Lafayette Plaque Dedication and Luncheon sponsored by the Spirit of ’76 Chapter, NSDAR
April 9, 2025 @ 8:00 am - 2:00 pm
Spirit of ’76 Chapter, NSDAR
PLAQUE DEDICATION & LUNCH
The Spirit of ’76 Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution is sponsoring an informational panel to commemorate Lafayette’s visit to New Orleans 200 years ago. It holds a place of honor inside the Cabildo very near the second-floor balcony where Lafayette stood. The Chapter is unveiling and dedicating the panel on Wednesday April 9th in the morning. Alongside the panel is an audio directed exhibit, also, sponsored by the Spirit of ’76, in which Lafayette will speak directly to an individual standing in that location. After the dedication, the Chapter is hosting a luncheon at Arnaud’s Restaurant, one of the premier restaurants in New Orleans since 1918.
The event is first come first served. The tickets need to be purchased directly from the Spirit of ’76 Chapter. In November, they will provide us with the ordering information, which we will post here. Be sure to come back!
After enjoying the delicious luncheon, go upstairs to visit the Germaine Cazenave Wells Mardi Gras Museum. Ms. Wells reigned as queen of over twenty-two Mardi Gras balls from 1937 to 1968, more than any other woman in the history of the Carnival.
MARDI GRAS MUSEUM AT ARNAUD’S
Unforgettable Museums in New Orleans
The Germaine Cazenave Wells Mardi Gras Museum, named for successor and daughter of Count Arnaud, opened in the French Quarter restaurant on September 15, 1983. Wells reportedly reigned as queen of over twenty-two Mardi Gras balls from 1937 to 1968, more than any other women in the history of Carnival.
The museum brings together more than two dozen lavish Mardi Gras costumes, including 13 of Mrs. Wells’ queen costumes, one of her mother’s and one of her daughter’s, as well as four king’s costumes worn by Count Arnaud, (whose title was entirely local and honorary) and six children’s costumes.
The oldest costume in the exhibit, Germaine’s Empress gown, was worn by Germaine’s mother, Lady Irma, in 1941. As the Queen of Iris, she portrayed “Good Queen Bess.” The most recent gown is Germaine’s as Queen of Hera, 1968.
The collection is enhanced by more than 70 vintage photographs, fabulous Carnival masks and faux jewels, elaborate krewe invitations and party favors. The traditional colors of Mardi Gras–purple, green and gold, symbolizing justice, faith and power–shimmer throughout.
Viewing of the priceless collection and memorabilia is free to the public during restaurant hours seven days a week.
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