Registration now open for THNOC Symposium

Registration for The Historic New Orleans Collection’s 23rd Williams Research Center Symposium is now open for “The French Quarter,” which will take place Saturday, Jan. 19, at the Hotel Monteleone, 214 Royal St., New Orleans. The 2019 program will feature scholars discussing the visual, social and commercial elements of the city’s original footprint.

“The symposium will offer a prelude to the series of galleries on the history of the French Quarter being dedicated and publicly opened in 2019 as part of THNOC’s expansion into the Seignouret-Brulatour building and old WDSU studio facility at 520 Royal Street,” said John H. Lawrence, director of museum programs at THNOC.

With presentations exploring both historical perspectives and current scholarship, the symposium will be moderated by Diane Mack, host of “Morning Edition” and “Inside the Arts” on the New Orleans-area’s NPR affiliate WWNO 89.9 FM. The program will also feature the following speakers and topics:  

• Author Richard Campanella of the Tulane University School of Architecture will discuss the neighborhood’s cultural geography in the 19th and 20th centuries.
• Mark Cave, senior curator and oral historian at THNOC, will moderate a panel discussion with JoAnn Clevenger, Arthur Brocato and Dorothy Benge, all of whom participated in the institution’s “Vieux Carré Memoir” oral history project.
• John H. Lawrence of THNOC will explore photographs of the French Quarter.
• Alecia P. Long of Louisiana State University will examine the changing character of nightlife in the French Quarter throughout the 20th century.
• John T. Magill, retired THNOC historian and curator, will explore the French Quarter and its riverfront.
• Eric Seiferth, associate curator and historian at THNOC, will discuss rhythm and blues as it relates to the neighborhood.

Registration is required to attend the symposium, with rates ranging between $50 and $90. Registration will remain open as long as space is available. Registration fees include the full day of presentations on Saturday, Jan. 19, and an afternoon reception offering the opportunity to interact with the speakers and other attendees. For more information, including a complete schedule of talks and links to online registration, visit www.hnoc.org/programs/wrc-symposium.