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A) We Creoles have always wanted
a separate identity as well as be respected and remembered as
a people! Well! There are some people out there that want to
make this happen. The "Musee Rosette Rochon" cottage,
when completely Renovated, will be the 1st of its kind to honor
creoles and their accomplishments!
It is now up to each and
every one of us to make this happen! We talk about "Creole"
pride so now is our chance to help make this creole museum
become a reality. SO GET OUT! And draw up support for this
endeavor! Please give these great people a hand by supporting
this project with your donations or physical support.
(B) The Musee Rosette Rochon
is an early antebellum home built for a free businesswoman
of color who amassed wealth and lived to the age of one hundred.
It is also one of the most important early examples in New
Orleans of architecture transitional between Creole and American
styles and has many remarkable details. As project director,
I am seeking to develop the building as a historic house museum
on a par with local attractions such as the Hermann-Grima
and Gallier houses. Right now, New Orleans has nothing of
the kind representative of the city's antembellum free black
population, which was by far the wealthiest in the United
States.
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The Rochon project, a non-profit
foundation, has attracted the attention of the preservation
Resource Center of New Orleans, garnered some help from the
federal government and the State of Louisiana to stabilize
the building, and attracted attention of both Tulane and Xavier
universities. The Master of Preservation Studies Program of
the Tulane School of Architecture documented the site for
the Historic American Buildings Survey and won an ward in
the process.
Xavier Archives mounted an exhibit on the subject that became
one of its longest running and best attended. Now, to move
forward, the museum requires further repairs, research, and
restoration, the acquisition of furnishings, and the development
of exhibits. In the case of the now-fragile rear faceade,
there is some urgency involved. Please read the enclosed materials
about the Musee. You will see its uniqueness and its importance
to the history of women, people of African descent, Creoles,
the francophone world, business, race relations, New Orleans,
the state, the region, and, even, the nation. I believe that
you will find it most worthy of support. On behalf of the
project, may I please receive any forms or other materials
relative to formally requesting support? Thank You.
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Sincerely,
Don Richmond
Director |
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Send all inquiries, donations, and
offers of support to:
Don G. Richmond "Director"
Musee Rosette Rochon
1515 Pauger Street
New Orleans, Louisiana 70116
(504) 947-7673
or email to: AugustinePlans@aol.com |
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