The Backstreet Cultural Museum, the local institution dedicated to preserving the cultural heritage of New Orleans, will host a celebration to mark an expansion into an adjoining room. On Saturday, September 30, the museum will host an event featuring never-before-seen exhibits and musical entertainment.

The expansion celebration will take place from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Attendees can enjoy music spun by the museum’s own DJ Du, while a unique Black Indian performance at 4 p.m. is set to be a highlight of the event. Additionally, Big Chief Victor Harris, known as the Spirit of Fi Yi Yi, will deliver a message to the crowd, underscoring the significance of this expansion.

This expansion celebration comes on the heels of the museum’s first anniversary in its new home, marking a year of continued growth and success. Initially founded in 1999 by photographer Sylvester “Hawk” Francis, a recipient of the 2004 Best Of The Beat Heartbeat Award, the museum has served as a vital showcase for his work and the broader cultural scene of New Orleans. After opening its doors in the Blandin Funeral Home in 1999, the museum has persevered through the years, even surviving the challenges posed by Hurricane Ida, which damaged its former location.

To learn more about the Backstreet Cultural Museum and the upcoming event, visit the museum’s official website.