Note: The Williams Research Center has reopened on an appointment-only basis, but you can still make research requests remotely. Please email reference@hnoc.org to schedule an appointment or make a request.

Welcome to The Historic New Orleans Collection’s Virtual Reading Room, where you can submit requests to our reference staff. 

What are you looking for? How can we help you? Whether you’re deep into research on a historical figure or you’re just curious about something you saw on a walk, we will do our best to answer your questions. 

THNOC’s major research fields include colonial Louisiana, the Louisiana Purchase, military history, cartography, urban development, arts and music, historic preservation, and Mardi Gras. But our holdings are vast and reflect aspects of the history and culture across New Orleans, Louisiana, and the Gulf South.  

Our reference staff members are eager to take your questions and help connect you with the resources we have to offer. While we may not be able to thoroughly answer every question as we would under normal circumstances, we will use our combined knowledge and experience to guide you as best we can. So, go ahead and ask. No question is too big or too small.  

Email your query to reference@hnoc.org and someone will get back to you.