Introducing The Historic New Orleans Collection

Deep in the heart of the French Quarter, the Historic New Orleans Collection (THNOC) stands as a historical repository for all things New Orleans and the Gulf South. A museum, research center, and publisher, THNOC both collects and embraces the colorful history and culture of the city and, through carefully planned programming and exhibitions, enlightens the minds of locals and tourists alike.

Founded in 1966 through the estates of General L. Kemper Williams and Mrs. Leila Moore Williams, THNOC operates three campuses in the French Quarter. The permanent exhibition in the Louisiana History Galleries at 533 Royal Street in the 1792 Merieult House opens a window onto Louisiana history from precolonial times through Hurricane Katrina. Its extensive collection of paintings, prints, and photographs takes visitors on a visual journey to learn about significant Louisiana events and meet important characters, and includes rare artifacts including a US agent’s coded letter to Thomas Jefferson about negotiations for the purchase of Louisiana from France.

Across the street at 520 Royal Street, the French Quarter Galleries explore the development of New Orleans’ most famous neighborhood—the Vieux Carré. Why was this bend in the Mississippi River first chosen by Native peoples, and later designated for settlement by Europeans and Africans in the early 18th century? Through art, music, and culture, the French Quarter Galleries surround visitors with interactive technology to illustrate the neighborhood’s shifting populations, transportation, communications, slave trade, commerce, and more.

The Williams Research Center at 410 Chartres Street is a go-to destination for anyone looking to learn more about New Orleans’ distinctive history. Experienced reading room staff are on hand to help the general public access more than 30,000 library items, more than two miles of documents and manuscripts, a microfilm collection, and upward of 500,000 photographs, prints, drawings, and paintings. There is also a collection of beautiful and unusual three-dimensional objects to explore here. 

Throughout the year, HNOC’s extensive programming puts New Orleans and the Gulf South on display in a whole new light. From field trips and film screenings to conferences and concerts, THNOC opens its courtyards and halls regularly to the community. Attend a lecture about Louisiana’s Spanish colonial period, a holiday concert, or the much-loved annual Antiques Forum, which takes place during the first week of August. Kid-friendly events include field trips, sensory-friendly Saturdays, chess club, a student writing contest, and a weeklong Museum Lab camp. THNOC also produces award-winning original books and a magazine, the Historic New Orleans Collection Quarterly. Best yet, all historical resources and museum admission are free to everyone. Visit HNOC.org to get started.