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| Why they came and stayed in NOLA |
Many researchers bypass the small archives that hold our ancestral
histories. Small archives may be located in historical hotels, specialty
museums, and small college collections. Some might ask, are these
searches worth it? Well, the answer is YES!. You'd be amazed at how many
brickwalls have been solved by "small archive research."
Where to Begin?
After the internet and subscription (and free Familysearch.org)
research has been exhausted. The National Archives collections, State and
Historical Archives, local Genealogical Societies (state and counties) have
been scoured, and the court records come up empty, it's time to go to the small
archives. What do you have to lose besides a bit of time? What do you have to
gain? Answer: "additional regional resources" and the satisfaction of
knowing that you are doing a reasonably exhaustive search.
Clients know it can be worth it to have feet in the field. So
equipped with the necessities, phone camera, flip-pal scanner, livescribe pen,
and a list of repositories. two wonderful historical cases were solved.
One for was for the media (name not mentioned). Here is a shortened list
of the repositories visited both online and in person for our New Orleans
research and retreat trip. (Well, of course the cuisine was necessary for
all that walking, talking, and seeking!)
From Pre-planning to Visiting
1. Louisiana Historical Society (LHS) :
Thanks LHS for sharing a list of Resourced for Research in New Orleans.
This list was used especially for my pre-planning. You never want to
exchange the time in the field, for time you can do from your home
office.
2. New Orleans Genesis. Sometimes
you need a comprehensive list of books, resources, bibliographies or just
possibilities. Again as part of preplanning be sure to review the
information provided by the New Orleans Genesis, the "official publication
of the Genealogical Research Society of New Orleans." This newspaper link provided footing for our
"street-side" research.
3. Touro Infirmary Archives. From their
website: "Founded by Judah Touro in 1852, Touro Infirmary is New Orleans’
oldest private hospital. Its collection (1852 to present) includes the
hospital’s historical records, annual reports, minute books, 19th-century
admission records and photographs." Yes, we love minute books!
4. City Archives and Special Collections of New Orleans Public
Library. Know that this repository is worth the trip. This
is the "Official municipal archives for the City of New Orleans
(1769 to date); repository for Orleans Civil (1804-1926) and Criminal (I 83
0-193 1) Courts; map and photograph collection; card indexes to obituaries and
news items in local newspapers (1804-1972); nonarchival manuscripts, rare
books, genealogy, and carnival collections."
5. Office
of Archives, Archdiocese of New Orleans. The archives has four main sections: sacramental and cemetery
records (1718 – ca. 1900); archdiocesan historical records (Spanish colonial
period – present); several manuscript collections (e.g., Baudier Collection);
and a small research library. The archives serves as the archdiocesan records
management office. Be sure to secure an appointment in advance.
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| Office of Archives, Archdiocese of New Orleans: African American Research |
This repository also holds the Slave and Free People of Color Baptismal Records from 1777 - 1812
University / College Repositories
University Special Collections has always been a favorite to a3Genealogy researchers.
Here are a few frequent repositories:
6. Tulane
University . Be sure to visit the Archival Guides that include both the Tulane
University Archives and Louisiana Research Collection. We particularly
favor the Howard-Tilton Memorial Library filled with Commencement programs and
student transcripts (1834 -1978).
7. Loyola University, New Orleans, J. Edgar & Louis S.
Monroe Library. The Special Collections and Archives at the New
Orleans Province Jesuit Archives housed in the Monroe Library at Loyola
University, held a surprising find. We began with the Digital
Archives.
8. Xavier University Archives and Special Collections. A
must for African American genealogical research and Gulf-Caribbean region
research. This repository has an impressive of unpublished papers. The vertical
files were worth the visit while researching an ex-slavemaster (long story) for
the media.
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| Ethnic geography map of New Orleans c. 1850 to c. 1910 |
Ethnic geography map of New Orleans showing generalized distributions of ethnic and racial groups in the city, c. 1850 to c. 1910 may assist with your search.
Historical New Orleans Hotel Research
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| Roosevelt Review |
We wouldn't be a3Genealogy if we
overlooked the historical hotel archives. As readers already know,
we usually check-in to a historic hotel and make an appointment with the
archivist in advance. These historic hotels are lovely and filled with luxury
and elegance, and (often hold) great historical records. A listing of historical
hotels can be found on the Historic Hotels of America website.
10. The Roosevelt - Waldorf Astoria. For this visit we
stayed at The Roosevelt - Waldorf Astoria. Like many historic hotels, the
Roosevelt had a popular published magazine, The Roosevelt Review, that
announced visitors and entertainers. Like other upscale historic hotels waiters
and staff were also featured. Did your ancestor pass through the majestic doors
of the Roosevelt? The hotel holds a complete collection of the Roosevelt
Review, but researchers must be able to narrow timeframe, as this magazine is
not indexed. The magazine can also be used for a taste of social history.We did locate an Index of Roosevelt Review at the Louisiana Division
New Orleans Public Library. The Roosevelt Review is also a valuable resource for African American research.
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| Roosevelt Review |
11. Dauphine Orleans Hotel:
It is said the records date back to 1775. Although time (and job) did not required
us to peruse the records, the history and records should be reviewed for that "one"
ancestor who may have visited the early brothel. There is an historian, who seems
to know much about the hotel and has valuable information. Let us know what you find!
Last Thoughts
12. New Orleans on the Greater New Orleans Archivists , If you still have not located that pesky ancestor playing hide and
seek, be sure to review this impressive link of archival repositories on the New Orleans
on the Greater New Orleans Archivists site.
Kathleen Brandt
a3genealogy.com
Accurate, accessible answers
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