Date of Award

5-2024

Degree Type

Thesis-Restricted

Degree Name

M.A.

Degree Program

History

Department

History

Major Professor

John D. Fitzmorris

Second Advisor

James P. Mokhiber

Third Advisor

Mary N. Mitchell

Abstract

The community of Slidell, Louisiana, sits across the lake from New Orleans on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain. Slidell quietly shrouds a multitude of fascinating historic narratives with roots that extend back to before the 1718 founding of New Orleans. The first documented European presence in the area near Slidell occurred in 1699 when Iberville camped at Goose Point a few miles west of present-day Slidell. This area would play a vital role in the survival, growth, and development of the early New Orleans settlement.

Slidell has a rich history of people, places, and events. In 2005, the devastation from Hurricane Katrina destroyed most of the files and records of the Slidell Museum and the Guardians of Slidell History (GOSH) civic group. As time passes, more of Slidell’s history may fade over time. Many life-long citizens and current residents have little to no knowledge regarding the community’s rich heritage.

This paper addresses the efforts of the Slidell Museum to find, safeguard, and share information with the public. It will focus on methods and results of programs undertaken since 2018. It demonstrates how small community museums play an important role in preserving the memory and history of small towns, and the impact they can have on the community.

Rights

The University of New Orleans and its agents retain the non-exclusive license to archive and make accessible this dissertation or thesis in whole or in part in all forms of media, now or hereafter known. The author retains all other ownership rights to the copyright of the thesis or dissertation.

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