Some Past is Present

Over the past year I have neglected to contribute to this blog which I began in 2012. Last year I assumed a new position as Assistant Secretary for the Office of State Museum/Director of the Louisiana State Museum system. After settling into my new role it seems like a good time to share again.

My intent is to share through these postings a few observations from my experiences in museum work. You will also find early postings from 2012 and reflections related to my experiences with the University of Louisiana at Lafayette's Hilliard Museum of Art. (see the archive to the right)

Futurists predict an age of Singularity dawning within the next 50 years. It is important to realize that if this new world emerges, where artificial intelligence is a pervasive influence on practically every aspect of our existence that the arts and humanities will continue to be a uniquely human manifestation. Museums in particular will continue to shape our reality and the values reflected in our shared cultures.

For example, literature, philosophy, poetry and storytelling shape the meaning of all religion. The image of oneself or one's Deity is crafted through language and objects. Our museums and libraries are the physical storehouses of what truly defines us. The tangible, organic/carbon-based objects in museums are imbued with unique qualities that a virtual world can never provide.

Friends of Cabildo Docent leading a tour of the Cabildo

Education should be the heart and soul of our process in developing exhibitions of objects and related programs throughout the Louisiana State Museum System. Exhibitions are the visible manifestation of our values and implicitly communicate our understanding of our past, present and future.  Education is the vehicle through which we nurture inquiry and exhibitions provide museum visitors with first-hand exposure to the artifacts related to our unique human experiences. 

This blog will explore the objects and ideas that we present in our nine museum properties throughout the state of Louisiana. Your thoughts and commentary are most welcomed.
I have proof that there is indeed a harmony between the past and present. You might agree that at some time you had a coincidental meeting, a re-acquaintance with someone, or you stumbled upon an object or a place that was a profound connection to your past. Life has a strange way of revealing the interconnected nature of past and present.

My sister, Melodye T. Willie, a retired principle and educator, developed a passion for researching our family history. She uncovered some intriguing facts about my family's past including a discovery that our third great-grandfather (maternal side) was a Steamboat captain in New Orleans in the mid 19th century.

Pilot Nathan Way

A census of “Free Inhabitants in the 11^th Ward of the City of New Orleans” document that he was 21 years old and lived in a house with Maria Roberts-age 62 a midwife from New York estimated real estate value was $3,000.00, Sarah Kenny age 50 from Virginia whose real estate value was listed at $4,000.00, Benjamin Kenny age 11, John King age 32 listed as a merchant, Eliza King age 35, Thomas C King age 1 and Elizabeth Griffin age 15.  The Kings and Elizabeth Griffin were from Ireland. Nathan Way is listed as one of two pilots for the J. M. White steamboat.

Last year when I toured our Capitol Park Museum in Baton Rouge I passed a scale model of the J.M. White Steamboat. Artifacts from the riverboat were also on display.  Soon after I had the pleasure of attending a lecture by retired New Orleans Riverboat Captain "Doc" Hawley and he provided me with a publication that confirmed that my great grandfather, indeed served as pilot for the first and second generations of the J.M. White Steamboat. Of course a chill went up my spine when I confirmed this phenomenal coincidence.



Model of J.M. White Steamboat (1878-88) at Louisiana State Museum's
Capital Park Museum in Baton Rouge, LA.

Now each day as I hold meetings in my office or stroll through the French Quarter, I hear the moan of the Natchez steamboat whistle as it beckons tourists to board a river tour. I can only imagine that the ghost of Nathan Way is at the wheel. I realize now that I have been given the honor and privilege to pilot a different kind of vessel than that of my Grandfather Way.

This story provides an opportunity for me to share another important value in museums. If you look hard enough you can find a part of yourself in the collections of the Louisiana State Museum. I hope you will begin your own search.