“Nina Hollingsworth July 15 1862” This inscription etched into a French door welcomes you to the 1811 Kid Ory Historic House. This isn’t just a house. It’s a living testament to Louisiana’s rich and complex history. Built in 1793 as a two-room sugar plantation owned by Manuel Andry it stands as one of the oldest structures in the River Parishes. Tragedy struck on January 8 1811. That night Charles Deslondes and his fellow enslaved rebels attacked the plantation initiating the 1811 Slave Revolt also known as the German Coast Uprising. The smaller chamber likely witnessed this pivotal moment in American history.
The house changed hands several times. Franç ois Norbert Boudousquie expanded it to four rooms. The Hollingsworth family further altered the house adding Greek Revival details. Samuel Hollingsworth even enclosed a loggia adding two more rooms to accommodate his large family.
The 1811 Kid Ory Historic House isn’t just about slavery and rebellion. It’s also about music. Edward “Kid” Ory was born in 1886 in the tenant quarters on Christmas Day. He rose to become a renowned trombonist saxophonist composer and bandleader. Though he lived at 2135 Jackson Avenue in New Orleans from 1910 to 1916 his legacy is inextricably linked to this house. Later exhibitions at the 1811 Kid Ory Historic House celebrate his life and work.
Today the house has undergone meticulous restoration. It features exhibits on the 1811 Slave Revolt and Kid Ory’s life. You can explore the hand-hewn cypress framing and the original bousillage construction an earthen material made of tempered earth and Spanish moss. The museum also highlights the daily lives of those who worked on the plantation including the mules.
The 1811 Kid Ory Historic House is more than a museum. It’s a place of reflection and learning. It’s a place where history unfolds before your eyes. A place where you can experience Louisiana’s past from the dawn of slavery to the birth of jazz. Take your time explore the exhibits. Let this historic house speak to you.