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February 27, 2008

CONTACT:
Seth Harvey
(225) 342-0729
sharvey@crt.state.la.us

BATON ROUGE- Lt. Governor Mitch Landrieu today announced the opening of Louisiana's African American Heritage Trail at the New Orleans African American Museum located in Tremé, the oldest surviving black community in the United States.

"Louisiana is one of the top destinations for African American travelers in the country. Through this trail, we are linking together local museums, churches, and cultural centers from across the state to tell Louisiana's rich African American heritage story," said Lt. Governor Landrieu. "Diversity is one of our greatest strengths. Research shows that tourists want an authentic experience, and Louisiana can deliver an authentic experience."

The African American Heritage Trail is a collection of 26 sites around Louisiana that showcase the talents and culture of African Americans to the rest of the world. The New Orleans African American Museum is one of ten sites in the Greater New Orleans area.

"The legacy of Africans contributing to Louisiana's history and culture can be traced back to its earliest settlements. Selection as a site on the Louisiana African American Heritage Trail is an honor and privilege for the New Orleans African American Museum (NOAAM). NOAAM is located in the heart of the historic Tremé community, the oldest neighborhood established by African Americans in the United States. We at the museum aim to share, preserve, promote, present and interpret the cultural and heritage of people of African descent with particular emphasis on regional New Orleans past and present activities," said Charlie Johnson, President of the Board for the New Orleans African American Museum.

The trail, one of only two in the nation, is a project of the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism and its Office of Tourism's Product Development Section.

The trail will be expanded in future phases as existing sites' abilities to cater to tourists are enhanced, and as new sites are identified. Sites on the first phase were chosen due to their historic and cultural significance and their current ability to cater to travelers and locals.

Sites on the trail are located in big cities and small towns alike across the state, linked by transportation systems and steered by interpretive materials created by the Louisiana Office of Tourism's product development section.

Interpretive and promotional materials will include brochures and maps, and a special section at LouisianaTravel.com. The trail will also be marketed by the Office of Tourism and the Office of the Lt. Governor.