Kim Welsh

In the quiet town of Semmes, Alabama, where pine trees stretch skyward and cicadas sing the soundtrack of summer, Tanner discovered his first refuge. With a sketchbook in hand, he would disappear into the woods, finding peace and inspiration beneath the green canopy. The forest, dense, shadowed, and alive with color, became his earliest muse. Those childhood moments among the trees planted the seeds for an artistic journey that would one day take root in New Orleans.

New Orleans doesn’t just tell enigmatic spooky stories, it lives them. Boasting haunted mansions and mysterious alleys to bars where the spirits come in multiple forms, this city is dripping in eerie charm and untold tales. The line between the living and the spirit world is delightfully blurred. New Orleans has long embraced a reputation of refuge for the lost souls wandering the streets of the French Quarter. Here, we celebrate death in life with a “Second Line,” and befriend the many spirits who have not crossed over yet and are living amongst us.

Following the inspiring announcement of Robert Francis Prevost as the first American pope, Historic New Orleans Collection's genealogist Jari C. Honora made a remarkable discovery, shedding light on the pontiff's maternal grandparents who were Creoles of color from the Seventh Ward. A groundbreaking moment unfolded on May 8 as Robert Francis Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, was elected, breaking barriers as the first American and Creole pope. Jari C. Honora made this thrilling discovery about the pope's Creole ancestry just hours after the papal announcement was made public.

As New Orleans transitions into her sultry summer persona, the city's legendary cocktail culture goes into overdrive. Locals understand that staying cool while basking in the season's vibrant atmosphere is a delicate art. We would like to offer summer sipping suggestions in the city that pioneered the world's first cocktail, the Sazerac. New Orleans cocktails are a harmonious blend of tradition, creativity and local ingredients. Grab an icy refreshing drink, sit back, and experience the unique flavors and atmosphere that make the Big Easy a cocktail lover’s paradise.