Part of the Wanderlust Museum Guide feature: Nothing Like NOLA

Welcome to my first series!

I’ve traveled quite a bit this year, and I can’t wait to share the museums that I have seen with you. In my first segment, I am going to be discussing all the wonderful places in New Orleans that I have seen.

Now if there is one thing you should know about me: I love a good historic museum. The museums I visit are primarily history museums, though I won’t hate on the art world – I love it dearly, but I’m admittedly not well-versed in art. I can tell my Monet from my Matisse, but you won’t see me critiquing art shows anytime soon. (Perhaps I should get a guest blogger on art- more on that later.)

What I do love, is a place where history oozes out of the walls. Where you can tell that there is something special. And that is what awaits you in the Pharmacy Museum in New Orleans.

Prior to 1816, the United States had no official laws governing pharmaceuticals. Practitioners would complete apprenticeships in order to be able to operate. In 1816, New Orleans was the first state to pass a law regulating the process of becoming a pharmacist- the first time it was separated from general medical practice.

While there is a debate as to who was the first pharmacist officially to practice in New Orleans under this law, the widely held belief is that it was Louis J. Dufilho Jr, the owner of the first Apothecary shop in New Orleans. Having had to proceed through a 3 hour examination at the Cabildo (the seat of government in New Orleans), he received his licensure shortly after the law was enacted.

The Museum is located at the original site of Dufilho’s shop, and was also his home during his ownership. Inside you will find not only interestingly labeled bottles, but you will also find exhibitions related to the world of pharmacists in the early days of America. Additionally, extensive archaeology has been completed upon the site, and a treasure trove of discoveries have been found that give some new insight into the world of medicine during the 1800s.

Stepping onto the upper floors, you have rotating exhibition space. During my visit, the focus was on childbirth, as well as a fascinating ophthalmology collection. Don’t be surprised if you find eyes glancing about!

Unlike some museums, this museum also tells the story of the slaves who were part of the household. Though slaves were forbidden from working in the pharmacy, the Dufilho’s did have domestic servants. In the back of the museum is a lovely courtyard, which has the layout of where the slave quarters were located. The Museum is continuing their archival research about the slaves who were at this location. I can’t wait to see where this research takes the narrative.

The whole visit should take about an hour, and there is plenty to read and to look at. Pick up a self guide at the register when you enter. The cost of the Pharmacy Museum is low, so make sure to add it to your list of museums!

Museum Information: Open Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-4pm. There are guided tours at 1pm Tuesday-Friday.

#MuseumGalTip: This is one of the great museums that is on the New Orleans Pass! Find out more information here!