FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 2, 2022
CARNIVAL IN THE NATION'S CAPITAL: THE WASHINGTON MARDI GRAS BALL TO OPEN AT CAPITOL PARK MUSEUM
BATON ROUGE, La. – Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser and the Louisiana State Museum will unveil a new exhibition on Tuesday, October 18, Carnival in the Nation’s Capital: The Washington Mardi Gras Ball, at the Capitol Park Museum in Baton Rouge. A private opening event will take place Saturday, October 15. The exhibition will remain open through September 16, 2023.
“Washington Mardi Gras is more than a party,” said Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser. “It’s an important annual event in our nation’s capital that promotes the culture of business, and the business of culture in our state.”
The exhibition Carnival in the Nation’s Capital: The Washington Mardi Gras Ball will showcase the story of Louisiana’s not-to-be missed annual celebration. Begun in 1944 by homesick Louisianians eager to introduce fellow Washingtonians to their favorite holiday, Washington Mardi Gras has expanded to a three-day whirlwind of parties, brunches, dinners, and networking, culminating in a formal ball under the auspices of the Mystick Krewe of Louisianians. The state’s congressional delegation plays a major role, with Senators Russell Long and John Breaux serving as the longtime captains of the krewe, and led today by U.S. House Minority Whip Steve Scalise. In addition to the royal court, the ball honors about two dozen queens representing Louisiana’s colorful festivals, including the Strawberry, Orange, Frog, and Shrimp and Petroleum Festivals.
Encompassing the entire changing exhibition gallery at the Capitol Park Museum in Baton Rouge, the exhibition will feature royal regalia, costumes, photographs, posters, and memorabilia drawn from the collection of the Louisiana State Museum, the archives of the Mystick Krewe of Louisianians, and private lenders. Highlights include the gown that Barbara Boggs, daughter of Hale and Lindy Boggs, wore as queen in 1957; Russell Long’s and John Breaux’s captain’s costumes; George Rodrigue’s painting of the 1985 king, Marion Edwards; and photographs showing national political figures, from Richard Nixon, John F. Kennedy, and Gerald and Betty Ford to Sandra Day O’Connor.
Carnival in the Nation’s Capital: The Washington Mardi Gras Ball will be on display at the Capitol Park Museum. The museum is located at 660 N. Fourth Street in Baton Rouge and is open Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $7 for adults, $6 for students, senior citizens, and active military, and free for children six and under. Visit LouisianaStateMuseum.org for more information.
Contact Information:
Barry Landry
Department of Culture, Recreation & Tourism
225-342-7009
blandry@crt.la.gov
Rodneyna Hart
Louisiana State Museum Division Director
225-219-0724
rhart@crt.la.gov
Veronica Mosgrove
Office of the Lieutenant Governor
225-342-7009
vmosgrove@crt.la.gov
