Backstreet Cultural Museum facts for kids
The Backstreet Cultural Museum is a special place in New Orleans, Louisiana. It is located in the historic Tremé neighborhood. Sylvester Francis started this museum to celebrate and share the rich African American culture of New Orleans.
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What You Can See at the Museum
The museum is filled with amazing items that show the unique traditions of New Orleans. It focuses on several important cultural practices. These include jazz funerals, Mardi Gras Indians, and second line parades. These parades are often put on by groups called Social Aid and Pleasure Clubs.
Amazing Collections
Inside the museum, you will find many valuable pieces of New Orleans' African American history. You can see the fancy, colorful suits worn by Mardi Gras Indians. These suits are often decorated with beads and feathers. There are also old and rare photos of Mardi Gras Indian groups from the 1940s. These pictures show how these traditions have been passed down through generations.
Events and Information
The museum is also a central spot for learning about Mardi Gras Indian and second-line events. It helps people find out when and where these exciting events are happening. Sometimes, the museum even hosts special gatherings. One example is the yearly White Buffalo Day ceremony. This event includes a procession that goes to Congo Square, a historic place in New Orleans.
Visiting the Museum
As of July 2022, the museum is open from 10 AM to 4 PM. To enter, visitors are asked for a donation of $20. Mr. Francis, the founder, calls this a "cover charge." Like many museums, you cannot record videos inside. However, you can take some photos to remember your visit.
New Location
In 2022, the museum moved to a new home. It is now located at 1531 St. Philip Street in New Orleans, Louisiana. Before this, it was at 1116 St. Claude Avenue.
External Links
- Official website: http://www.backstreetmuseum.org/
- National Geographic reporting on Backstreet Cultural Museum
- New York Times New Orleans travel destinations
