The Backstreet Cultural Museum, billed as a  “A Powerhouse of Knowledge,” will host its inaugural Community Appreciation Day on Thursday, September 1, in memory of the museum’s founder, the late Sylvester Francis.

The event is being held from 5 to 7 p.m. at Tuba Fats Square, directly across the street from the museum at 1531 St. Philip Street (on the corner of St. Philip and North Robertson Street in Treme).

The Tremé Brass Band and Lil Rascals Brass Band will perform. Big Chief Victor Harris of the Spirit of Fi Yi Yi will appear, along with Black Masking Indians from the Mandingo Warriors, the Monogram Hunters and the Creole Wild West.

Refreshments will be served. Books, T-shirts and CDs will be available for sale. The event offers an opportunity to become a member of the Backstreet Cultural Museum or to renew a membership. Donations are welcome.

The Backstreet Cultural Museum opened in 1999 inside the former Blandin Funeral Home on Henriette DeLille Street where it remained in operation until August 2021 when Hurricane Ida caused extensive damage to the building. The museum reopened at its new location in July of this year. The museum houses the largest collection of Black Masking Indian suits in New Orleans, along with artifacts related to such African American traditions as the Baby Dolls, social aid and pleasure clubs, second line parades and jazz funerals. For more information, visit here.