06/10/15
Eight members of the Fort Hays State University History Club explored the history, culture and cuisine of New Orleans for their summer historical trip from June 1 to June 4.

The students stayed in the heart of the French Quarter within walking distance of some of the city's main attractions. The goal of the trip was for students to gain a new perspective on a historic American city.

"The trip to New Orleans was such a learning experience," said Jeremy Gill, Garden City graduate student. "I was not expecting the city to hold so much important history, not only to Louisiana, but to the United States."

"I don't travel much, so I was really looking forward to being in such a culturally diverse area," said Eli Evinger, Dodge City senior.

"Walking in the downtown area, it was nice to be somewhere where they preserve their culture and heritage. Instead of tearing buildings down, they restore them," said Whitney Hersh, 2015 Topeka graduate.

"I enjoyed the city's history and its great food," said Christopher Barnum, 2015 Colby graduate.

Some of the activities on the students' itinerary included a haunted history tour of the French Quarter, the National World War II Museum, the Civil War Museum and the Southern Museum of Art.

"I loved the Southern Museum of Art, with its artwork based in Louisiana, Texas and Mississippi," said David Barnum, 2015 Colby graduate. "The paintings were amazing!"

"The haunted history tour was great! Learning about the history of the French Quarter in such an interactive way was awesome," said Mara Engelbert, Courtland senior.

The students received some funding for their summer historical trip through allotted money from the Student Government Association and fundraisers throughout the year. New Orleans was selected for the variety of tours available and for its unique history.

"I really enjoyed all of the museums we went to, and the food was so good," said Megan Finlay, Loveland, Colo., senior.

"New Orleans was the perfect destination for our group," said Samantha Dean, Mankato graduate student. "I can't think of a better place we could have gone for the History Club's summer historical trip."

The Department of History's traveling flag accompanied the students, and pictures of their adventures are posted on the department's and the University Relations' Facebook pages.