PreservationNation Blog

I traveled to Baton Rouge to accept a Historic Preservation Partnership Award presented by Lieutenant Governor Mitch Landrieu to Dick Moe and the National Trust for Historic Preservation as part of the Governor’s Arts Awards. Pam Breaux, Louisiana State Historic Preservation Officer, was also recognized to highlight the very successful partnership between the Trust and the state to gain federal preservation funds for Louisiana and to get over $20 million into the hands of owners of historic houses. The ceremonies took place in Louisiana’s Old State Capitol, a Gothic Revival gem built in the mid-19th century.

The Lieutenant Governor has taken great pains to point out how quickly and transparently his offices have worked to make the grant awards -- drawing a sharp contrast to Governor Blanco’s lumbering Road Home program which is generally discredited and said to be the reason Blanco is not seeking a second term this fall. Elections for Governor, Lieutenant Governor and other statewide and local offices are Saturday, October 20.

Walter Gallas is director of the New Orleans Field Office.

Now seems like as good a time as any to mention another blog produced by the National Trust for Historic Preservation: The President Lincoln's Cottage blog. After all, the cottage will be opening to the public in just a few months, and was the subject of a great article in yesterday's New York Times.

President Lincoln's Cottage, described as a 19th century Camp David, is undergoing a complete transformation in preparation for its February debut. Staff at the cottage are writing about the restoration, the history of the Lincoln presidency, the site's role in DC, and more. It's a fun and fascinating look at the creation of a historic site. Check it out.

The Convention and Visitors Bureau of New Orleans depends heavily on the marketing appeal of crowds parading through the streets of its neighborhoods in a “second line” following a brass band. The occasion can be a happy one when, for example, one of the city’s many Social Aid and Pleasure Clubs comes out on a Sunday, just for the joy of parading. Sometimes the mood is somber, when the crowds gather to remember someone who has passed away.

Last Monday, Rebirth Brass Band snare drummer Derrick Tabb and his brother, trombonist Glen David Andrews, received citations from the New Orleans Police Department for disturbing the peace and parading without a permit. Both learned later at their arraignment that they were also charged with "disturbing the peace by tumultuous manner." The procession was prompted by the death of their friend, a tuba player, the previous week. As the two men’s attorney put it after their appearance in municipal court, the charge "speaks volumes about the disconnect between some officers and the culture of New Orleans.” The two men entered innocent pleas.

Walter Gallas is director of the New Orleans Field Office.