Inside a lovely 1859 Greek revival mansion in the Upper Tremé, this museum showcases a 30-year collection of artifacts, documents, furniture and art. It all tells the story of a forgotten subculture: the 'free people of color' before the Civil War, who played a unique but prominent role in the development of the city. The small but fascinating collection includes original documentation of slaves who became free, either by coartación (buying their own freedom) or as a reward for particularly good service.
Rooms spotlight different eras in the city's history, with a focus on physician and newspaper publisher Dr Louis Charles Roudanez, born in 1823. Visitation is by guided tour, which can also be arranged by appointment on days the museum is closed.
