The museum looks at the first three centuries of New Orleans and is one of the few attractions that deals exclusively with interpreting the story and culture of free people of color. The museum contains evocative paintings, sculptures, 19th century photographs, Jules Lion lithographs and many other fascinating artifacts.
Dutreuil Barjon Furniture
Dutreuil Barjon apprenticed with a well-known cabinetmaker Jean Rousseau and by 1834 the Barjon shop was advertised in the City Directory. They offered to the public a large assortment of furniture made in the city and in the newest and most fashionable style. In 1823, two years after Barjon opened his own firm, Dutreuil Barjon, Jr. was born. The younger Barjon was also a cabinetmaker by the late 1840's and he eventually managed his father's shop. The elder Barjon retired in 1856 leaving the firm to his son.
Historian and Sculptor Ed Dwight
Dwight's "Less We Forget" sculpture is a part of his Black History series, which features an enslaved man of African descent in chains. Dwight is known as one of the most prolific scupltors in America to this day. He received a B.S. in aeronautical engineering from Arizona State in 1957. He was commissioned to create a sculpture of Colorado's first African American Lt. Governor George Brown in 1974. Later, he was commissioned by the Colorado Centennial Commission to create a series of bronze sculptures titled "Black Frontier in the American West." He has created more than 100 public art displays throughout the cours of his career.
"Portrait of a Lady" (J.H. 1857) Painting
The painting "Portrait of a Lady" is one of the museums' prized possesions. This portrait by an unknown artist, serves as an archetypical expression of the people and history the museum celebrates. It has not been confirmed, but there is some consideration that the intials "J.H." refer to a well known free man of color and artist Julian Hudson.
- Please be sure you get something to eat before you go, they do not have snacks or a gift shop.
- Photographs are allowed in certain areas of the museum.