Historic New Orleans Collection unveils powerful free exhibition cementing New Orleans’ pivotal role in the civil rights narrative. “The Trail They Blazed” immersive exhibition opens June 6 in the French Quarter.
NEW ORLEANS – The Historic New Orleans Collection (HNOC) announced today a transformative new in-gallery exhibition, “The Trail They Blazed,” running from June 6, 2025, through June 7, 2026, on the third floor of its historic French Quarter campus. Developed in close collaboration with the courageous individuals who shaped Louisiana’s Civil Rights Movement, this immersive multimedia experience powerfully illuminates firsthand stories of bravery, resistance and profound societal change, underscoring New Orleans’ undeniable and often overlooked significance in the national struggle for civil rights.
“The Trail they Blazed” is made possible through the generous support of Edgar “Dooky “Jr. & Leah Chase Family Foundation. Additional support is provided by WBOK, a proud Media Sponsor for this important initiative.
Building upon the impactful legacy of HNOC’s previous traveling exhibition of the same title and the vital NOLA Resistance oral history project, “The Trail They Blazed,” curated by Eric Seiferth and Aimee Everett with crucial curatorial research support from Heather Green, has been reimagined as a “in-gallery experience.”
“This pivotal exhibition elevates the compelling local narratives of civil rights activism, firmly positioning them within the broader national movement for justice and ensuring that New Orleans’ crucial contributions are recognized and remembered,” said HNOC President and CEO Daniel Hammer. “The exhibition is a vital step in making sure that New Orleans’ indispensable role in the American Civil Rights Movement is not only acknowledged but celebrated as an integral part of the national story.”
Visitors will be deeply moved by firsthand audio accounts drawn from over three dozen oral histories, impactful archival news footage, poignant photography, and the resonant sounds of protest songs. The exhibition offers opportunities for profound engagement, including an interactive voter registration test that starkly reveals the historical realities of voter suppression. Guests will also encounter significant original objects and ephemera, including materials from pivotal protests and boycotts that unfolded on New Orleans’ streets.
HNOC will showcase approximately 50 powerful items from their own collection. These include indelible images such as the CORE sit-in at Woolworth’s, the New Orleans Freedom March, and poignant voter registration photographs. Unforgettable images of Tessie Prevost, Gail Etienne, and Leona Tate at McDonogh 19, as well as Ruby Bridges at William Frantz Elementary, highlight the role children played on the front lines of desegregating New Orleans public schools in 1960.
‘The Trail They Blazed’ compellingly tells the story of how everyday individuals—young girls, determined college students, steadfast clergy, and dedicated community organizers—ignited transformative change not only in Louisiana but far beyond,” states Seiferth, curator. “By presenting these compelling stories in the words of those who experienced them, we aim to spark thoughtful civic engagement and reflection, deepening public understanding of New Orleans’ vital role in the American Civil Rights Movement.”
The exhibition powerfully demonstrates that the catalyst for monumental change can emerge from anywhere—from the unwavering courage of four young schoolgirls to the unified strength of determined college students, principled faith leaders and steadfast community supporters. In their own words, “The Trail They Blazed” reveals how these local heroes forged paths that continue to inspire future generations, firmly establishing New Orleans as a critical battleground and incubator for civil rights advancements.
In addition to, the core materials from The Historic New Orleans Collection’s rich holdings, the exhibition features select loans, including the evocative photography of Marian Porter. Interactive prompts throughout the exhibit galleries invite visitors to share their own opinions and experiences, and to see the relevance of past struggles to their own lives. “The Trail They Blazed” is a dynamic and living testament to the enduring legacy of the movement in New Orleans.
To learn more about “The Trail They Blazed” and to access accompanying oral histories and educational materials, visit hnoc.org.
About The Historic New Orleans Collection
Founded in 1966, The Historic New Orleans Collection is a museum, research center and publisher dedicated to the stewardship of the history and culture of New Orleans and the Gulf South. For more information, visit www.hnoc.org, call (504) 523-4662 or follow THNOC on Facebook and Instagram.