
Statue
of Louis Armstrong in Armstrong Park
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About the Park: Our Mission
In 1987, the 100th U.S. Congress resolved that "Jazz is hereby
designated as a rare and valuable national American treasure to
which we should devote our attention, support, and resources to
make sure it is preserved, understood and promulgated."
The mission is to serve the nation as a global leader in the promulgation
of New Orleans jazz by enhancing and instilling a public appreciation
and understanding of the origins, early history, development and
progression of this uniquely American music art form - jazz. To
preserve unimpaired this cultural resource and it’s core values
for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future
generations.
Purpose of the Park:
The following statements describe the primary reasons why the park
was created. They influence management priorities and are central
to decisions about how the park should be developed and managed.
The purpose of New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park is to
preserve resources and information that are associated
with the origins and early development of jazz in New Orleans
enhance opportunities for visitors to experience and
appreciate the sights and sounds of early jazz and the places
where early jazz evolved
interpret the origins, history, and progression of
jazz
promote and assist the education of students in various
forms of jazz in order to perpetuate its continued evolution as
a true American art form
Significance of the Park:
The New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park is significant because:
New Orleans is widely recognized as the birthplace
of jazz and the sites and structures associated with the early
history of jazz remain in the city.
Jazz is Americas most widely
recognized indigenous music art form; performance and appreciation
of jazz is worldwide.
Many distinctive social and traditional practices associated
with the origins of jazz continue in New Orleans today.
Park Facts:
Date Authorized: Oct. 31, 1994 (Public Law 103-433)
Current, Headquarters: 419 Rue Decatur, New Orleans, LA
70130
Temporary Visitor Center 916 N. Peters, New Orleans, LA
Superintendent: Gayle Hazelwood
Phone: (504)589-4806
Number of Employees: 8
Jazz is America's most widely recognized indigenous musical art
form. Just as America evolved with each new wave of people from
other lands arriving on her shores, the distinctive sounds of New
Orleans jazz emerged as an expression of the many people, cultures,
traditions and musical elements - African, French, Creole, Spanish,
European "classical," and some Asian - which came together to create
a unique atmosphere in which the music could develop and flourish.
It, in turn, has influenced, and been influenced by rock and roll,
blues, country, pop, and movie soundtracks. the music you enjoy
today probably had its roots in jazz.
The New Orleans Jazz National
Historical Park at a Glance:

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