Buy your tickets now and join VCPORA and Windsor Court Hotel on Thursday, October 8 at 11:45 a.m. at Windsor Court Hotel for the first installment of our Quarterly Lunch and Learn series, where Ann Masson will present Preservation and Tourism in the Vieux Carre: How it All Began. Seating is very limited due to social distancing requirements. Attendees will be seated 4 to a table at 6-foot rounds. Seating is very limited due to social distancing requirements. Menu to be announced. Lunch tickets for VCPORA members are $40 or $45 with wine. Lunch tickets for non-members are $50 or $55 with wine. All who recognize the unique significance of the French Quarter are invited to learn about historic building practices, significant events, and challenges specific to this unique historic neighborhood.
A century ago, the old neighborhood was in shambles. Buildings were failing, residents had moved away, and the area was declared “completely gone.” The preservation movement was born of a desperation that brought together artists, writers, businesses, and “women of vision” in public and political campaigns to rejuvenate the Vieux Carre. Seeing the potential of visitors interested in history and the picturesque atmosphere, the burgeoning tourism community joined forces with preservationists. For decades, it was a good partnership. But things have changed, and now we wonder if tourism has become more devil than saint.
