Upon retiring in 2002, Lower 9th Ward resident Ronald W. Lewis opened the House of Dance and Feathers, a DIY museum and cultural exhibit chronicling Mardi Gras Indian history, in his Tupelo Street garage. Three years later, Hurricane Katrina claimed the former streetcar repairman’s extensive collection of costumes, beads, photographs and memorabilia. In the storm’s aftermath, Lewis took an active role in community’s efforts to restore the devastated neighborhood and with the help of architecture students from Kansas State University rebuilt the House of Dance and Feathers. No longer located in but not far removed from his carport, the museum is currently housed in a small building in Lewis’ backyard. Lewis’ plight played a key role in author Dan Baum’s Nine Lives: Mystery, Magic, Death, and Life in New Orleans, and with the help of the Neighborhood Story Project, Lewis published his own: The House of Dance and Feathers: A Museum by Ronald W. Lewis. Today, the House of Dance and Feathers is one of New Orleans top under-the-radar attractions, but Lewis has some new plans in the works that he hopes will bring more tourists and locals to his House. Tune in below for details…

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