Ya-Ya Series at Cabildo Dives Into Surprising History of Swimming
9/25/2009
(September 25, 2009, New Orleans, La.) - Swimming in Old New Orleans will be the topic presented by University of New Orleans history graduate student Christina Offutt on Thursday, October 8 at 6 p.m. as the free History Ya-Ya Lecture Series continues at the Louisiana State Museum's Cabildo on Jackson Square.
As early as 1838, New Orleans had developed floating swimming pools in the Mississippi River for residents to escape the heat, filth and overcrowding of city life. Ever since, swimming in New Orleans has been a fascinating chapter in the larger story of sanitation, recreation and racial integration.
In addition to her history studies, Offutt manages the aquatics program at Elmwood Fitness Center in Harahan.
Upcoming presentations include: on November 12, Vodou in New Orleans, by Sallie Ann glassman who is among the few Americans ordained as a Vodou priestess in the traditional Haitian initiation; and on December 10, Reveillon by Louisiana State Museum historian Karen Leathem.
The University of New Orleans (UNO), the urban research University of the State of Louisiana, provides essential support for the educational, economic, cultural and social well-being of the culturally rich and diverse New Orleans metropolitan area. It opened its doors in 1958 as part of the Louisiana State University System "to bring public-supported higher education to Louisiana's largest urban community." Today, UNO offers 43 undergraduate degree programs, 37 masters, and 11 doctoral programs. The 340-acre main campus sits on the south shore of Lake Pontchartrain, offering easy access to all parts of the metro area. For more information, visit http://www.uno.edu/.
Johanna M. Schindler
Office of Communications and Publications
(504) 280-6939
Fax (504) 280-7061
|
