The Host Committee Welcomes You to New Orleans!

As published in the March/April 2026 issue of Archival Outlook.

New Orleans is known by many nicknames: the Big Easy, the City that Care Forgot, the Crescent City, and the Birthplace of Jazz. For me, New Orleans has always simply been home, and I am excited to welcome you here for ARCHIVES*RECORDS 2026! 

When welcoming someone into your home, it is polite to give them the lay of the land and point out a few of its more interesting features—what to pay attention to and what not to miss. In this first article from the Host Committee, I’ll do just that.  

Navigating the City 

Firstly, New Orleans is easily navigable on foot, by streetcar, bike, or car if necessary. Parking can be expensive in many areas, so locals usually walk. When asking for directions, you will rarely be given strict cardinal directions. Instead, directions are often given in relation to the Mississippi River and Lake Pontchartrain. We use these bodies of water as reference points because they are the life force of our city and commerce. Hence, Uptown is “upriver” and Downtown is “downriver.” The conference hotel is Downtown. You may also hear directions like “lakeside” or “riverside.” Additionally, the city is located on the East Bank and the West Bank—this means east and west of the river.  

If you are trying to navigate the French Quarter, you are in luck since it is laid out in a grid. Outside of the Quarter, however, all bets are off. Street names sometimes change depending on who once lived in the area, and you should keep an eye out for name changes at Canal Street. Historically, the French and Americans could not agree, so they split the names down the middle. Street signage can also be unreliable; hurricanes have a habit of removing signs that do not always get replaced. In many neighborhoods, though, you can simply look down and find the street names embedded in decorative tiles on the sidewalk, and our local artists make quick work of homemade street signs that you can see throughout the city, especially in Mid-City and 7th Ward neighborhoods. 

Eating in the City 

Another rule I grew up with about welcoming people into your home is that you feed them—whether they are hungry or not. My family descended from Italian immigrants, part of the large immigrant population that has long shaped New Orleans. While the city is famous for its Creole and Cajun food, please do not confuse the two. Creole food is city food, rooted in European, African, and Native American traditions, while Cajun cuisine comes from the bayou country and the Acadians who settled there.  

Both cuisines are incredible and synonymous with New Orleans, but I would also encourage you to explore the many other dining options that have emerged over the years. These reflect the city’s vibrant immigrant communities and include Vietnamese, Honduran, Middle Eastern, and many other cuisines. Unfortunately, you will have missed crawfish season, but shrimp will appear on many menus. Oysters may also be available, but eating them in August can be a gamble. Like many locals, I still follow the old rule of only eating oysters in months that contain the letter “R.” When you visit, leave your diet at home and follow the local saying: “We don’t eat to live, we live to eat.”  

New Orleans is more than 300 years old, and we constantly mix the modern with the historic.

Exploring the City 

As someone who loves this city, I encourage you to venture beyond the French Quarter. Visit City Park to enjoy beignets and the live oaks that have witnessed many a duel. Stroll along the Moonwalk to watch the Natchez paddle wheeler and hear its calliope. Ride the streetcar (not a trolley) past historic homes, or explore neighborhoods like Tremé and the Marigny.  

One of our greatest assets, though, is our people. New Orleanians are fiercely loyal to their city and will happily tell you both the good and the bad about living here. If you have the chance, talk with a local, listen to a street musician, watch a performer painted gold doing the running man, visit an arts market, or stop by a street vendor selling tacos. If you decide instead on a Lucky Dog hot dog, you might want to pack some Pepto.  

New Orleans is more than 300 years old, and we constantly mix the modern with the historic. The conference will be held at the Hyatt Regency (2011); down the block from the City Archives at the Main Library (1958); across the street from the Pythian Temple (1908), built by a society of African American men; and only a short walk from the Hennen Building (1895), the city’s first skyscraper. All of this sits within walking distance or a short streetcar ride from the historic French Quarter, which is actually more Spanish than French.  

Some Practical Details 

I couldn’t invite you to my home without leaving you with a few pieces of practical advice. We are in a constant state of “pardon our progress” as streets are repaired and buildings restored, so a little flexibility may be required. August is usually hot and humid, but buildings compensate by turning the air conditioning on full blast, so bring a sweater. Comfortable shoes are essential, since you will be walking, and sidewalks are often uneven.  

If someone on the street asks, “Where did you get your shoes?” always answer: “On my feet.” An umbrella is also a necessity; summer showers arrive like clockwork in the afternoon. Stay hydrated with water: While you may try many wonderful adult beverages, they will not help with the heat.  

New Orleans is a small city with some big-city challenges, and you have likely seen the headlines. A little awareness and common sense will go a long way toward ensuring you enjoy your time here.  

So, welcome to my home, New Orleans. From the po’ boys at the corner store and the murals of the Bywater to our museums, music, and archives, this city is full of stories. I hope you enjoy both the conference and your time exploring the city and that you leave with a few New Orleans stories to bring to your home.

SAA thanks the 2026 Host Committee!

Dr. Ina Fandrich, Co-chair

Rebecca Smith, Co-chair, The Historic New Orleans Collection

Sarah Waits, Co-chair

Vincent Barraza

Christina Bryant, New Orleans City Archives & Special Collections

Aimee Everrett, The Historic New Orleans Collection

Laura Frizzell

Vasser Howorth, The Historic New Orleans Collection

Zachary Stein, University of Louisiana at Lafayette