May 2006 - Society of Southwest Archivists

Page 14Southwestern ArchivistHistoric New Orleans Collection Offers First Major Exhibition inCity Post-KatrinaPress release“Toussant Louverture”,1802, color engravingby Jean. Onexhibit courtesy of Dr.Fritz Daguillard.In its continuing efforts to help rebuild New Orleans, The Historic New Orleans Collection isproud to announce the first major exhibition to be unveiled in the city post Hurricane Katrina.From the time of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803 until 1810, the population of New Orleansvirtually doubled - in large measure due to an influx of émigrés from St. Domingue (Haiti).Approximately 10,000 St. Dominguans (whites, free blacks and slaves) brought a new infusionof French language and Creole traditions to Louisiana, contributing to the rich culturaldiversity we enjoy today. CommonRoutes: St.Domingue, Louisiana explores the complex historyof this Caribbean island and its ties to Louisiana. The exhibition is on view at The HistoricNew Orleans Collection, 533 Royal Street Tuesday through Saturday from March 14 – June30, 2006.About St. DomingueCalled Hayti by the Taino people who lived there prior to European contact, the island becameknown as Hispañola after Colombus’s discovery. In time, Hispañola was colonized by boththe Spanish and French under the name Santo Domingo/St. Domingue. During the Frenchperiod, St. Domingue developed into the wealthiest place in the new world. The island boastedpaved streets and sidewalks, a drainage system predating Paris by 50 years, and nightly theatrical and musical eventscreating an active cultural life. Sugar, coffee and indigo plantations brought the island great wealth, at the cost of abrutally exploited slave labor force. A successful revolution from 1791 to 1804 brought an end to the French colonialperiod and gave birth to a new republic. Named Haiti, the country was not only the first established by slave revolt,but also the second independent nation founded in the New World. During the revolutionary period and for nearly adecade following, a diverse group of émigrés settled in Louisiana and influenced the area’s literature, music, theatre,architecture, industry, and law.The Exhibition“Common Routes: St.Domingue, Louisiana” showcases more than 150 objects from private lenders and institutionsin Spain, France, Canada, and the United States. Rare and never-before-seen items spanning centuries illustrate thefascinating stories of St. Domingue’s history and its relationship with Louisiana. Highlights in the exhibition includeSpanish tropical armor; native Indian artifacts; plans for theaters, prisons and gardens in St. Domingue; and imagesand documents telling the story of St. Domingue émigrés and their descendents. One of the featured items in the exhibitis Les Cenelles, the first book of poetry published by African Americans in the United States (published in NewOrleans, 1845).“Post Hurricane Katrina, it is more important than ever before for Louisianans to preserve the uniqueheritage that makes this our home,” says Priscilla Lawrence, executive director of The Historic New Orleans Collection.“This exhibition is a celebration of the roots of Louisiana’s culture – from literature and music to architectureand cuisine.”During the year, The Historic New Orleans will celebrate the connections between Louisiana and St.Domingue with this groundbreaking exhibition, a catalogue, lectures, educational activities, and a symposium.Call (504) 598-7171 for more information or visit our website at www.hnoc.org. Support provided by: LouisianaEndowment for the Humanities, BellSouth, Regions Bank, Historic Restorations Inc.