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Soirée in the Vieux Carré
Soirée in the Vieux Carré
Media Contacts:
Jen Gick 504.914.3794
jen@blhouse.org
Sandra Dartus 307.699-2026
sdartus51@gmail.com
Soirée in the Vieux Carré
1113 Chartres Street
New Orleans, LA 70116
Sunday, October 11, 2026
6 to 9PM
Excitedly, Historic BK House & Gardens is celebrating its 200th Birthday this year! To mark this milestone and honor all of those – past and present – who have contributed to BK’s defying demolition since 1826, the Soirée will be an unforgettable evening:- Exquisite cuisine from Messina’s Catering with flowing libations, including wines from Caymus Vineyards
- Entertainment by Sharon Martin & First Take and Jesse McBride. Complete information on patron sponsorships or individual tickets can be found at www.bkhouse.org
- Two fabulous raffles: lively painting of BK’s exterior by Quarter artist Amzie Adams and a 14-carat gold emerald and diamond drop pendant courtesy of Quarter neighbor Joey DiFatta drawn a as gift to patrons who register at the Hawthorne Level or higher.
BK's construction in 1826 and two centuries of storied history will be celebrated at this year’s Soirée in the Vieux Carré.
New Orleans, LA, September 6, 2026 – Now known as Historic BK House & Gardens, the house was designed in 1826 by architect Francois Correjolles for a wealthy auctioneer by the name of Joseph Le
Carpentier. The raised center hall villa featuring Greek Revival elements sitting directly across from the Old Ursuline Convent at 1113 Chartres Street has passed through ownership seven times, with the final permanent resident, author Frances Parkinson Keyes, forming a trust to ensure the space would be preserved and openOriginal architectural plans dated August 11, 1826.to the public upon her death. Faced with demolition in 1925 and slated to
Architectural plans signed August 11, 1826be replaced with a macaroni factory, the home was the first property in New Orleans to be saved for its architectural, historical, and cultural value. Several generations and thousands of individuals have contributed to the preservation and maintenance of the site; present-day stewards are dedicated to ensuring that future generations can continue to experience our unique history, however, maintaining the house with architectural integrity is a costly endeavor.
“BK is fortunate to have a team of architectural experts, well-versed historians, talented craftsmen, and active preservationists to lovingly guide the structural and decorative restoration projects required of a 200-year-old house,” comments Jen Gick, Executive Director. “BK is renowned as a leader in preservation communities because of their commitment along with the countless New Orleanians and visitors who give in support of its upkeep.”
This year funds raised at BK’s annual Soirée in the Vieux Carré, will address essential preservation needs, including restoration, refurbishment or replacement, when necessary, of doors, windows, shutters, weatherboards, and soffits of the dependency buildings that surround the Courtyard garden. These repairs are critical next steps in fulfilling BK’s responsibility to maintain the property to the highest preservation standards, ensure visitor safety, and protect from water, wind, mold, and extreme weather events.
“BK is a true gem in New Orleans; however, maintaining it can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars each year,” explains Sandra Dartus, president of the house’s Board of Trustees. Dartus is well-acquainted with the treasures of the French Quarter, having
served as the first executive director of French Quarter Festivals and launching events such as Christmas New Orleans Style, the New Orleans Wine & Food Experience, and Satchmo SummerFest. “In the French Quarter, only a handful of historic homes are open to the public, and BK is one of them. We work year-round to ensure that the house remains in excellent condition
because, as it continues to age, it requires more extensive repairs and general maintenance. Our goal is to preserve BK House for hundreds of years to come,” Dartus adds.
The 2026 Soirée Committee is co-chaired by Wendy Lodrig Bart and Dr. Henry “Hank” Bart. Tickets and patronCourtyard, 1975
opportunities are available at
About the Historic BK House & Gardens
The Historic BK House & Gardens is a National Historic Landmark built in 1826. This architectural treasure is an outstanding example of a raised center hall villa and includes both Creole and American features in an elaborately detailed residence. BK House’s diverse history includes the stories of those who both lived and labored here for nearly 200 years, offering a unique educational experience to visitors, which furthers the understanding of New Orleans' history. The house, parterre garden, and lovely courtyard have been featured in several films and television shows and are favorites for guided tours, weddings, and special events.
Join BK in its mission “To preserve and share Historic BK House & Gardens as a dynamic space for the cultural, architectural, literary, and artistic heritage of the French Quarter and New Orleans since 1826.”
BK House is open for guided tours on the hour, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10 AM – 3 PM (excluding tours at noon).
Historic BK House & Gardens
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Jen Gick Executive Director
- September 16, 2026
- (504) 914-3794
- Send Email
