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The New Orleans Jazz Commission was first envisioned with the passing of Senate Concurrent Resolution 57 in 1987 declaring jazz “a
rare and valuable national American treasure.” In 1990 Congress passed Public Law 101-499 establishing the predecessor to the commission, authorizing a study of “the suitability and feasibility of
interpreting and preserving the origins of jazz in New Orleans. Consequently, in 1993 the National Park Service produced the New Orleans Jazz Special Resource Study.
The New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park and the New Orleans Jazz Commission were officially established on October 31, 1994, by the United States Congress through passage of Public Law 103-433, Title XII, the New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park Act of 1994. Jazz is a distinctively American musical art form which has been recognized by Congress as “a rare and valuable national American treasure.”
Click here to view the official text of the US code establishing the New Orleans Jazz Commission.
The purpose and goal of
the park is to preserve and interpret sites and materials related to the origins, history, and development of jazz, and to allow park visitors to experience this music and gain insight into its character and
history. This the park has done and continues to do, through displays and programs at its temporary visitor center in the French Quarter, through walking tours and lectures, and through educational
partnerships with schools and other community organizations. In August, 1999, the park signed a long-term lease with the City of New Orleans giving the park control of a complex of historic buildings in
Armstrong Park, next to the French Quarter, which is now under development to become the permanent visitor center.
MISSION
The
primary mission of the New Orleans Jazz Commission is to assist the New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park, in many ways. Comprised of individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds and professions, the
Commission advises the park in preparation of its general planning, in developing its interpretive methods, and in the outreach to individuals, organizations, and community groups necessary for the successful
implementation of its goals. The Commission also assists the park in developing funding to support research on the origins and history of jazz in New Orleans
Beyond its work with the Historical Park,
the New Orleans Jazz Commission has a mission of its own. The Commission works in partnership with other educational groups, schools, and universities to develop educational programs and projects. It
sponsors and conducts original research into jazz history in New Orleans. The Commission, working in partnership with other organizations, has developed support and funding programs for mutual aid and
benevolent societies, social aid and pleasure clubs, and other traditional groups such as Mardi Gras Indian tribes, all of which are distinctive of the New Orleans urban culture and have contributed to and supported
its musical life.
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