Hermann-Grima House — Attraction in New Orleans

My daughters and I called for a 11 a.m. Urban Enslavement tour on Sunday, but no one answered the phone. We left a message on the answering machine but decided to go anyway after no return call to take pictures at least in front of the house. When we arrived, the souvenir shop was open. The girl inside said that they were not giving tours because there was an issue with the house earlier, but after lunch, tours would reconvene at 1 p.m. Unfortunately, we had to be at the airport by 1:30, so we could not wait. We found a pretty necklace, some earrings, perfume oil, and a bracelet made by local artists, and she was nice enough to let us see the adjoining horse stable. Prices on the items varied. The necklace, which was decribed as "large, antique cellulod button early 1800s genuine natual stone chips" sold for $109. The bracelet was not decribed as copper or brass but was very detailed and of the Mississippi River. The price was $195. The spray oil was $40. I'm sure the artists set their own prices, and it's a great way for them to get to display their art. The artists being displayed were either African American women or people who are non-binary. After the shop, we were allowed to look through the gate, but it was locked. We could see inside the entryway and took some photos. We didn't think to get pictures of the souvenir shop... Oh, and while waiting to be checked out at the souvenir shop, the wooden doors to the left kept vibrating, and it sounded like someone was tapping on them. The girl acted like she didn't hear it and didn't look that way. All three of us could hear it. The doors were behind me, but my daughters could see them visibly move. When we went into the stable, which was the adjoining room, the air was so think and stale from no circulation that there was NO WAY that the doors could have been shaken by a breeze. Take it for what...

Visiting the Hermann-Grima House in New Orleans was a deeply moving and educational experience that brought the complexities of 19th-century life into sharp focus. Located in the heart of the French Quarter, this beautifully preserved home offers a unique glimpse into the lives of wealthy Creole families—and the enslaved individuals who were an integral, though often overlooked, part of their households.

The tour was exceptionally well-guided, with our docent providing a thoughtful and balanced narrative about the family who owned the house and the enslaved people who lived and worked there. Through stories and detailed accounts, the tour shed light on the harsh realities of slavery, including the laborious tasks performed in the open-hearth kitchen and the hidden spaces where enslaved workers lived.

Walking through the home, I was struck by how well-preserved the furnishings and artifacts are, creating an authentic atmosphere that highlights both luxury and inequality. The courtyard and garden, while serene and beautiful, also reminded us of the labor required to maintain such grandeur—work carried out by enslaved hands.

This tour is more than just a visit to a historic house; it’s a powerful reflection on New Orleans' history and the resilience of those who endured unimaginable hardships. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the...

This might be one of the best historical tours I've ever had. Guide Katie was an outstanding source of information, ready and able to answer any question asked. It's a true skill to offer the right amount of details without over-communicating and to provide a factual account of the events with awareness and sensitivity to different levels of social and emotional awareness. I got so much more out of the tour than expected, with guest questions leading us into discussion of a variety of extra topics. The house and grounds are well-preserved and arranged with true historical pieces and covered nearly the whole of the property.

The price was very fair and if you have interest in visiting their other site - Gallier - you can get a discount on admission (works in reverse as well). Just show your receipt when you purchase admission to the other one.

Katie also generously offered me a little extra of her time after the tour to discuss additional perspectives and have an excellent local food recommendation. I was so pleased I called the next day they were open to say thank you again!

If you have any interest in the history of New Orleans and the truth about our country's past, do not miss this stop during...