When it comes to the members of the Historic New Orleans Facebook group, Ernst said that they have “a wonderfully diverse membership of all ages from all over the United States and all over the world!”
“But I would say that the average member is a middle-aged or older American who has a strong interest, and often love for, New Orleans as a city and a strong interest in architecture, or at least in ‘house watching,’” he explained.
Ernst added that the community also has an upbeat, positive member base, which he thinks “(somewhat sadly) distinguishes us from many other popular social media groups.” “People often remark that they frequently visit the group, in part, as an escape from some of the rampant negativity that exists elsewhere on social media. We're all about the admiration and love for these beautiful historic homes,” Ernst told Bored Panda.
Having said that, Ernst believes that “while looking at pretty historic homes online is great (and I hope you do come to visit the Historic New Orleans Homes group on Facebook!), nothing beats going outside and strolling through a historic district in person, taking a guided walking tour of a historic district, and/or taking a guided tour of the inside of a historic house or other structure.” So he encourages everyone to get out and take advantage of these types of opportunities in their own cities and towns and when on vacation.
“Lastly, please consider learning about and supporting your local historic preservation society. It takes continual vigilance, advocacy, and support to make sure these beautiful historic structures remain intact for future generations,” Ernst concluded.
#34 815 Dauphine Street In The French Quarter. From The Vieux Carre Survey (A Project Of The Historic New Orleans Collection)
#35 The French Quarter
