by Emily S.
The Hermann–Grima +
Gallier Historic houses are two houses that are on exhibit in the French
Quarter. Both of the houses have been museums since the 1970’s. Their mission
is to preserve, interpret, and educate. The preservation means the building and
the collections inside them, the interpretation means the life in the houses,
and the education means they work with many different people to educate them
about life in the 19th century. Both houses have won many awards
including being named National Historic Landmarks, a number of honor awards by
the Vieux Carré Commission, and they have both been accredited by the American
Association of Museums for 30 years (this is the highest a museum can be
honored).
The Hermann-Grima house got its name because
the Hermann family and then the Grima family lived in the house. The Gallier
house got its name because the Gallier family lived there. 100% of the
artifacts in both of the houses are from the 1800’s (when the houses were
active) or earlier. 40% of the artifacts in the Hermann-Grima house are from the
families that lived there, while only 2 artifacts in the Gallier house are
really from the family. This is because they lost almost all of their things by
selling them and giving them away.
The Hermann-Grima house was active before the Civil War in
the Golden Age of New Orleans. “The Golden Age of New Orleans,” says Mamie
Gasperecz, the Executive Director of the Hermann-Grima + Gallier Historic Houses,
“was an amazing time in the early part of the 19th century when the
port of New Orleans was very busy, sophisticated, and hopping and bopping. There was a lot of money to make, and there
were many opportunities for people who had immigrated to the United States.”
The Gallier house was built in the 1860’s-1880’s
(Victorian Times when Queen Victoria was on the throne of England). It was
built after the Civil War. With the houses’ time periods being said, the
Gallier house is more modern. It has indoor plumbing, hot/cold water, flushing
toilets, and a boiler.
The Hermann-Grima + Gallier Historic Houses are great
replicas of life in the 19th century. If you are looking for a fun
way to be educated about life in the 19th century, The Hermann-Grima
+ Gallier Historic Houses are the best choice!
Within 9 blocks in
the French Quarter, you can see both houses. The Hermann-Grima House is located
on 820 St. Louis Street. The Gallier house is located on 1132 Royal Street.
The Hermann-Grima + Gallier Historic Houses also offer
group and school tours.
Their
main phone number is (504)-525-5661
The Hermann-Grima House. Photo Courtesy of www.hgghh.org.
The Gallier House. Photo Courtesy of www.hgghh.org.
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