There are a lot of places in the world I want to visit. If someone starts talking about some place in a fairly positive way I’ll want to go there. It doesn’t matter if it’s a popular tourist spot like Bangkok, Thailand, or somewhere that isn’t really thought of as a travel destination. It should seem what with the entire world basically on my bucket list (although I think experience or life list sounds better) that as soon as I go somewhere I’d cross that place off and consider it done. That hasn’t been the case. I’ve done repeat visits to many places Calgary, Vancouver, Victoria, Saskatoon, Regina, New York City, and of course New Orleans.
After my first trip to New Orleans I had many regrets. This was the first. My second regret was that I didn’t get to see and do everything I wanted to do. Six days in any city won’t be enough to see and do it all, but I particularly regretted not getting down to Frenchman Street, and not visiting the Backstreet Cultural Museum.
If anyone has watched the television show Treme, or knows a bit about New Orleans history and culture then you’ll probably know about the Mardi Gras Indians. Here’s a little bit of about The Mardi Gras Indians from Mardi Gras New Orleans. “Mardi Gras is full of secrets, and the Mardi Gras Indians are as much a part of that secret society as any other carnival organization. The Mardi Gras Indians are comprised, in large part, of the African-American communities of New Orleans’ inner city. They have paraded for well over a century, yet their parade is perhaps the least recognized Mardi Gras tradition.” I didn’t know anything about the history Mardi Gras Indians until a few years ago.
The Backstreet Cultural Museum is run by local resident Francis Sylvester, and details some unique pieces from the African American community in New Orleans. I learned about this museum in strange way. I was watching the Spike Lee When The Levees Broke, and in one scene there was a hanging sign in the background that said, “Backstreet Cultural Museum.” Of course I googled the name, and after reading a bit about the museum, and its mission to preserve a unique part of New Orleans culture I decided one day I would see it for myself.
I went to New Orleans in June. I had a wonderful time, but I proceeded to do something I’ve become an unfortunate expert in: I procrastinated. It wasn’t like I just stayed inside all day. I went out. I saw quite a bit of New Orleans, just not The Backstreet Cultural Museum. Finally on my last morning I decided I’d visit the museum before my left early that afternoon.
The Backstreet Cultural Museum is run by Francis Sylvester, from his home, and unbeknownst to me at the time it isn’t always open at the exact times that are listed on the website. I knocked, and rang the door bell and there was no answer. A few guys hanging outside a couple houses down told me it was best to call ahead before visiting, but suggested I waited a few minutes. I’d gotten there just before the museum was scheduled to open. I waited for a bit, but after several minutes of no sign I had to leave. I didn’t want to take any chances of not getting a cab back to my Roomorama stay to collect my things, and head to the airport for my flight. I left, disappointed in myself for putting off something I wanted to do until the last possible minute.
A few months later when I read the email saying I’d won a trip back to New Orleans a race of thoughts rushed through my mind. Aside from the whole “is this real?” “aaah I get to go back to New Orleans” and “wow my friend will be psyched when I invite her to come with me” the other thought that ran through my mind was, “I get a second chance.” I got a chance to visit this museum that I missed on my first trip. I knew that my second trip to New Orleans would be short, and I told my friend I was generally good with doing anything else she wanted, but I said that I had to visit The Backstreet Cultural Museum.
I learned from my past mistakes, and phoned to confirm the museum was open. The weekend we were visiting was really busy, and we didn’t get there until about an hour before the museum close. While I would have liked a little more time the fact I got to visit the museum at all was amazing. After I left in June I figured I’d get to go back to New Orleans one day, but I didn’t think that one day would be four months later. The museum is small, but the amount of items on display is pretty incredible. Here are just a few photos.
Outside The Backstreet Cultural Museum in New Orleans
Talking briefly to museum owner Frances Sylvester we learned the chiefs of the Mardi Gras Indians come up with the design for their costumes in their head. Nothing is ever drawn out.
Each Mardi Gras Indian costume is hand sewn using only new materials and beads. A new costume has to be created every years for Mardi Gras.
The level of detail that goes into making these costumes was pretty amazing. No wonder it takes a year to create them.
The Backstreet Museum has information about jazz funerals. There are tributes to several New Orleans residents, like this tribute for Treme Brass Band drummer Lionel Batiste.
The Backstreet Cultural Museum has displays on other important aspects of African American traditions in New Orleans like the Social Aid and Pleasure Club.
If you think New Orleans is only partying, Mardi Gras, jazz music, spicy food, and cemeteries then there’s a lot to learn. This museum is one of many examples that shows the unique culture and history of New Orleans. Museum owner France Sylvester was there, and told my friend and I some information about some of the displays. He also let us know that the next afternoon there was going to be a local parade. Of course the parade was happening right after our flight was scheduled to take off to Houston. It would have been great to have gone to the parade, but it wasn’t meant to be. I had my second chance in New Orleans, and one day I’ll be back for a third.
The Backstreet Culture Museum is located at 1116 Henriette Delile Street in New Orleans Treme neighbourhood. Admission is $8 per person. Information about the museum can be found online here. If you are planning to visit the museum make sure to give the museum a call ahead of time to make sure they’re open.
This post not sponsored or endorsed in any way by the Backstreet Cultural Museum. I just thought it was a pretty amazing place, and would highly encourage anyone in New Orleans to visit there.
Those costumes are amazing.
Glad that you got to visit my neck the woods! I am a Louisiana native, I find to New Orleans to be an interesting mix of culture. Something that you don’t just find anywhere. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for the comment Andy. I really enjoyed New Orleans, and you’re right it’s something you can’t find anywhere else. Hopefully I’ll get to explore more of Louisiana in the future.
That looks so cool! New Orleans has some fascinating history. My one trip there was way too short. Thanks for reminding me that I need to go back!
Thanks for the comment Abby. The museum was great and definitely worth visiting the next time you’re in New Orleans.
That looks like a really cool museum! in 2001 I won a pair of airline tickets to anywhere in the contiguous US states and I waffled between New Orleans and San Francisco. I ended up going to San Francisco, but after Katrina hit, I occasionally wish I’d opted for New Orleans. I get the feeling I would fit right in with all the colourful, quirky characters there.
If you like colourful and quirky characters you’ll definitely love New Orleans. It’s certainly a city I think everyone should visit at least once, although choosing between there and San Francisco for a contest win would be a difficult choice. Thanks for the comment Steph.
I’ve never heard of that museum though I’ve been to New Orleans twice. That’s very cool that you won a trip and had a second chance to visit the museum so soon after leaving. You seem to do well with contests.
And thanks for all the great info about the museum.
Leigh it really was a great little museum, but it’s pretty small. If I hadn’t been watching that documentary and noticed it in the background I probably wouldn’t have known it existed. Thanks for the comment.
I so want to visit New Orleans! And this museum looks like a lot of fun! I like such eclectic places
Thanks Marysia. The Backstreet Cultural Museum was really interesting. Definitely a museum I’d want to spend more time in.
What a great, “off the beaten path” sort of place! I love it!
I have noticed that if you look, many cities have a great, unknown sort of museum that gives more depth about the area and its history. I really feel like taking time to visit some of these places gives me a deeper appreciation of the place that I am visiting and the culture and people that live there.
I have always wanted to visit New Orleans, and haven’t made it there yet, but when I go, I will file this away for later use!
Very true. I think those little known museums are some of the best way to see a city, and are often more interesting than visiting the big museums. Thanks for the comment.
New Orleans is high up on my Travel list
New Orleans is a city everyone should visit at least once in their lives. I’m sure you’d love it. Thanks for the comment.
This sounds like a fascinating museum. I will have to check it out the next time I am in New Orleans.
The museum really is great, and I loved that it was locally run. I do hope you get to see it on your next trip to New Orleans. Thanks for the comment Suzy.
I went to New Orleans in 2009 and had a total blast (we went during St. Patrick’s Day, and the whole city seemed to be out to celebrate). I hit the Voodoo Museum, the St. Charles Trolley tour, did a swamp tour, and so much more – but not this museum! I am going to New Orleans again in a month, and this is now on my to-do list (along with Audubon Park, a riverboat dinner theater adventure and a plantation tour). Thanks for the great tips!
New Orleans is such a great city. It sounds like your first visit was fantastic, and I’m sure your second visit will be amazing as well. I’m so glad I could suggest the Backstreet Cultural Museum for your trip – it really it’s a unique museum. Thanks for the comment.
I love learning about hidden treasures like this. There are so many small/off-the-beaten path places that the tour guides miss. Thanks for sharing this one.
It’s always great to find those off-the-beaten path places isn’t it? Thanks for the comment.