Mardi Gras Museums: A break from the crowds

by Jamie Rhein on

I’ve been to New Orleans twice, neither time for Mardi Gras, but to absorb the history, aesthetics, Cajun food and music after mornings that began with beignets and coffee at Cafe Du Monde. The Mardi Gras, although months past, did still hang in the air. Two museums are dedicated to highlighting what makes this historical, rich cultural icon mega party so important and interesting.

At Presbytere, once home to Caspian monks, the span of Mardi Gras history from the 1699 is told in themed exhibits. If you wonder how did all this frivolity start anyway, the answers are here. Floats, costumes, masks, historical background information, and interactive displays are geared for all ages. The museum’s Web site calls this a place that kids of all ages will like. The museum is located at Jackson Square in the heart of the city.

Another Mardi Gras themed museum is, Backstreet Cultural Museum located in the oldest African American neighborhood in the city. The museum used to be a funeral home. Today, among other items such as photographs and vintage films, it boasts the largest collection of Mardi Gras Indian costumes which are elaborate treasures. The Mardi Gras Indians have a history that dates back to the 18th and 19th century when runaway slaves sought safety with the area Indians. The costumes can only be worn the year they were made. I’d be interested in going here because of the unique perspective it offers on both African American history and Native American history. Plus, the costumes in their feathered and beaded glory sound fabulous.

Other exhibits are dedicated to the tradition of Jazz Funerals and Social Aid and Pleasure Clubs. Gaining perspective on what makes life in New Orleans interesting and the traditions that have made it famous and unique can be had here.

Junteenth Around the World

by Jamie Rhein on

Back in 1865 in Galveston, Texas when African Americans who lived there first heard they were free, they started a holiday. Back then, June 19th was called African Emancipation Day, but as celebrations go sometimes, the name shifted and so did the dates. These days, Junteenth events are held throughout this month and not just in the United States either. From Japan to Ghana to Honduras there’s some Juneteenth thing to do. The Juneteenth Web site is lists several. Many seem to be events connected to military bases, but they also seem to be open to the public.

If you want to see a fun TV ad for Juneteenth, check out the other post , Junteenth, A Happening Worth Celebrating. I’ve always been intrigued by this holiday and think it ought to get more press, so here’s my small addition.

Junteenth: A Happening Worth Celebrating

by Jamie Rhein on

Juneteenth is a reason for celebration in the U.S., although, my guess is not a lot of folks know about it. Or, perhaps they do, but they haven’t told me. I assume though, it’s one of those happenings that is not particularly well known since there is this clever TV ad promoting it.

Watch the ad, then head over to the Juneteen post to find out more. When I worked at Ohio Magazine and was in charge of the Calendar Events section, the Juneteenth celebrations intrigued me more than many events I found out about.

Black History Month: Harriet Tubman and Underground Railroad Tours

by Jamie Rhein on

When I was a kid I was enthralled by Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad. I remember it took a little while for me to understand that the Underground Railroad wasn’t actually a railroad under the ground, but a series of “safe” places for slaves to stop for the night or get help as they fled from the southern part of the United States to their freedom in the north.

Harriet Tubman, often called the “Moses of her people” led hundreds of slaves along the Underground Railroad in several trips from the south to the north. Since I live in Ohio, a state that’s rich with Underground Railroad history, every once in awhile, someone will mention to me about some house or church they know of that was a railroad “station.” It’s possible to take in several of them on an Underground Railroad tour. Here is a list of tours I found in Ohio, New York, New Jersey and Canada. Also, in Auburn, New York you can visit Harriet Tubman’s house.