Free People of Color Museum

Loved being in community and learning the rich history. Andrea gave us a walking tour that we loved and served as a wonderful host.

I visited this place last Saturday. First of all, the staff is very nice. I showed up 45 minutes late to my tour because I misplaced my car keys. They met me at the door and I explained the situation and they still let me catch the rest of the tour as the guide was sharing stories with the group. Once the tour was finished, I still had an opportunity to walk around the museum and see the exhibits. There is such a rich history in that house that is told through old documents, art, photographs, and more. There was a registry of free people of color in Louisiana and a signed petition of free people of color demanding the right to vote. I have already decided that I am going to book another tour (and be there on time) the next time I’m in town. Now this place is only open on Fridays and Saturdays for an hour for the tours. But it is absolutely worth booking it and making sure you make it. And who knows? More of us patronize the place maybe they can be open more often.😏😉

Visited this museum while on a weekend trip to New Orleans. Our experience was delightful. We learned a lot in a short time span about the history of New Orleans and the freed black people who help to shape this city. The museum is located in a historically beautiful house off of a main road. It is small, but it’s packed with history. The “guardians” or tour guides, did not hold back and explained the history of the content on display, truthfully, in a way that was easy to follow. They were super friendly and before we left they gave us recommendations for restaurants and historical landmarks to check out while in the city. I was super inspired by the stories of free black people and the history of New Orleans in general. I encourage others to check this place out, and I’d certainly come back with family and friends during my next visit to NO.

One of a kind experiences. Just the immense knowledge of the tour host was amazing. I thouroughly enjoyed the museum tour and learning all about the Free People of Color in New Orleans. I highly recommend!

10/10. Tour was amazing and authentic. It was less of a tour and more of a show which I wasn’t expecting but was pleasantly surprised. It was very entertaining while also being informative. Also ask for Jenna, she is so sweet, knowledgeable and kind I will recommend this museum to EVERYONE!

Visited this museum while on a sister trip to New Orleans. While the museum is a small property, It is FULL of rich history. Jenna led our tour and was beyond knowledgeable - giving us so much context into the history of Free People in New Orleans. All the staff that we interacted with treated us like family, and always took time to answer questions. I am so grateful for this experience and would recommend anyone stop here if you are in Nola.

Condoleezza was delightful and an excellent interpreter of her character. Very enlightening.

I attended a gala here, and the ambience was impeccable. What a great place to hold an event such as this. The exhibits were awesome! Such great history that I knew very little about. I was quite intrigued, and l definitely look forward to going back again to experience the exhibit and it’s totality, with oral historians narrating.

I had my wedding at this amazing gem of a place, and it was absolutely amazing. I was able to take a tour and walk through prior to my event. Since I was out of town, a lot of what I did was virtual, which could be a bit scary because you are trusting others, but it was great. The staff was really great a friendly and they work like clockwork. The day before my event, we did another walk through and the only thing I will say is that I wish we were told to rent outdoor lights prior to the day ny the venue (we ended up getting them on a last minute whim and because my wedding planner had another wedding there and it was literally in the dark). Other than that, the day of my wedding was such a beautiful and magical experience in such a history rich place. It was everything I imagined and and then some. The price was great and it's really an awesome venue for weddings or any type of celebration for adults. I also love that there's a little cottage that you can rent out as well on the property. I highly recommend that because otherwise it can be air bnb by anyone and that would be awkward. But if you are looking to make an impact and support black business while highlighting the struggles and triumphs of the black community, this is the place to do it.

One of the many stops on our trip. I loved this little home! In a quaint and quiet community, surrounded by so much greenery. It was peaceful just sitting in the courtyard outside the house. We did this as part of the GoCity New Orleans pass. It is a small home, but you learn SO much and the workers there make everything fun and informative. At first I was a little hesitant because I didn't know what to expect. I looked up some YouTube videos and it looked like people just singing and dancing while telling a story. I am glad we gave it a shot because it was so much more about the history. The inside of the home itself was gorgeous, with beautiful paintings and artifacts from back in the days. We were there for about an hour, and found plenty of parking in front of the house. They have multiple museums so if you don't catch this one, deff check out one of their sister museums!

Visiting this Museum as part of my tour of new Orleans was eye opening. The presenter was very knowledgeable and filled us with a lot of history of the free people of color. A lot to take in indeed and will be visiting again. Everyone should plan to see this museum. You won't be sorry. My group was quite impressed. Mrs. McKenna who established this museum also came in to meet and greet us. That was a treat and to hear of her devotion to gather and protect artifacts etc preserving the history is remarkable.

Review 1000. I knew this landmark review needed something special, and usually for every 100, I go with a city I have been to, but in this case, I wanted more. Well, this is more. I found this on the Louisiana African American Heritage Trail list and have been gradually visiting as many as I can, which hasn't been that many thus far. So far, this was the absolute best tour. This is an often-overlooked small museum in the grand scheme of New Orleans with so much going on. There are bigger, shinier things, and things closer in. This is the only museum of this kind in the entire state of Louisiana, the entire United States, and quite possibly the whole of the world. The whole museum is dedicated to telling the story of the free people of color, primarily in New Orleans, LA, their lives and the interactions between the Whites and the enslaved people of color. Free people of color contributed greatly to the society of the human race as a whole. Openly Jewish citizens were not even allowed to live in New Orleans legally, and people of color were forced to prove if they were free or enslaved, having to carry "their papers" as to proof of what they were. Restrictions were placed on women of color, which were then appropriated by the white women because they made it look so good. This is eye-opening information. I am so very glad I came; I look forward to coming back and I look forward to pointing others in this direction. There are not enough words in my vocabulary to properly explain why I think everyone should come. It is quite educational.

Loved this. Great collection, great presentations from both the founder, Mrs. McKenna, and a woman portraying a free woman of color who presented the collection itself. Eye-opening history that's not told eno.

While planning my trip to Nola, I knew I wanted to get in some historical finds. So, I did a search on the tourism site and found this museum. Im not sure why i stuck out to me but I did. So I began to email the curator and owner of the musee. We were back and forth in correspondence and she was very accommodating to our schedule on the day of our visit. The museum was gorgeous and the back drop was this beautiful home on Esplanade Ave, which I was told where Solange lives at, lol. The owner, Beverly McKenna, happened to be our tour guide and eloquently painted a picture of the past and present of Nola. I think what surprised my friends and I the most is that her and husband had been collecting art from around their early 20s to know almost 40 years later. It was empowering to see that her and her husband were prolific A.A in the community that worked toward educating the youth of NOLA about their history and thereby instilling pride in our history. I recommend this museum for anyone who pays NOLA a visit and the FPC stands for Free People of Color...

I had never been to New Orleans before, but generally speaking I am not a touristy person--I travel, I don't tour. That said, I knew I wanted to do *some* adventuring. I had learned a bit about free people of color in New Orleans, so I just googled that to see if there happened to be any museums dedicated to the subject, and voilà! Practically speaking, this museum is the perfect size and the tour the perfect length to make you feel like you got your money's worth and learned something but are not overwhelmed or exhausted. I spent about two hours there, and I like that they gave a tour but also allowed for time to just browse. It's only a couple rooms, but it's chock full of stuff--it reminded me of the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston, except that one is chock full and a mess, and this one was chock full but not so busy you couldn't focus on one thing at a time. The docents are really brilliant women who talk like humans, not tour guide robots, and I could tell it wasn't a script so much as a person with genuine interest just telling me about a subject they happen to know a lot about. I learned a lot, but not in a way that feels like attending class (like so many museum tours feel like). Highly, highly recommend! I'm finally getting to this review like three weeks after being there and I still have a strong memory of how much I enjoyed my experience there. The building itself and the grounds are gorgeous, and I can see why people hold weddings and other events there.

Loved the tour and hearing about the history of free people of color which I had not heard before. I recommend making a stop here if you are visiting NOLA. Call ahead to get their tour times.

Hands down! The best venue to get married in New Orleans. We had guests in attendance from all over the US. They were in awe at the art and history of the museum. We were given a few tours before we actually got married. From day 1, I knew this was the place I wanted to get married. There were no hidden charges and everyone was so responsive. They worked well with our vendors, so everyone was happy. I think our photographer booked his wedding there as well. I loved the space. We had guests indoors on 2 floors and outdoors in a beautiful garden. There was not a bored soul in the space. I loved renting the cottage to get dressed and spend our wedding night. It was beautiful. They served great champagne, wine and punch. It was truly romantic. Thanks sooo much, Beverly, Andrea, Wendy, Clare. Happy wife, happy life.

How many people need to tell you that this is a five star stop on a trip to New Orleans before you go?! Looks like I'm the 22nd of what now has become many and plenty of visitors. Albeit small for a museum given that it looks like it's in a home, every inch (and I mean it) is filled with a fascinating piece of history. I learned, felt and experienced so much. The museum is open daily from 12-4 during the week and by appointment only on the weekends due to their limited staffing. I went on a Wednesday around 1 and we were the only patrons. In fact, I thought the museum was closed because all of the lights were off. Silly me! They were just saving some energy because no one was there. So if it looks closed during their open hours just give the door a hard knock or the door bell a ring or two. As the only people there, I guess you could say we were on a private tour. The house is divided into rooms based on time period with primary historical sources on display. I think a lot of people think slavery was some sort of cut and dry thing based on what we learn briefly in school or see in movies. It in itself is incredibly complex along with the long-term implications it's left behind (but I guess that's a discussion for a different website). All I'm saying is: race relations in the South were and are incredibly interesting. I'm glad to know more from such an incredibly engaging and knowledgable tour guide, Sarah. You can definitely tell that she is the heart of le musee. I also like that this is the only museum in the country that tells an African-American narrative from African-American NARRATORS! Who would have thunk it! About damn time!

Such an amazing experience!! I am from south Louisiana and still learned so much history. I would highly recommend you take the guided tour-you will gain so much more. The historian, Sarah was very well versed in the history and was able to answer our questions. Her tour helped clear up so many misconceptions about people of color in Louisiana and Louisiana history. She articulated the facts very well and referred several books during the tour(also on showcase). I HIGHLY recommend this tour to everyone, especially if you are African American. "Until the lion writes the story, the tale will always glorify the hunter" African proverb.

Very informative. A lot of knowledge gained about free people of color and slaves in New Orleans.Made me contrast with the black experience here in Chicago.

Both museums in the McKenna collection are not to be missed for their historic perspective. The tours are wonderful as led by Kim who is a fountain of information and forthright speech. The collection of art is fascinating and worth spending a lot of time with in both museums. Not to be missed,

I am so thankful for places like these. Places that tell my story. This is a black owned museum that has strong ties in the local community. Jari and Andrea gave my family and I a tour and I loved that they knew so much, not just about the things in the museum but about history as a whole. I didn't feel like I was walking through a big sterile museum. I felt like I was walking through a friends home that I've known for decades. I also liked how this museum did not focus on slavery but on the accomplishments of black free people of color. I was only in NO for a little bit, but I was told that Le Musee hosts events as well, like weddings, art exhibits, and fellowship gatherings. I felt empowered when leaving the grounds of the museum. I felt like I had met long lost family. I recommend this place to all people of the African Diaspora.

I learned such history on this tour. Kim was a wealth of knowledge, everyone should partake in this education. I can't recommend it enough!

Many tours in the city offer a guide who learned from a guide what to say with an antiseptic approach about the unique history of New Orleans. Not here. Kim, the docent and our tour guide, shared an history of the free people of color in New Orleans with depth, perspective, and a sensibility that helped us learn more in one hour than we did on several other tours combined. We would have stayed for a second hour if the museum weren't closing. This is The Best Experience for people who want to understand the true history of the region, especially the implications the nuances of race.

We had been planning to go to Le Musee de FPC from the first moment we decided to go New Orleans. Months of anticipation was totally fulfilled in the tour. The guides were stellar with great insights on the deep, rich history of this French-Spanish-American city. The history of the free people is complex. Nothing like this experience exists outside of New Orleans, if you are visiting and you want something beyond the touristy detritus, run don't walk.

My Husband and I chose Le Musee de FPC as our destination wedding venue and we could not have made a better choice. From the moment we decided that the museum was the place for us the owner Beverly was nothing but attentive and accommodating. We looked at multiple venues in New Orleans and there was always something about each one that wasn't quite right. Le Musee de FPC was perfect. The beautiful garden and outdoor space is just the start and the most picturesque setting for an indoor/outdoor ceremony and reception. The house itself is gorgeous and when you enter the museum you can feel the warmth that only comes from a place that has been loved. My husband and I were welcomed into the space and graciously shown around, the history contained within the walls is inspiring and breathtaking. It made the perfect back drop to the celebration we had there. On the day of our wedding there were reports of rain. Beverly was amazing and the museum is so spacious the wedding ceremony could have been held on either floor of the beautiful house. Thankfully the rain held out until the next morning but it felt great to know that her and her staff were working hard to make sure our special day went off without a hitch. The night ended with a bang when the surprise brass band showed up and led a 2nd line through the museum and out to the patio where they played the night away. We are so happy we met Beverly and that we made the decision to have our wedding at Le Musee de FPC. I highly recommend this museum to anyone, whether you want to see a wonderful collection of historical and cultural artifacts or you are looking for the perfect setting for a celebration. Le Musee de FPC on Esplanade is definitely worth the trip.

My friend found this museum and invited six of us to go along with her while vacationing in New Orleans. We had a private tour that was very informational and interesting! We even liked it better than the Degas museum tour which is right down the street (although that was a good stop as well). It was fascinating to learn about the Code Noir and how influential Free People of Color were in the city. There is definitely a difference between New Orleans' history with slaves and free people of color versus other towns' history. I learned lots of new things.

The young woman tour guide gave us a 90-minute personalized tour. Nothing short of incredible. The depth of her knowledge was extremely impressive, and she was able to seamlessly connect race, class, culture, power, and geography over various historical contexts. How do current racial dynamics relate to the ideas of power and culture in 19th century New Orleans? She can answer that. How does race drive Mardi Gras traditions? She's got that down too. I think you get the point. And the house is truly beautiful. If you have at least 36 hrs in New Orleans, this is a must-visit. No other American city has such complex and rich racial and cultural history than New Orleans and the museum highlights this.

My wife and I scheduled our tour and we're guided by a knowledgeable docent who was generous with time and patient with our questions. The museum had a wonderful collection that told some history we hadn't known. The house and grounds were beautiful and we learned they serve meals and the venue can also be reserved for events. I'd say it was one of our more memorable experiences in New Orleans. Thanks!

The best museum tour I've ever been on! Informative, emotional, and empowering. Great tour guide and Excellent curator.

The museum lecture and tour were excellent!! This visit enhanced my growing understanding of the ironies of class, race, regional culture and political organization in New Orleans, Louisiana state and American national history. Thank you!!

Just finished a tour with Sara. This is an underappreciated gem in NOLA, and probably one of the best museum tours I've ever been to. Tours run on the hour.

Loved the tour. The curator was awesome very knowledgeable! Very informative a must visit!!

Phenomenal history-telling by people of African descent of people of African descent!

Best Museum experience I have had, incredibly powerful and educational experience. Our guide was very insightful, and well versed on the history of NOLA in general and most importantly of the free people of color. Its a must in New Orleans and an experience to have - highly highly recommended.

My husband and I arranged a private tour, and it was well-worth it! The staff were pro-actively communicative via email about scheduling. Our guide was super-knowledgeable and accommodating, clearly proud of his own history as a New Orleans native and descendant of free people of color. And we met one of the owners after our tour - this is clearly a passion project of all involved. Support this place by visiting!

I took a tour of the museums during my visit. This was the best museums I have ever been to, the beautiful art and rich history makes it a must see. Thank you!

We went to the museum this week for a guided tour. We had to call ahead to schedule our tour, and it was well worth it. Our tour guide was incredibly knowledgable about all aspects of African American history and New Orleans in particular. He even knew about Philadelphia history, where we are from. He truly had an encyclopedic knowledge. This was the best museum we visited on our whole trip. The house itself is gorgeous and very well preserved. This is a gem, and a must see for anyone interested in black history.

Absolutely a highlight of our trip to NOLA. It's quite frankly unbelievable that this museum is not more well-known. The museum aspect of this place is less important than the stories you get on the tour -- well worth the $15 (or more!!). Kim, our guide, told us the history we hadn't heard at any other site in New Orleans, both as it pertained to the free people of color (an absolutely incredible and rarely-discussed story) and also as it pertained to the city history as a whole. Truly a cornerstone of our education on this city! Go!!

I found this place on Google a few months ago while planning my trip to Nola, and I'm so glad I made sure to visit this place! It's so full of rich history and made me feel such a sense of empowerment. This museum highlights the contributions and successes of free people of color and helped me understand how the origins of the rich African culture remained deeply rooted in New Orleans. My tour guide was both gracious and knowledgeable. My fiancé and I even took a tour of the property as a potential destination wedding venue. I will definitely visit again!

I visited this museum for the first time on Fri, NOv 18. The grounds and facility are typical gorgeous new orleans architecture and are very well kept. The museum is relatively small (~4 rooms) and well-curated so as not to be too overwhelming and easy to navigate and appreciate if you only have an hour or two. Most importantly, the tour that I received from my guide, Kim Coleman, was exceptionally good. She was quite comprehensive without being the least bit pedantic or dry. Her talk was interactive and was the perfect balance of objective facts, cultural & historical analysis, and individual personal stories (her own, her family members' and those of other New Orleanians throughout history). I was thoroughly impressed, look forward to returning, and will tell all my friends and family visiting NOLA about this gem of a museum.

I was so happy to discover this gem of a museum. I had a very informative tour, had the opportunity to ask questions, and learned so much! I highly recommend this experience- I just wish I had known of this museum before!

One of the best museum experiences I've ever had, mostly due to how knowledgeable and amazing our tour guide Kim and Andrea were. Well worth the price of admission and I will come back every time I came to New Orleans and bring friends.

My wife Crystal and I visited last month and had a great conversation with co-founder and collector, Beverly McKenna about this piece and how it spoke to her. They were so open and giving, we spent an extra hour (time before and after our tour) sharing stories about history and art and our relationship to each. It's a family-run business and Mrs. McKenna's cousin Andrea showed us their other properties nearby that could be used for people who use AirBnB. Visiting this museum was the first thing we did after landed (after we ate) and by far the best part of the trip. Definitely plan to return and show love.

If you are looking for historical finds, Le Musee is an excellent place to start. Our group did a private tour, followed by a tea with the staff. Our guide was excellent and well versed in the history of each piece. We eventually lost track of time because of the great conversation during our tea! Thank you for such a great time!