Preparing the New Archives Project Space
We’ve been busy over the last month preparing our new space in the French Quarter. The new space, located at 311 Burgundy Street, will feature an exhibit on local queer history as well as an office which will serve as a digitization center. We currently have a backlog of material that needs to be scanned and uploaded to our website and the new space will facilitate that process. We don’t have a firm date yet for the Grand Opening, but it should be late March or early April. Stay tuned for details on opening dates and volunteer opportunities.
2026 Programming
In addition to opening our new space, we have a robust schedule of events for the coming year. Our Annual Membership Meeting in June will serve as the launch of our 2026 programming focus—Lesbian History. The Sapphic Fleur de Lez will be a three-day event featuring a panel discussion, speakers, a symposium, and a tour of our new exhibit space. In October, our annual Oracle Honors event will take place at The Historic New Orleans Collection and highlight Arthur Roger and Halloween New Orleans. Roger recently digitized and donated decades worth of film footage of HNO’s annual Lazarus Ball. You can see those videos here on our website. And in 2026, the Archives Project will also participate in several conferences, including Queer History South, the Louisiana Historical Association, the Society of Southwest Archivists, the Society of American Archivists, and the National Association of Hispanic Journalists.
Invitation to the Krewe of Yuga ball held on February 14, 1962.
Happy Carnival
As we find ourselves in the midst of Carnival Season, we invite you to visit our Gay Carnival gallery on our website. The gallery features vintage photographs, Ball Program covers, and video footage. Gay Carnival is a unique phenomenon that makes Louisiana’s queer history distinctive. You can learn more about the origins of Gay Carnival in this article written by our co-founder and executive director, Frank Perez. Pictured above is an invitation to the ill-fated 1962 Krewe of Yuga ball, which was raided by the police (hand-designed by artist Stewart K. Gahn, Jr. THNOC 1980.178.71_o3)
A Sense of Urgency
As you can see, the Archives Project has a lot going on. Much of queer history remains in the closet and the little bit that’s been taken out is in danger of being lost again amid recent attacks from those who would have us erased. We are working hard to preserve our history and we need your help. If you’re not a member of the Archives Project, please consider becoming one. And if you’re in a position to offer financial support, any donation is greatly appreciated. Joining and giving is easy here.
