Historic New Orleans Collection unveils free Museum Month tours of "A Vanishing Bounty" leading up to Hurricane Katrina's 20th anniversary

Written By Alicia Vial

Free French Quarter exhibition sponsored by Entergy

NEW ORLEANS — To celebrate the return of Museum Month, the Historic New Orleans Collection (HNOC) is launching free 20-minute tours led by expert guides, offering in-depth insights into its compelling exhibition and artifacts. Two of the short tours guide visitors through “A Vanishing Bounty: Louisiana’s Coastal Environment and Culture,” HNOC’s newest permanent exhibition made possible by the generous support of Entergy Corporation. This timely exhibition examines the region’s natural environment and the critical threats to its continued existence, taking on heightened significance as the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina approaches.

“‘A Vanishing Bounty’ offers a profound look at Louisiana's imperiled coast, a topic that resonates deeply as we approach the two-decade mark since Hurricane Katrina devastated our communities,” says HNOC President and CEO, Daniel Hammer. “We are incredibly grateful for Entergy’s generous support, which has been instrumental in making this exhibition a reality. It's designed to be family-friendly and accessible, providing crucial historical context and highlighting ongoing efforts in coastal restoration. Understanding our past is vital to securing our future, and this exhibition plays a key role in that education.”

The first tour, Sewers & Sidewalks: The Pumps That Sank New Orleans, explores the technologies that helped build – and inadvertently sink – New Orleans. Participants will learn why 20th century infrastructure “improvements” now pose a threat to the city’s roads, businesses and residents. The second tour, More Than Mud and Water: Why our Wetlands Matter, will teach visitors how wetlands protect and nourish our communities, clean the environment and provide respite to wildlife and humans alike.

“Entergy is proud to support the Historic New Orleans Collection and its vital work in educating the public about Louisiana’s unique environment and the challenges it faces,” says Patty Riddlebarger, Vice President of Corporate and Social Responsibility for Entergy Corporation. “’A Vanishing Bounty’ is an essential exhibition that aligns with our commitment to environmental stewardship and community resilience. As we reflect on the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, understanding our coast and its protection becomes even more paramount, and the Historic New Orleans Collection is doing an exceptional job of bringing this critical conversation to the forefront.”

In addition to historic images, “A Vanishing Bounty,” dives into the impacts of Hurricane Katrina through interactive displays and physical objects. Visitors will encounter flood maps from 1955, a preserved 1969 Camille ball (pine needles caught in swirling vortices of wind sculpted into orbs) and used oyster shell recycling bags from the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana, all emphasizing the urgent importance of costal restoration.

The short tours are free and open to the public. Additional short tours examining Gulf South history and culture are also available during Museum Month. Tours will take place daily at 2 p.m. for the entire month of August, with topics rotating to provide a diverse experience for visitors.

To learn more about “A Vanishing Bounty” and the upcoming short tours, visit www.hnoc.org. 

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About the Historic New Orleans Collection
Home to the world's largest collection of materials related to the history and culture of New Orleans and the Gulf South, the Historic New Orleans Collection (HNOC) is a nonprofit institution dedicated to preserving the region's distinctive heritage. Established in 1966 through the Kemper and Leila Williams Foundation, HNOC functions as a free museum, research center and publisher, spread across more than 15 historic buildings in the heart of the French Quarter. For more information, visit www.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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