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This book retails at $39.95. Order here or call the Museum Store to reserve a copy (504-539-9625).
Over five years ago, the original idea for what was to become the book Missing New Orleans was conceived by Phillip Collier.
Late in the spring of 2005, Collier, a collaborator with The Ogden Museum of Southern Art on graphic and design issues, brought his evolving concept for the book to the Museum. For many reasons, the Ogden Museum offered to publish the book with Collier. A tight deadline was set, and the publication’s team, drawing upon the city’s distinctive archival and research institutions, including The Historic New Orleans Collection, advanced the research, writing, editing and design, work required to complete the book.
Its final proof form was scheduled to be delivered to Brennan’s Printing in New Orleans on Wednesday, August 31, 2005. On Saturday, August 27, with news that a Category 5 hurricane was predicted to make landfall along the Louisiana coastline, the staff of the Ogden Museum executed the Museum’s hurricane preparedness plan. And, like many other residents of the metropolitan New Orleans area, they evacuated the city, taking the final galleys of the book with them for safe-keeping and one last review. Hurricane Katrina hit the Louisiana and Mississippi coast early on Monday, August 29. Within 24 hours, the original meaning behind the title "Missing New Orleans" changed dramatically.
The Historic New Orleans Collection, dedicated to preserving Louisiana’s cultural legacy for present and future generations, was the first cultural institution in the city to open its doors to the public following the hurricane. Soon thereafter, on October 27, the Ogden Museum reopened, joining The Historic New Orleans Collection in offering New Orleans residents and visitors an opportunity to experience the city and the South’s unique culture – including the region’s visual arts, music and history.
Undaunted by the many challenges that arose in the aftermath of the storm, the team behind the production of Missing New Orleans, along with the staff of Brennan’s Printing, rededicated themselves to make the publication a reality. The original goal had been to unveil the book in early November. The book was released on November 19, 2005, at the Museum, accompanied by an exhibition of the same title. It sold out in less than four weeks. Missing New Orleans was honored by the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities as a "Humanities Book of the Year" for 2005.
We are grateful for our partnership with The Historic New Orleans Collection. In addition to generously sharing their expertise and archival materials for the book’s content, THNOC’s Board of Directors and staff have joined the Ogden Museum as our publication partner in this second printing. This collaboration makes it possible for larger audiences to relive the rich history of the city once known as the "Queen of the South."
