Welcome (Back) to New Orleans!

We’re delighted to welcome you back to New Orleans – a city reborn! We’re proud to host you in a place where centuries-old architecture is the backdrop for a culture so invigorating, it’s sure to rouse your spirit.

You’ll no doubt spend a lot of quality time during ARCHIVES 2013 in education and work sessions, section and roundtable meetings, networking events, and the Exhibit Hall. But save some energy, because in New Orleans you can “do whatcha wanna” any night of the week….

There’s the music: Brass band, Dixieland, Ragtime, Cajun, Jazz, Gypsy Jazz, Zydeco, and so much more…. Check out Shamarr Allen and the Underdawgs, The Treme Brass Band, and Amanda Shaw….

There’s the food: Gumbo, jambalaya, muffuletta, andouille, crawfish étouffée, shrimp creole, po-boys, red beans and rice, bread pudding, beignets, and bananas Foster (Brennan’s serves more than 35,000 pounds of bananas each year!)…. And the celebrity chefs: Donald Link (Herbsaint, Cochon, and Cochon Butcher), John Besh (August, Best Steak, Luke, Domenica, and The American Sector), Tory McPhail (Commander’s Palace), Emeril Lagasse (Emeril’s New Orleans, Emeril’s Delmonico, and NOLA), and Susan Spicer (Bayona Restaurant).

And there’s the opportunity to give back to the community: We’ve been pleased to work with several SAA members and staff to coordinate a variety of service projects during the Joint Annual Meeting, including opportunities at the City Park Archives, the Louisiana Historical Center, Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New Orleans and Acadiana, Lower Ninth Ward, and St. Bernard Project.As you take it all in, please listen to your body: The heat and humidity in New Orleans is something to be prepared for. You’ll see many natives in swingy sundresses and natty linen and seersucker suits. Loose clothing made of natural materials is a must in our heat. But don’t be fooled too much by the forecast – many places overcompensate by blasting the air conditioning, so always carry a light sweater or shawl with you.

If you’re walking outside, move slowly! And carry a refillable water bottle with you at all times to ward off dehydration.If you’ve been to New Orleans before, welcome back! And if this is your first visit, welcome – you’re in for a treat!

— 2013 Host Committee 

 

Scene Boosters Social Club annual parade. Photo by Michael P. Smith. Copyright The Historic New Orleans Collection, accession no. 2011.0307.22.