Two State Museum Programs New Orleans cemeteries, filled with tombs that are works of art, silently attest to the age-old traditions and beliefs that distinguish the city. A pair of upcomming Louisiana State Museum programs will explore these local landmarks and their historical associations. Both win take place at 7 p.m. in the Presbytere auditorium.
Admission is free.
Although such beliefs have been attributed to New Orleans' Latin heritage, Dr. Upton's research encompasses the broader context of European burial practices. He will compare these to the evolution of local customs, showing how they were affected by changing attitudes toward death in the nineteenth century. Finally, he will look at cemetery design in relation to the city's challenging topography. The famous Parisian landmark is believed to have conceptually influenced the layout of New Orleans' cemeteries. Comparisons will be drawn even to the designs of individual tombs.