There's never a dull time to visit the New Orleans Historic Museum, but with the upcoming All Saints and All Souls Days, it's a great time of the year to do so.
For 50 years, The New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum has curated an experience for people from all strata of society to learn more about the origins and intricacies of voodoo. Situated in the heart of the French Quarter, between Bourbon Street and Royal Street, at 724 Dumaine Street, the museum's location is reflective of the New Orleans' roots that were a part of its founding. While there is no wrong time to learn more about how such a museum came about, and this fascinating topic with All Saints and All Souls Day coming up on November first and second, it is a great time of year to pay a visit and see what it has to offer.
It all began in 1972, when Charles Gandolofo, both an artist and hairdresser, opened doors with the range of artifacts he had collected. Throughout his life he became known as "Voodoo Charlie." It became a family affair when his younger brother, Gerald, used his experiences from being a historian to help create the space for patrons where the many different topics of the artifacts could serve as educational tools. This is still carried throughout the museum today where the important origins of New Orleans voodoo are acknowledged.
The museum today is run by a team with vast experiences. It is now owned by Suzette, the younger sister of Charles and Jerry. Upon Jerry's passing in 2017, Suzette carried on her brothers' legacies by having great passion for the museum. The museum is managed by Carol, who has been with the museum for 35 years. NuAwlans Natescott is the tour guide, having been with the museum for many years. Two other team members are ones that not many other museums can claim to have. Madame Cinnamon Black is a voodoo priestess who has been with the museum for 30 years. There is also Frank, a fortune reader of tarot and bones. This team has a mission of bringing a casual and curious experience intended to preserve the legacy of New Orleans' voodoo history and culture. While education is their goal, entertainment also drives their purpose.
Suzette and Carol explained that besides educating and entertaining, they hope to inform visitors that voodoo is about white magic. The whole team aims every day to debunk the myth that it is solely focused on dark magic, as pop culture and people's perceptions portray it. Part of this mission has involved making people aware that voodoo is a very personal and private experience, unlike more mainstream religions. New Orleans voodoo certainly still has some social aspects, especially due to the Catholic influence, but many rituals within it are done individually. The various colors of the gris-gris and their meanings, the dolls (which are uniquely New Orleans), and other ritual objects fill the museum. The team has somehow found a way to translate that largely private experience that voodoo is into the layout of the museum. Some of the pieces within the museum are Herbert Singleton carved statues, and to be expected, a large portrait of Marie Laveau. It has an inviting atmosphere, and the number of unique artifacts that are featured give visitors much to ponder.
Over the last five years, they have had several renovations, and added more categories to the museum. They constantly try to help those interested learn more by providing whatever further answers they can. They also can help assist interested persons in services by connecting them with contemporary contacts who specialize in psychic readings, consultations, special gris-gris, rituals, and ceremonies. An exciting development that is in the works is a website where those who are interested in purchasing these objects can shop. There will also be works of art on site to help support local artists. The whole team of the museum is dedicated to the upkeep of the authenticity that is part of the city.
One way they are paying homage to the city is their walking tours. While these tours visit the exciting and important locations of Congo Square and Marie Laveau's house, they also make a stop at St. Louis Cemetery. This is where Nate, who fully goes by NuAwlans Natescott (loatourbynate.com), comes in. Nate shared that it was actually Mark Twain who gave the cemeteries their nicknames.
While second line jazz funerals are one of the most iconic funeral rituals in the world, Nate spoke more about All Saints and All Souls Day. While All Souls Day is a Catholic tradition, the merging of the two represents the melting pot of religion that lies in New Orleans. These days the traditions include families coming through to the cemeteries, bringing food and cleaning utensils. It is a community effort, with local boy scout troops coming in to help some years. Nate spoke of an interesting tale in which Marie Laveau's snake Zombi still haunted the cemetery.
The New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum has stood the test of time by informing and entertaining visitors and also meeting their curiosity.
The museum hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven days a week. Admission is $10 for adults, and $8 for seniors, military, and students. For more information or to book your tour in honor of the season, visit voodoomuseum.com or call (504) 680-0128.
