Proteus 1892, Teunisson 1902, and Louis Armstrong 1949: Selections from the Carnival Holdings of Tulane University’s Special Collections Division

February 28, 2019 – June 14, 2019.

Showcasing the Carnival and Mardi Gras holdings of Tulane University Libraries’ Special Collections Division, this exhibit features the complete set of original float designs for the 1892 Proteus parade. Designed by Carlotta Bonnecaze around the theme “A Dream of the Vegetable Kingdom,” the designs reveal an almost hallucinatory level of creativity and delight, from frightened English peas to mighty warrior acorns. Other highlights are photographs taken by noted New Orleans photographer John Norris Teunisson documenting Mardi Gras along Canal Street and in the French Quarter in 1902; photographs of Louis Armstrong during his 1949 reign as King Zulu; Carnival music recordings by Fats Domino, Irma Thomas, and Professor Longhair; and photographs of Tulane students yelling “Throw me something, Mista!” at passing floats. Together, the items on display reveal the depth and range of Carnival in New Orleans.

Generous support provided by the Marjorie Peirce Geiser and John Geiser, Jr. Fund.

Curated by Kevin Williams, Proteus 1892, Teunisson 1902, and Louis Armstrong 1949: Selections from the Carnival Holdings of Tulane University’s Special Collections Division opens February 28, 2019 and runs through June 14, 2019 at the Special Collections Gallery, 6801 Freret Street, 2nd Floor of Jones Hall, on Tulane University’s Uptown campus. Hours are 10am–5pm Monday-Friday. Admission is free and open to the public.

Opening reception February 28, 2019, 2:00pm – 4:00pm. Free and open to the public. King cake and coffee will be served.