New Orleans -- An empty lot in the 900 block of Conti St. is full of history.

 
UNO archaeologist Andrea White says she's reading the ground there like a diary.

"We're doing an archaeological and scientific investigation at the property to understand the people who lived here before us," she said.

White is digging for her idea of Gold at 933 Conti.  A new Irish Channel Cultural Museum will soon be built on the site.  The property owner wanted to investigate the history of the lot before construction begins.

"It's not often archaeologists get the opportunity to dig into the French Quarter, especially not in this part, out of the footprint of the early French Quarter," said Terri Landry of the Irish Cultural Museum.

White says the house that was on the property in the 1800's was a Creole cottage, owned by John McDonogh.  It was believed to be rented to others.
 
"We actually have a brick pier in this corner right here, so those are some of the features of this house," said White as she pointed to a brick pillar underground.

She says the property had more than 16 owners since 1777, but the people who lived on the property are harder to trace.

Commodore John Barry Memorial Project at US Naval Academy January 13, 2012

Since the Barry Gate was installed last Friday morning positive things have developed on the Project at the US Naval Academy.

Yesterday, my wife and I stopped by to visit the Barry Gate and we were pleasantry surprised.

The naval painting on the brick wall of a victory by John Paul Jones was removed. (We paid to have it taken down!) In its place is a new entrance sign to the Academy. (See photo below)
The gold lettering on the right pillar –Commodore John Barry Gate– was installed.
On the left pillar was placed the Naval Academy’s seal.
The entire area was cleaned up.

As one walks down Craig Street from the dockside parking lot, they are hit by the new appearance of the Barry Gate. This new photograph below reflects the positive image of Commodore Barry’s presence at the Naval Academy. People are noticing it and taking photos in front of it.

Newspaper Article in the local Annapolis newspaper – the Capitol.

NEXT STEPS – THE FUTURE

Since the installation of Barry Gate last Friday, people have been asking about the Memorial and fund raising. The answer is -- it is up to all of us.

Nothing can be done on the Memorial itself until all of the funds are collected, a final price settled upon, and a check written to pay for the entire development and erection. We are almost at the half way point in our fund raising efforts.

Several cities are considering major fund raising events (i.e., Boston, California, Chicago, Ohio, Pittsburgh (my hometown) Philadelphia, Washington, DC, etc.)

If we want to make the Barry Memorial a reality this year, we need to hold and sponsor serious fundraising events. Baltimore alone brought in over $25,000.00. In 2012, we will be competing against the many local fundraisers for political candidates. We know what Barry did for our nation; we do not know what the candidates will do in tour nation's future.

John E. McInerney

National Co-Chairman, the Barry Project

Cell (202) 213 – 2055

An intersting article recently published in The New York Times.....

Irish Ambassador Michael Collins envisioned his visit to Tulane on Thursday (Nov. 10) to discuss Ireland’s recent economic developments as part of a larger effort to build connections among what he sees as Ireland’s “global family” – a community of 80 million worldwide who claim Irish heritage, approximately 40 million of whom reside in the United States.

Ireland's ambassador to the United States helped break ground November 11 on construction of a new Irish cultural museum in the French Quarter of New Orleans.

Ireland's ambassador to the United States helped break ground Friday on construction of a new Irish cultural museum in the French Quarter.

Ambassador H.E. Michael Collins was at the site in the 900 block of Conti St. for the groundbreaking, along with members of the Ancient Order of Hibernians.

The museum will display art, artifacts and documentary presentations that will tell the story of the city’s Irish heritage.

Rotating displays from other Irish heritage centers will also be included, as well as a courtyard with Celtic carvings.

That area is expected to host musical performances, poetry readings and dance performances.

Construction is set to begin later this month and the museum is scheduled to open in the spring of 2012.