Holt Cemetery: History & Genealogy with Gaynell Brady
Channel: Archives NOLAlibrary
Date: 2021-07-13

July 10th, 2021

Gaynell Brady, owner and educator at Our Mammy's, will explore the history of Holt Cemetery, discuss research methods, and debunk many of the myths associated with this burial ground.  

Holt Cemetery was founded in 1879 to provide relief for New Orleans cemeteries after the Yellow Fever epidemic of 1878. This 7-acre cemetery is the final resting place of 1,400+ military veterans and many famous New Orleans residents including Buddy Bolden, Jessie Hill, and Robert Charles. 

Made possible by a grant awarded to the City of New Orleans Department of Property Management, Division of Cemeteries (https://www.nola.gov/cemeteries/), this presentation will also provide research information and techniques for family historians and genealogists. Additional community engagement opportunities will also be discussed. Find out more at https://ourmammys.com/holt .

About the Presenter 
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCM20NYiDPq3ymu2W5OtXHQw

Gaynell Brady is a local museum professional who has served as a museum educator at Louisiana State Museum, National World War II Museum, and an interpretive park ranger for the National Park Service. She earned a BA in History and MA in Museum Studies from Southern University at New Orleans.  Gaynell is currently a Ph.D. candidate at Capella University, in Minneapolis, MN, working on her dissertation that includes teaching and interpreting slavery to students. 

Gaynell's passion for history and genealogy is expounded through her company Our Mammy’s, where she provides interactive history and genealogy lessons for children and families.  She has spent the last seven years teaching and interpreting the lives of African Americans in Louisiana. Gaynell has lectured at cultural institutions, historical societies, libraries, and museum conferences. When she is not teaching or researching, Gaynell is traveling Louisiana's highways and byways and spending time with her family. 

About the Division of Cemeteries 

The Division of Cemeteries, part of the Department of Property Management, has managed the six city-owned cemeteries since 1945.  The Division maintains the grounds, preserves the resources, and offers service to the stakeholders of the city-owned cemeteries. Emily Ford currently serves as Superintendent of Cemeteries and was instrumental in making this project happen.

Find even more Holt Cemetery links at the City Archives' Program Page: http://archives.nolalibrary.org/~nopl/spec/HoltCemetery2021-07.htm

Read more about Gaynell and Emily's work to preserve Holt in The American Scholar: https://theamericanscholar.org/new-orleans-vanishing-graves/