Louisiana State Museums

09/05/2026

By now, Gálvez’s exhausted column was approaching British-held Manchac near Bayou Manchac and the Mississippi River.

Many of the soldiers still did not know the full purpose of the expedition. Gálvez had concealed Spain’s declaration of war to prevent information from reaching the British.
Near Manchac, he finally revealed the truth: Spain and Great Britain were at war—and the men before him were about to attack.

According to contemporary accounts, the troops answered with cheers.
The secret march was now an open revolution.

Visit the Cabildo on Jackson Square to explore Gálvez and Louisiana in the American Revolution, or discover the full story of Gálvez on the Move at LouisianaStateMuseum.org/Galvez-on-the-Move/

This project was made possible in part by grants from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) and the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities (LEH). Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this exhibition do not necessarily represent those of the NEH or LEH.

09/04/2026

On this day in 1779, Bernardo de Gálvez’s march continued north—but the expedition had nearly been derailed before it began.

Just days earlier, a hurricane struck New Orleans, damaging buildings, wrecking vessels and disrupting the supplies Gálvez needed for his campaign. Rather than abandon the expedition, he reorganized, gathered cattle and provisions, and pushed forward before the British could learn that Spain had entered the war.

Follow along this September as we trace Gálvez’s campaign through Spanish Louisiana, day by day.

See “Gálvez and Louisiana in the American Revolution” at the Cabildo on Jackson Square, or follow the full story at LouisianaStateMuseum.org/Galvez-on-the-Move.

This project was made possible in part by grants from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) and the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities (LEH). Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this exhibition do not necessarily represent those of the NEH or LEH.

This video uses an AI-generated voice for narration; all historical content was researched and produced by the Louisiana State Museum.

09/03/2026

Gálvez did not leave New Orleans with a massive invasion force. He built one along the way.

Militiamen, Acadians and Indigenous volunteers joined the column as it passed through Louisiana settlements. What began as several hundred troops eventually grew into a force of roughly 1,400 people.

They were not simply following a Spanish governor. They were defending homes, families, trade routes and communities threatened by British control of the lower Mississippi.

This was becoming Louisiana’s campaign.

This project was made possible in part by grants from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) and the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities (LEH). Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this exhibition do not necessarily represent those of the NEH or LEH.

09/02/2026

This was not an army drawn from one country, culture or language.

As Gálvez moved north, his force included Spanish regulars, Louisiana militia, free Black soldiers, Acadians, Canary Islanders, Indigenous allies and American volunteers. More joined along the route, like the German Coast militia.

Commands may have been given in Spanish, but conversations around the campfires would have included French, English and Indigenous languages.
Louisiana’s diversity was not a footnote to this campaign. It was one of its greatest strengths.

See the full story in Gálvez and Louisiana in the American Revolution, now on view at the Cabildo on Jackson Square.

This project was made possible in part by grants from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) and the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities (LEH). Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this exhibition do not necessarily represent those of the NEH or LEH.

09/02/2026

WINTER LIGHTS ARE COMING TO ESPLANADE. ✨

The New Orleans Jazz Museum’s Improvisations Gala presented by the Herb Alpert Foundation returns Saturday, December 5, 2026, for the coolest night in New Orleans.

This year, we’re transforming the Museum and the 400 block of Esplanade Avenue into Winter Lights — a dazzling Mid-Century Modern celebration where shimmering lights, music, art, fashion and New Orleans culture come together for one unforgettable night.

Experience live music across multiple stages, second lines, immersive art installations, exceptional cuisine, signature cocktails and performances from an extraordinary lineup of New Orleans and international artists.

And starting TODAY, Early Bird tickets are on sale.

EARLY BIRD SPECIAL
September 1–30
General Admission: $125 — a $25 savings

Saturday, December 5, 2026
Patron Party | 7–8 PM
Gala | 8–11 PM
New Orleans Jazz Museum | 400 Esplanade Ave.

More than a celebration, Improvisations supports the Museum’s educational programs and initiatives and the musicians, students and educators carrying the legacy of jazz forward.

Get your Early Bird tickets now: https://bit.ly/ImprovEarlyBird

Presented by The Herb Alpert Foundation.

09/02/2026

Save the date and celebrate Creole Heritage Month with Friends of the Cabildo! Join us this October for a mini-symposium exploring the vibrant history, culture, and enduring traditions of New Orleans.
Event Details
When: October 10
Location: In-person at The Cabildo (701 Chartres St) or virtually via Zoom
Pricing: $15 for FOC Members | $20 General Admission
Note: All sessions are recorded and emailed to registered participants.
Symposium Schedule
10:00 AM — Culinary Pathways: Food & The Market District with Ed Branley
11:00 AM — Sacred Traditions: Catholic Practices & Voodoo with Sunni Patterson
1:00 PM — Social & Cultural Networks: Benevolent Societies with Jari Honora, Sally Asher, & Ashley Parker
2:00 PM — Creole Family Genealogy & Heritage
with Katy Morlas Shannon
Reserve your spot today to dive deep into L'Héritage Créole de La Nouvelle-Orléans! 🎟️ visit https://friendsofthecabildo4.ticketing.veevartapp.com/... to register

09/01/2026

On this day in 1779, Bernardo de Gálvez and his army were marching north from New Orleans toward the British outpost at Manchac—through heat, mud, mosquitoes and flooded terrain.

This September, follow along as we trace Gálvez’s campaign through Louisiana, one day at a time, and discover how events along the Mississippi helped shape the American Revolution.

See the full story in Gálvez and Louisiana in the American Revolution, now on view at the Cabildo on Jackson Square.

This project was made possible in part by grants from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) and the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities (LEH). Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this exhibition do not necessarily represent those of the NEH or LEH.

This video uses an AI-generated voice for narration; all historical content was researched and produced by the Louisiana State Museum.

09/01/2026

is your final chance to experience Michalopoulos: Mystical Expressionism (inside the Cabildo Museum), a stunning exhibition honoring the prolific 40-year career of acclaimed artist James Michalopoulos.
We want you to take a piece of the magic home with you:
📖🎨Orleania: A Guide to New Orleans Architecture ($20.00) – The perfect accompaniment to the exhibit, offering a deep dive into the city’s built heritage.
📖🎨Bookalopoulos ($100.00) – A landmark coffee-table retrospective covering decades of his vibrant artwork.
Both titles are available at the 1850 House Museum Store (523 St. Ann St.) or online anytime at 1850housestore.com

is your final chance to experience Michalopoulos: Mystical Expressionism (inside the Cabildo Museum), a stunning exhibition honoring the prolific 40-year career of acclaimed artist James Michalopoulos.

We want you to take a piece of the magic home with you:

📖🎨Orleania: A Guide to New Orleans Architecture ($20.00) – The perfect accompaniment to the exhibit, offering a deep dive into the city’s built heritage.

📖🎨Bookalopoulos ($100.00) – A landmark coffee-table retrospective covering decades of his vibrant artwork.

Both titles are available at the 1850 House Museum Store (523 St. Ann St.) or online anytime at 1850housestore.com