Hello Family, my name is Desiree and I am a proud native of the beautiful city of New Orleans whose family's history dates back to the beginning of the Louisiana Colony. I grew up in Uptown New Orleans not far from the Garden District, in a family of Musicians, Gospel Singers, and Historians. Singing, performing and bringing "History to Life" are my passions so don't be surprised to hear me serenading you with "Do You Know What It Means To Miss New Orleans?" by Mr. Louis Armstrong or Lizzie Miles' famous "Louisiana". I am also very passionate about making every traveler (whom I consider to be family) feel safe and welcome while visiting our beautiful city. My hobbies are sewing and creating motivational programs and materials for children.
My experience as a Guide began in 1989 while working with my father at the Louisiana State Museum's Jazz Archive. As a renowned Jazz Musician and Historian, my father always stressed the importance of preserving and sharing our history with people from around the world. It was through his encouragement and insistence that I became a licensed guide. That was one of the best decisions that I've ever made. I was trained at the Louisiana State Museum under the tutelage of the Friends of Cabildo in 1989 and spent five years helping to build and catalog the Jazz Collection at the New Orleans Jazz Archive, (Old U. S. Mint Bldg. )
Family, that was 33 years ago! Since becoming a guide life has been very exciting!! I have provided History Tours and Productions promoting Louisiana in School gymnasiums, Museum's, on Chartered Buses, at Plantations, parks and even churches. You name it and I have been there having a blast! There is nothing more exciting than transforming a chartered bus into a moving classroom where children are engaged and learning! My specialty tours are "Jazz The First Days", The Louisiana "Roots Tour and the "The Afro American Heritage Tour". All three will give you a Bath in Louisiana History.
THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE NEW ORLEANS!!!
To say that I am in love with New Orleans would be an understatement because New Orleans is a city unlike any city in America. Our historical landmarks, history and governments of France, Spain and America are educational eye openers. Our combinations of Native American, French, African, Spanish and German heritage reflect the diversity of our people. Our music is second to none with "Jazz" being New Orleans contribution to World Culture. The flavors in our mouth watering cuisine showcase the recipes of our French, African and Spanish ancestry, coupled with a lot of love. Our Jazz and Heritage & French Quarter Festivals along with Mardi Gras Celebrations bring people from around the world to our city, demonstrating that we really do know how to host a great party. New Orleans also has a large variety of places to visit and things to do, making it an excellent place to bring the entire family. The natives are warm and friendly, so don't be surprised if you are greeted by someone you don't know with "Good Morning" or "Good Evening" because it's the New Orleans way. My goal as a Guide is to take you on a journey through time, leaving you with a clear understanding of Louisiana's rich History, Culture, People, Cuisine, Traditions and Musical Contributions to the world .
With that being said……. What is there not to love?
Please consider yourself Invited and Welcome and I'll see you in New Orleans!
* Licensed Tour Guide # 21LTG-11256
* Louis Armstrong Foundation, Inc. N.O.L.A., President,
Cultural Ambassador / Historian
* Volunteer/ Docent - N.O. Jazz Collection - Louisiana State Museum 5 yrs
* Tour Guide / Historian- Evergreen Plantation - 5 yrs
* Author of Ebony Achievement Student & Teacher's Edition
* Member of Mid South Women in Tourism
* Actress / Vocalist
* Presenter / Motivational Speaker
None
