New Orleans: Secrets and Societies Cemetery Experience

Discover the Hidden Stories of New Orleans’ Cemeteries

If you’re eager to uncover New Orleans’ unique burial customs and explore the city’s most significant cemeteries, the “Secrets and Societies Cemetery Experience” offers a fascinating window into the city’s past. With a 1.5-hour guided walk, you’ll visit three notable sites: St. Patrick Cemeteries #1 and #2, and the Charity Hospital Cemetery. Priced at $35 per person, it’s an affordable way to learn about the city’s history, traditions, and its Irish immigrant roots.

What we love about this tour is the expert guidance—your guide’s knowledge brings the tombs and stories to life, especially when exploring maze-like tombs or hearing about Katrina’s aftermath. Plus, the tour’s focus on local customs offers authentic insight you won’t find in generic city guides.

A possible consideration is that this tour involves a fair amount of walking and is primarily outdoors, so late in the day or bad weather might affect your experience. Still, for those interested in history, architecture, and cultural traditions, it’s a compelling way to spend a morning or early afternoon.

This experience is perfect for travelers who appreciate historical storytelling, local customs, and authentic sites. It’s especially suited for curious visitors who want more than just the typical tourist spots and crave a deeper understanding of New Orleans’ rich cultural layers.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Expert-guided tour enhances understanding of cemetery customs and history
• Visit three significant cemeteries: St. Patrick #1 and #2, and Charity Hospital Cemetery
• Learn about Irish immigrant connections and Masonic traditions
• See the Katrina Memorial, linking past tragedies with present remembrance
• Tour involves walking outdoors; comfortable shoes are recommended
• Excellent for history lovers, culture enthusiasts, and those interested in local traditions

A Walk Through History and Culture

The “Secrets and Societies Cemetery Experience” is more than just a stroll through graves; it’s a journey into the heart of New Orleans’ cultural identity. For just $35, you gain access to some of the city’s most storied burial grounds, guided by a local who makes history feel alive.

The tour begins at G’s Pizza on Bienville Street, a convenient central meeting point. From there, your guide—most reviews mention Taylor or William—leads you through the shaded pathways, revealing stories that connect Irish immigrants, Freemasons, and the community’s resilience after Katrina.

Visiting St. Patrick Cemetery #1 & #2

The two St. Patrick Cemeteries are especially captivating. Cemetery #2 is described as a “maze of above-ground tombs”, where you can imagine the bustling life of the Irish community that settled in New Orleans. This site offers insight into burial customs unique to the city, where above-ground tombs are not just practical but also a form of artistic expression.

Touring cemetery #1 introduces you to Masonic traditions, with tombs that highlight the fraternal order’s influence in local history. Guides often point out distinctive symbols and explain their significance, giving you a richer understanding of the social fabric of old New Orleans.

Charity Hospital Cemetery and the Katrina Memorial

The final stop, the Charity Hospital Cemetery, is one of the most poignant. It’s the resting place for thousands of unnamed souls buried behind the hospital, many of whom were victims of Hurricane Katrina. The Katrina Memorial serves as a powerful reminder of the city’s resilience and the human stories behind the tragedy.

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Learning about Burial Customs and Local Traditions

Throughout the tour, your guide shares fascinating tidbits about local burial customs, like the tradition of above-ground tombs to prevent flooding. You’ll also learn about Irish immigrant influence, which is woven into the city’s history, especially in how these communities chose to honor their deceased.

The tour is designed to be informative and respectful, allowing plenty of time to wander and take photos. Several reviews praise guides for being knowledgeable and engaging, often adding personal stories that deepen the experience.

Practical Details and Value

The 1.5-hour duration makes this tour a manageable addition to a day in New Orleans, especially if you’re looking for a focused, insightful activity. The $35 ticket is reasonable considering the depth of information and personalized attention you receive. It’s an outdoor walking activity, so wear comfortable shoes and bring water.

While the tour doesn’t include hotel pickup or meals, the meeting point at G’s Pizza is central and easy to find. Tours run rain or shine, so check the weather forecast and prepare accordingly. Keep in mind that pets and video recording are not allowed, and the tour might be canceled in poor weather or if minimum numbers aren’t met.

The reviews consistently highlight Taylor’s or William’s knowledgeability, with many guests calling the guides super friendly and informative. This personal touch makes the experience especially memorable.

Who Will Love This Tour?

Travelers with a curiosity for local history, cultural traditions, or cemetery architecture will find this tour rewarding. It’s also ideal for those who want a meaningful, respectful look at New Orleans’ response to tragedy and resilience. Since the tour involves a good amount of walking outdoors, it suits visitors comfortable with light physical activity.

It’s particularly good for history buffs, culture enthusiasts, and anyone interested in Irish roots or fraternal societies in New Orleans. If you’re seeking a deep, authentic experience off the beaten path, this tour delivers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
While the tour is educational and suitable for most ages, it involves a good deal of walking and some somber topics. Families with older children who are respectful of history and enjoy outdoor exploration will likely enjoy it.

What should I bring?
Comfortable walking shoes and water are recommended since you’ll be outdoors and walking through cemeteries. Sun protection, like sunscreen or hats, may also be helpful.

Are the cemeteries open to the public outside the tour?
Yes, the cemeteries are public sites, but this guided tour offers exclusive insights and a structured visit that enhances your understanding of their significance.

Is this tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
Since it involves walking outdoors and navigating uneven grounds, it may not be suitable for those with significant mobility challenges. It’s best to check with the tour provider if you have specific concerns.

Can I take photos during the tour?
While video recording isn’t allowed, photography is generally permitted and encouraged—especially since many tombs and monuments are visually striking.

What happens if the weather is bad?
Tours go ahead rain or shine. If the weather is poor, dress appropriately, and check the cancellation policy in case of severe conditions.

Concluding Thoughts

For travelers eager to peek behind the curtain of New Orleans’ burial traditions, this cemetery tour offers an intimate, insightful, and authentic experience. Your guides’ expertise and friendly approach turn a walk among tombs into a compelling lesson in history and culture.

If you value local stories and want to see significant cemeteries with a knowledgeable guide, this tour is a smart choice. It’s especially well-suited for those who want more than just sightseeing—they seek a meaningful connection to the city’s past, woven through its graves.

On the flip side, if you’re not comfortable with walking or prefer indoor activities, this may not be the best fit. But for most visitors craving a thought-provoking, respectful glimpse into New Orleans’ unique funeral customs and history, it’s a highly worthwhile journey.

In sum, this guided cemetery experience offers an engaging, respectful, and deeply informative look at a lesser-seen side of New Orleans. With knowledgeable guides, meaningful sites, and stories that stick with you, it’s a tour that adds depth and perspective to your visit.

You can check availability for your dates here: