The New Orleans Antiques Forum is in full swing at The Historic New Orleans Collection, with two days of sessions remaining for antique enthusiasts to enjoy. The theme of this year’s forum is „New Lives For Old Things: Refashioning Southern Material Culture,“ focusing on the Southern tradition of reusing and repurposing items from plantation homes to apparel. The conference features a lineup of both local and national speakers who will delve into various aspects of antiques and architecture.
On Saturday, attendees can expect sessions on the histories behind everyday objects, a discussion on Shadow-on-the-Teche in New Iberia, designing with antiques, insights into Whitney Plantation and Harpersville, Alabama’s Wallace Center for Arts and Reconciliation. Additionally, the Single Brothers‘ House in Salem, North Carolina, will be explored, along with book signings by authors in the field.
Sunday’s events will include information on The Historic New Orleans Collection’s 533 Royal St. facility and the transformation of the Hotel Peter + Paul. These sessions promise to provide valuable insights into the preservation and repurposing of historical buildings and spaces.
The forum is taking place at 410 Chartres St., and tickets start at $50 for a single day. For more information and to purchase tickets, interested individuals can visit hnoc.org/antiques.
In addition to the Antiques Forum, the Greater New Orleans Bonsai Society will be hosting its annual auction and sale on August 10 at the VFW Hall in Harahan. This event will feature a selection of plants, starter material, pots, and bonsai at various price points, catering to both novices and experienced enthusiasts. The auction will take place from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., following the sale that starts at 4 p.m. Admission to the event is free, and more details can be found on gnobs.org.
For those interested in learning more about New Orleans‘ rich history and culture, the Friends of Cabildo lecture series is set to begin on August 13. The Fall Member Lecture Series will kick off with a trio of lectures focusing on New Orleans cemeteries, led by cemetery scholar Emily Ford. The series will continue through September, covering a range of topics from World War II history to New Orleans‘ culinary heritage. The lectures are free for members and $10 each for nonmembers, with the option to purchase a series pass for $25. The lectures will be held at 6 p.m. and will also be available on Zoom. Visit friendsofthecabildo.org for the full schedule and more information.
If you’re considering buying and renovating an older home in New Orleans, the Preservation Resource Center is offering a daylong class on September 13 that combines their popular Buy Right and Renovate Right classes. „Fixer Upper 101“ aims to provide buyers with the tools they need to evaluate, plan, and execute the purchase and renovation of an older property. Topics covered will include property evaluation, project feasibility, financing options, working with contractors and architects, and best practices for renovation. The class will take place at 923 Tchoupitoulas St., and tickets are $35. More information can be found on prcno.org.
Lastly, for those looking to give back to the community and help maintain the beauty of City Park, there are several volunteer opportunities available during the week of August 10-17. These initiatives include the Urban Forest Support Initiative, Litter Abatement Campaign, and the Big Lake Native Plant Trail Restoration Project. Volunteers can participate in activities such as weeding, mulching, and plant debris removal to help preserve the park’s native plant beds. Those interested can meet at the Volunteer Center on Harrison Ave. for the various projects.
Overall, these events and opportunities offer a diverse range of experiences for those interested in antiques, history, horticulture, and community engagement in New Orleans. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a novice enthusiast, there is something for everyone to enjoy and learn from in the vibrant cultural landscape of the city.