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Are you in a club? Fraternal orders such as the Freemasons and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows once counted up to 40 percent of American men as members. On May 9, the eve of the closing of two exhibitions that explore the history and folk art of those and other fraternal organizations, The Historic New Orleans Collection will dedicate an evening to the kind of community connection such orders once provided their members. The evening will include a screening of the feature documentary "Join or Die" and a social hour with light refreshments. Local community groups are invited to attend the social hour to encourage participation in their organizations.
"Join or Die" is a film about why you should join a club—and why the fate of America depends on it. Follow the half-century story of America's civic unraveling through the journey of legendary social scientist Robert Putnam, whose groundbreaking book "Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community" explored how America's decades-long decline in civic engagement of all kinds—exemplified by falling participation in bowling leagues—could hold the answers to our democracy's present crisis.
A traveling exhibition curated by the American Folk Art Museum, "Mystery and Benevolence: Masonic and Odd Fellows Folk Art" focuses on intriguing and captivating objects used by the fraternal brotherhoods in secret ceremonies. Drawn from THNOC’s holdings, "A Mystic Brotherhood: Fraternal Orders of New Orleans" illuminates how fraternal organizations helped shape today’s history, culture, and civic life. Both exhibitions close May 10.
Doors will open at 5:15 p.m. for a private viewing of the exhibitions. The film screening will begin at 6 p.m. Following the screening will be a social hour with light refreshments during which local community groups will be present to promote membership opportunities.
Registration for this event will open April 8 for THNOC members and April 12 for nonmembers: https://my.hnoc.org/15663
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
520 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70130-2114, United States
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