Description: Built in 1835, the Old U.S. Mint is the only building in America to have served both as a United States and a Confederate Mint. President Andrew Jackson advocated the Mint’s establishment in order to help finance development of the nation’s western frontier. Renowned architect William Strickland designed the building in the then-popular Greek Revival style. Three years after the building opened, in 1838, minting began. In 1861, Louisiana seceded from the Union, and state authorities seized the property and transferred it to the Confederate Army. For a short time, it was used to mint Confederate currency and to house Confederate troops. This ended when New Orleans was occupied by Federal forces. Following the Civil War, during the period of Reconstruction, minting of United States coins resumed until 1909, and for the next 57 years, the Mint served in a variety of capacities. In 1966, the landmark building was transferred to the state of Louisiana, and in 1981, it opened to the public as part of the Louisiana State Museum complex. Today's visitor finds a number of stunning permanent exhibits in the Old U.S. Mint. Jazz aficionados should make time to visit the “New Orleans Jazz” exhibit, which features instruments, sheet music and memorabilia chronicling the toe-tapping tale of Jazz from its humble beginnings on the streets of New Orleans. The new photography gallery portrays a new generation of New Orleans performers. One must-see is the legendary collection of instruments—many played by significant jazz musicians—and all donated by the New Orleans Jazz Club. Another permanent exhibit is the Newcomb Pottery and crafts. Many of the objects d’art are on long-term loan from the Foundation for the Crafts of the Newcomb Style. Here the visitor finds a wide range of craft forms created by students at H. Sophie Newcomb College of Tulane University, including pottery, watercolor images, metalwork and bookbinding. A third exhibit, “The Mississippi and the Making of a Nation” is based on National Geographic’s 2002 book of the same name by historians Douglas Brinkley and the late Stephen Ambrose. This exhibit features 45 images by the magazine’s photographer-in-residence Sam Abell. In addition to these exhibits, the Old U.S. Mint hosts rotating exhibits and houses a Historical Center, which features an archive of maps and documents. Researchers are advised to call in advance at (504) 568-8214. The Old U.S. Mint is part of the five world-class museums that comprise the Louisiana State Museum complex: The Cabildo, The Presbytere, the 1850’s House and Madame John’s Legacy. Admission to the Cabildo/Arsenal, Presbytere and Old U.S. Mint is $5 for adults and $4 for senior citizens, students, and active military. Admission to Madame John’s Legacy and The 1850 house is $3 for adults and $2 for senior citizens, students, and active military. Children under 12 are admitted free to all sites. School groups are free, but reservations are required. Combination tickets for two or more sites receive a 20% discount, and group discounts are also available. All properties in the Louisiana State Museum system are available for rental for meetings, receptions and private events except The 1850 House. Each museum is authentic, unique, and provides an unforgettable venue. For more information, call 1 (800) 568-6968 or visit: lsm.crt.state.la.us |
