Marie Laveau
1801-1881
hairdresser,
social activist,
healer
Roster of Louisiana History Alive Characters
More than merely actors in costume, these award-winning performers become the people they portray. They conduct their own extensive research and learn from local historians and docents of historic homes and museums in the French Quarter to become experts on social history of Louisiana. By interacting directly with the public they create intimate first-person theatrical experiences with their audience and convey "a day in the life" of Creoles, Americans, and Free People of Color.
Baroness Pontalba
1795-1874
urban developer of Jackson Square and Pontalba apartments
Jean Lafitte
1780-1825
gentleman privateer
Josie Arlington
1864-1914
Storyville madam
Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne, Sieur de Bienville
1680-1767
explorer, founder of New Orleans, 4-time governor of Louisiana territory
John James Audubon
1785-1851
naturalist painter
Jules Lion
1809-1866
daguerrotype artist,
lithographer
Mme. Elisabeth Begue
1831-1906
restaurateur,
inventor of brunch
Ven. Mother Henriette Delille
1812-1862
founder and Mother Superior of
the Sisters of the Holy Family
Adelina Patti
1843-1919
coloratura soprano, opera diva
Margaret Haughery
1813-1882
baker, businesswoman, "Mother to the Orphans"
Andrew Jackson
1767-1845
Hero of the Battle of New
Orleans, 7th U.S. President
George Devol
1829-1903
riverboat gambler,
raconteur
Other historic characters include:
Jazz legend Lorenzo Tio, Journalist Dorothy Dix, Suffragette Elizabeth Lyle Saxon, Landscape Architect J.C. Olmsted, President Thomas Jefferson... we can even create a special character for your event- please inquire!
Papa Noel
A blend of 18th and 19th century Creole, French and Cajun cultures, Papa Noel represents the traditional Louisiana bayou version of Santa Claus.
St. Nicholas
Turkish Bishop and early Christian Saint who became the model for Santa Claus.
Booking for a themed event or professional group? Match our history to your interests with these suggested combinations of characters...
-SAINTS-
(No, not those Saints-) These social activists, philanthropists, and yes, even an actual saint-to-be will enrich your event with their tales of victory and inspiration.
Marie Laveau
Margaret Haughery
Ven. Mother Henriette deLille
-SINNERS-
New Orleans has always had a healthy relationship with its vices. Add a little spice to your party by inviting some of the most notorious figures from Louisiana's past:
Jean Lafitte
Josie Arlington
George Devol
-Women Who Mean Business-
Before the suffrage movement, before women's lib, these ladies proved themselves some of the savviest and most successful entrepreneurs in the country.
Mme Elisabeth Begue
The Baroness de Pontalba
Josie Arlington
Dr. Elizabeth Magnus Cohen
Margaret Haughery
-Gens de Couleur Libre-
During the nineteenth century, New Orleans had a vibrant and successful professional class of free people of color. Learn of their successes and struggles as they bring to life this often-overlooked period in history.
Jules Lion
Marie Laveau
Ven. Mother Henriette deLille
Lt. Gov. C.C. Antoine
-Muses-
Even today New Orleans remains a hub for music and the arts. Meet the legendary figures who were inspired by the city and called it home.
Adelina Patti
Jules Lion
John James Audubon
Lorenzo Tio
-Political Powerhouses-
New Orleans has long been a player in national and international politics, often due to the larger-than-life personalities of the politicians themselves. Rub elbows with the movers and shakers who put New Orleans on the map. (Literally!)
Gov. Bienville
Andrew Jackson
The Baroness de Pontalba
Lt. Gov. C.C. Antoine
Lt. Gov. C. C. Antoine
1836-1921
Louisiana State senator, Lieutenant Governor, Vice President of the Comite des Citoyens
Dr. Elizabeth Magnus Cohen, M.D.
1820-1921
First woman certified as a surgeon in the state of Louisiana