17th annual New Orleans Antiques Forum explores the fascinating world of southern pastimes and play

Written By Alicia Vial

Weekend long celebration of history and aesthetics presented by the Historic New Orleans Collection

NEW ORLEANS – The Historic New Orleans Collection’s (HNOC) 2025 New Orleans Antiques Forum, themed Delight & Distraction: Material Culture of Southern Amusement, returns Aug. 8-10 for a weekend of discovery, storytelling and fun that will bring the South’s vibrant entertainment traditions to life. Registration is now open.

The Antiques Forum will explore the history of southern amusement through its eclectic material culture—objects that reveal the sights, textures and stories of life’s pleasures amid the region’s complex history. With sessions on board games, the circus, nineteenth-century pleasure gardens and how Thoroughbred breeding helped make horse racing a nationally hailed pastime, this weekend promises a playful assortment of delight and distraction. 

“Since 2008, the Antiques Forum has become a treasured gathering for those who appreciate the stories held within antique treasures and the deeper understanding of our shared past,” says HNOC President and CEO, Daniel Hammer. “This year, we offer a unique opportunity to delve into how leisure traditions have woven themselves into the very fabric of the American South, strengthening community and offering essential moments of enjoyment.”

Attendees will have the distinct pleasure of hearing from a distinguished lineup of experts and enthusiasts. Among them are Tara Gleason Chicirda from the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, Claudia Pfeiffer of the National Sporting Library & Museum and Allison Robinson from The New York Historical Society, to name just a few. These engaging speakers will illuminate the captivating world of Southern pastimes and the significance of play throughout history.

Registration is now open, and with limited spaces available, interested individuals are encouraged to secure their place soon. Guests can choose to attend for a single day or enjoy the full forum at a special discounted rate. Enhance your experience with optional add-on activities, including a delectable Sunday brunch at the iconic Arnaud’s restaurant, a New Orleans institution.

The 2025 New Orleans Antiques Forum is proudly presented by the Historic New Orleans Collection and generously sponsored by the Neal Auction Company, Ryan Gootee General Contractors, Country Roads Magazine, Moss Antiques, Keil’s Antiques, LaFleur & Laborde Attorneys at Law, History Antiques & Interiors, Hederman Brothers and Premium Parking.

To discover the full program of engaging presentations, unique experiences and the roster of esteemed speakers, visit hnoc.org/events/antiques-forum-2025.

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About The Historic New Orleans Collection:
The Historic New Orleans Collection is a nonprofit institution dedicated to preserving the distinctive history and culture of New Orleans and the Gulf South. Founded in 1966 through the Kemper and Leila Williams Foundation, HNOC operates as a free museum, research center and publisher spanning more than 15 historic buildings in the heart of the French Quarter. For more information visit hnoc.org.

Alicia Vial

Alicia Vial is a New Orleans native with more than a decade of experience elevating client stories and leading crisis response. As the senior director of strategy, Alicia acts as a leader within the Gambel Communications team ensuring each agency team member is positioned to deliver strategic public relations services that meet the highest standards of the industry. In addition to supporting the agency’s long-term business growth and development, she coordinates day-to-day account services and oversees strategic direction while staying abreast of best practices and industry trends to provide innovative solutions to meet client’s needs.

Before joining Gambel Communications, Alicia served as the communications director for the Louisiana SPCA, the oldest and largest animal welfare organization in Louisiana that impacts more than 74,000 animals per year. During her nearly eight-year tenure, Alicia oversaw numerous crises, served on national communication taskforces, oversaw all aspects of internal and external relations and worked alongside the development department to raise critical funding. Prior to that, she worked in the fast-paced New Orleans hospitality industry focusing on digital public relations for multiple hotels.

Alicia is a member of the Public Relations Association of Louisiana (PRAL), Southern Public Relations Federation (SPRF), a board member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) New Orleans Chapter and a member of the New Orleans Regional Leadership Institute. An accredited public relations practitioner (APR), Alicia is also certified in crisis communications, organizational leadership, content marketing and social media.

A well respected and trusted public relations practitioner, Alicia has been recognized by SPRF as a ‘Senior Practitioner of the Year’. Dubbed early on in her career as one to watch, she also received the ‘Rising Star’ award by PRAL and was profiled in St. Charles Avenue Magazine as part of their Young Bloods series. Most recently, she was recognized at PRSA’s annual Fleurish Awards and received four Awards of Excellence for her work along with the ‘Plate Spinner’ award for her efforts on the board of directors for the chapter.

An LSU graduate, Alicia received a bachelor's degree in mass communications with a concentration in public relations and minors in business administration and leadership development. She is a frequent speaker and presenter on public relations topics, most recently presenting at the Jefferson Economic Development Commission and SPRF annual conference.

When Alicia is not at work, you can find her at the ballpark with her three boys or cheering on the Tigers in Death Valley.

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