Historic New Orleans Collection unveils "Making It Home: Vietnam to New Orleans," a landmark exhibition honoring Vietnamese refugee resilience and community legacy

Written By Alicia Vial

Free interactive exhibition marks 50th anniversary of fall of Saigon

NEW ORLEANS  – The Historic New Orleans Collection (HNOC) proudly announces the opening of "Making It Home: From Vietnam to New Orleans," a powerful and deeply significant bilingual exhibition commemorating the 50th anniversary of the fall of Saigon. After a decade of meticulous research and profound community engagement, this exhibition, opening April 4th in the heart of the French Quarter, offers a vital and moving testament to the enduring spirit of Vietnamese refugees who found a new home in New Orleans.

Fifty years ago, in the wake of the devastating Vietnam War, millions of individuals were displaced, seeking refuge from unimaginable loss and trauma. "Making It Home" illuminates the extraordinary journey of thousands who resettled in New Orleans, carrying with them not material possessions, but the indelible stories of their lives. This exhibition transcends a simple historical account; it is a profound exploration of resilience, faith, and the enduring power of family. Through interactive oral history narratives, striking photographic portraits, and cherished family heirlooms, "Making It Home" traces the multigenerational arc of a community that has become an integral and vibrant part of New Orleans.

“Making It Home” transports visitors to the aftermath of the Vietnam War when thousands of refugees fled their homeland and follows their journey to resettlement and building community in New Orleans. Visitors will be immersed in the personal narratives that shaped the Vietnamese American experience in New Orleans, including the remarkable story of Keim Do, a deputy chief of staff of operations for the South Vietnamese Navy who orchestrated the evacuation of more than 30,000 people. His subsequent contributions to New Orleans, as an educator at Ben Franklin, an engineer at Entergy and a translator for the U.S. Coast Guard and New Orleans Police Department exemplify the profound impact the refugee community has had on New Orleans.

"The oral histories we've captured from elders within the Vietnamese community provide a vital record of their experiences with war, migration and resettlement, forming the foundational story of this community," explains Mark Cave, HNOC’s senior historian and exhibition curator. “Making It Home' is not just an exhibition; it is a tribute, a memorial and a celebration. It honors the resilience of the first generation of refugees, while also serving as a poignant dedication to those lost during the war and diaspora whose stories remain untold. It is a vital record of a community that has enriched the cultural fabric of New Orleans."

This landmark exhibition features a recently acquired collection of photographs and ephemera by Mark J. Sindler, alongside invaluable contributions from members of the Vietnamese community, the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum, the Library of Congress, Naval History and Heritage Command, Tulane University, the University of New Orleans and the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration. These diverse sources converge to create a comprehensive and deeply moving narrative that has yet to be told.

“The Vietnamese American community has not just settled in New Orleans; they have become an essential part of our community’s identity,” says Daniel Hammer, HNOC president and CEO. “As the largest repository of New Orleans history and culture, HNOC is committed to ensuring that these vital stories are preserved and shared. 'Making It Home' is a testament to our commitment to representing the diverse voices that have shaped our city.”

HNOC invites the community to celebrate the opening of "Making It Home" with a family-friendly Community Day April 12, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Attendees can engage in hands-on activities, crafting, scavenger hunts and guided tours of the exhibition. Admission is free.

“Making It Home” is made possible by HNOC’s 2025 Bienville Circle and media sponsor WVUE-FOX 8. The free exhibition will be on view at HNOC (520 Royal Street) from April 4-Oct. 5. For more information, visit hnoc.org.

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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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