The Historic New Orleans Collection

History

The Historic New Orleans Collection was established in 1966 by General and Mrs. L. Kemper Williams, private collectors of Louisiana materials, to keep their collection intact and available for research and exhibition to the public. The Collection has continued to add to its holdings since that time, and is now housed in a complex of historic buildings in the French Quarter. The Collection now houses more than 30,000 library items; approximately 400,000 photographs, prints, drawings, and paintings; and two miles of shelving devoted to manuscripts and documents.

Specialties

The Historic New Orleans Collection is a museum, research center, and publisher in the French Quarter. The Royal Street location offers two guided tours--the Williams Residence tour and the Architecture and Courtyards tour--and free rotating exhibitions. Tours are $5; check www.hnoc.org for tour times. The Williams Research Center, at 410 Chartres St., houses THNOC's vast collection of materials relating to the history and culture of the Gulf Coast, Louisiana, and New Orleans. Admission to the Research Center is free, and appointments are not necessary. Please note, the Williams Research Center is closed on Sundays.