officers disguised as local fishermen made their way from the lake up Bayou Bienvenue, heading towards New Orleans. They made it up to the Villere and Delaronde Plantations, plotting out a path for the British troops to move from their ships anchored in Lake Borgne inland to capture the city of New Orleans.

But …

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Thumbnail image for NOLA History: German Heritage and Legacy in New Orleans

NOLA History: German Heritage and Legacy in New Orleans

by Edward December 14, 2011 History

Tales of the French, Spanish and Italians coming to South Louisiana are commonplace, but Germans played an important part in the formation of New Orleans as well, including developing some of its most treasured cornerstones. We tend to think of the Germans and their beer and bratwursts only around Oktoberfest time, but they’ve been here since the days of Bienville.…

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Thumbnail image for From Oranges to Palm Trees: Christmas in New Orleans

From Oranges to Palm Trees: Christmas in New Orleans

by Nicole Biguenet Pedersen December 12, 2011 Arts & Culture

In 1877, writer Lafcadio Hearn stood on the deck of the Natchez, keeping his balance as the Mississippi gently rocked the steamboat. He looked back at New Orleans, having ventured out, as he explained, “to watch the spectacle of the levee in holiday times.”  Like an artist planning a painting, he chose the best vantage point to view the …

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Thumbnail image for Three New Orleans Bars Celebrate the End of Prohibition

Three New Orleans Bars Celebrate the End of Prohibition

by Elizabeth Pearce December 2, 2011 Cocktail Culture

On December 5, 1933, Congress ratified the 21st Amendment, ending thirteen years of Prohibition in the United States. What some – namely government officials – called The Great Experiment, most of America had come to call The Great Mistake. But while most of the country was mixing up bathtub gin, New Orleans had a more steady and reliable supply of …

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Thumbnail image for NOLA History: Horse Racing in the Crescent City

NOLA History: Horse Racing in the Crescent City

by Edward November 24, 2011 History

Thanksgiving Day in New Orleans means turkey, oyster dressing, and all the other trimmings as we give thanks for our many different blessings. For New Orleanians who are fans of horse racing – or just fans of bloody marys during the day, big hats, and a meal prepared by someone else – Thanksgiving holds an entirely different meaning: opening day …

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Thumbnail image for NOLA History: The Legend of Pirate’s Alley

NOLA History: The Legend of Pirate’s Alley

by Edward November 9, 2011 Arts & Culture

There are two alleyways that run on either side of St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans’ Jackson Square, connecting Rue Royale and Rue Chartres. The alley on the “Uptown” side of the cathedral (between the church and the Cabildo) was long called “The Pirate’s Alley” before that name was formalized in 1964. But were there really “pirates” in “Pirate’s Alley?”…

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Thumbnail image for GoNOLA TV Presents: The Historic New Orleans Collection

GoNOLA TV Presents: The Historic New Orleans Collection

by Sally Tunmer November 3, 2011 Arts & Culture

The Historic New Orleans Collection is the preserver of captivating New Orleans artifacts and history. With the bicentennial of 1812 coming up on April 30, 2012, 200 years after Louisiana was inducted into the union as the 18th state, THNOC is currently hosting an exhibition in commemoration. The piece called “The 18th Star: Treasures from 200 Years of Louisiana Statehood” …

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Thumbnail image for Voo Dat?: New Orleans Voodoo History and Shops

Voo Dat?: New Orleans Voodoo History and Shops

by Nikki Carter October 27, 2011 Arts & Culture

It’s high time we all get in the Halloween holiday spirit, especially with Voodoo Music Experience 2011 kicking off this weekend! Since New Orleans Voodoo is something most of us have been exposed to through pop culture – The Skeleton Key, Anne Rice’s Mayfair witch family, etc. -  I thought it would be fun to shed some light on …

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Thumbnail image for NOLA History: Jean Lafitte the Pirate

NOLA History: Jean Lafitte the Pirate

by Edward October 26, 2011 Arts & Culture

He’s one of the most romantic figures in the history of New Orleans. Books and movies have been written about him. A National Park and the oldest rumored bar in the United States is named after the man, the pirate. There was even a ride at the old JazzLand amusement park themed for him. But who was the “real” Jean …

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Thumbnail image for The Best Oysters in New Orleans: Casamento’s Restaurant

The Best Oysters in New Orleans: Casamento’s Restaurant

by Will Woldenberg October 21, 2011 Food

There are few cities in the United States that zealously defend the concepts of “tradition” and “heritage” as much as New Orleans. That attention to convention is mainly attributable to the Carnival “Krewes” whom ironically were partially established to mock the propriety of the French royal court. In this town, restaurants and hotels proudly state the year of their birth …

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