DST 54th National Convention Family Activities and Tours

MCKENNA MUSEUMS HISTORIC TOUR – LE MUSEE DE FREE PEOPLE OF COLOR | July 12 1pm, July 13 12pm, July 14 2pm | 2 Hours |$30, Minimum Required 20 Le Musee de f.p.c., a historic house museum and one of the country's few attractions dedicated exclusively to preserving the material culture of and telling the story of free people of color. The George & Leah McKenna Museum of African American Art is an institution that collects, interprets and preserves the visual aesthetic of people of African descent in North America and beyond. Through innovative programs and exhibits that engage versatile audiences, the McKenna Museum seeks to make African Diaspora fine art accessible to visitors of all ages. The institution identifies and presents emerging artists alongside well-established fine arts masters. Located in New Orleans, the McKenna Museum is committed to the preservation of the distinct culture found within the African American community of Louisiana.

WHITNEY PLANTATION TOUR | Saturday, July 13, 10am, 3 hours | $50 | Minimum Required 25 Within the boundaries of the “Habitation Hayden”, as the Whitney Plantation was originally known, the story of the Haydel family of German immigrants and the slaves that they held were intertwined. In 2014, the Whitney Plantation opened its doors to the public for the first time in its 262 year history as the only plantation museum in Louisiana with a focus on slavery. Through museum exhibits, memorial artwork and restored buildings and hundreds of first-person slave narratives, visitors to Whitney will gain a unique perspective on the lives of Louisiana's enslaved people.

THE BLACK HERITAGE & BAYOU ROAD SHOPPING TOUR | July 12, July 13, July 14 at 10am and 2pm | 2.5 Hours |$50, Minimum Required 25 New Orleans Black Heritage & Jazz City Tour hosted by All Bout Dat Tours, is for everyone who wants to get off the beaten path! Congo Square, Armstrong Park, Treme' the First African American neighborhood in the United States. We visit ASHE Cultural Arts Center and all black owned businesses on Bayou Road. Get the real positive insight about Voodoo, what is Creole architecture, The Freedom Fighters and MUCH MORE.

FRENCH QUARTER CULTURAL WALKING TOUR - VIEUX CARRE SECRETS 2 Hours | 10am Daily, $25, Minimum Required 25 | Visits Congo Square, Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau's House, Storied streets of the French Quarter and Jackson Square The Vieux Carre (literally Old Square) or French Quarter, is an architectural wonder. Strolling along her sidewalks is like taking a step back in time. Unfortunately, the walls can't talk, but the guides bring the streets to life. Walk between Congo Square and Jackson Square, hearing the stories of colonists, slaves, pirates, madams, and all the others that contributed to New Orleans' unique history.

New Orleans School of Cooking | Chef Demonstration | 2 hours | $46 | Minimum Required 30 Experience Fun, Food, and Folklore at the New Orleans School of Cooking. Watch, learn & eat! Sit back and enjoy watching our skilled, entertaining chefs prepare a classic Cajun / Creole meal, while learning about the vibrant and rich culture history of New Orleans cuisine! Guests will experience 4 mouthwatering menu items and receive a special keepsake recipe card to try your hand when you get back home.

LAKESIDE SHOPPING CENTER | SHUTTLE SERVICE OFFERED | $12 DAILY | EVERY HOUR | SCHEDULE & OPTIONS WILL BE PROVIDED ON SITE AT THE CONVENTION CENTER Daily shuttle service from the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center to Lakeside Shopping Center and back to the Convention Center from Hall A starting at 11am until 5pm.

ON THE TOWN BLACK RESTAURANT CRAWL | RESERVATIONS OFFERED DAILY | RESTAURANTS OPTIONS PROVIDED AT REGISTRATION DESK AT THE CONVENTION CENTER Onsite registration at the Convention Center to make restaurant reservations. Will provide a list of Black-owned restaurants around the New Orleans area along with specific cuisine and price points.

ON THE TOWN JAZZ MUSIC & BAR CRAWL | OFFERED DAILY | SCHEDULE & OPTIONS WILL BE PROVIDED RESTAURANTS OPTIONS PROVIDED AT REGISTRATION DESK AT THE CONVENTION CENTER Onsite registration desk at the Convention Center to provide listing of citywide musical performances, jazz clubs and entertainment with venue, type of music, show times and costs. (i.e., Prime Example, Victory, Drink Lab, Whiskey & Sticks, Grand Krewe and more)