About the Institute

The Institute for New Orleans History and Culture is located in the Lourdes Library at Gwynedd-Mercy College. The Institute was established as a collection where the heritage of this city can be preserved and studied. Established by Dr. Wade Luquet, a native of New Orleans, and an interested committee of academics and staff members at the College, the Institute works to preserve New Orleans history through its library collection of books, photographs, documents, video, and audiotapes. The institute also hosts speakers and cultural events, and makes study and service-learning trips to the city with students and community members. The Institute will write grants to fund projects, write academic research papers, sponsor cultural events, and conduct additional study trips to New Orleans.

The Institute currently has over 150 items related to New Orleans including books, photographs, a jazz collection,, cookbooks, and menus from some of the cities most visited restaurants. Additional works are being added on a regular basis through purchase and donation. View the New Orleans Collection in the library's catalog.

If you would like to donate items to the Institute, we would be happy to add them to our collection. You can contact Dr. Wade Luquet at 215-646-7300 x 165 or e-mail at luquet.w@gmc.edu.