It’s been unavailable to see for a while now, but at one time there was a wonderfully historic collection of jazz archives housed at the Old U.S. Mint. The collection has been in storage since Hurricane Katrina, and is planned to be the linchpin of a planned music museum at the Mint, which is a Louisiana State Museum.

Louis Armstrong's coronet is part of the Louisiana State Museum's Jazz Collection, and a part of the Hidden Treasures series.

Friends of the Cabildo will sponsor Hidden Treasures: Jazz Edition tours at the Old U.S. Mint October 14 and 16 at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. Hosted by Louisiana State Museum Director of Collections Greg Lambousy, guests will be given unparalleled access to a collection that dates to the late 19th century to the present day.

The Jazz Collection, initially donated by the New Orleans Jazz Club in 1977, is the single largest donation to the Louisiana State Museum and includes recordings, paintings, photography, film and instruments. Some of the highlighted items include Louis Armstrong’s first coronet and bugle, over 10,000 recordings, rare photographs of Jelly Roll Morton and a sign from the San Jacinto Hall on Dumaine Street.

A history of the music collection at the Louisiana State Museum is part of the presentation, as well the ongoing conservation efforts of the entire music collection. Tickets are $25 for the General Public and $15 for Friends of the Cabildo/Louisiana Museum Foundation Members. Reservations are required and no tickets will be sold the night of the event. The Old U.S. Mint is located at 400 Esplanade Ave.

To purchase tickets or for more information, call (504) 523-3939 or click here.