Featured Victorian Lady
Jill Dresser
French Quartour Kids
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Featured Victorian Lady Jill Dresser French Quartour Kids |
www.recollections.biz1-800-452-5925 |
Whenever you get to New Orleans, you are certain to see a fair number of “characters”. We thought you would enjoy hearing about this Featured Lady who proudly gives very unique tours of the area while wearing only her “unmentionables”. Jill Dresser has made a business out of her dual loves for teaching and history, and provides a unique experience for children ages 6 through 12. Her young clients travel back in time to the 1830’s so they can learn about the way things used to be in this special city by first-person example. We asked these questions, and here are Jill’s responses.
When did you start French Quartour Kids? What was your inspiration?
French Quartour Kids began in January 2012. My friends started a successful, historic bike tour company, Confederacy of Cruisers, and had customers wanting to bring their kids along on tours. There just wasn’t any tour for kids - and we’re in a big tourist city! As I was a somewhat burnt out teacher, the timing was perfect. I love history, especially New Orleans’ unusual history with its Creole influences and pirate presence. It’s a city with secrets from the past around every corner. And, having grown up in Massachusetts from a history loving family, I remember the magical trips to Plimouth Plantation, Sturbridge Village, and Williamsburg. I wanted to recreate that experience for kids in New Orleans.
How did you settle on 6 to 12 for your age group?
Third graders are my favorite group. They have enough background information to understand concepts and be able to think somewhat critically. However, they still have a sense of wonder that is inspiring to be around. A few years below this age- and above- are also great for similar reasons.
You mentioned being a teacher - do you currently teach? Where? What grade(s)?
I no longer teach. I’m pursuing French Quartour Kids full time. I taught for 10 years, everything from Kindergarten all the way to 8th grade. I taught in the Bronx, Denver and New Orleans. While I’ve loved working with the kids and I miss that part of it, the paperwork, tests, stress, time, etc. were too much. Now I have a portable little classroom I push throughout the French Quarter.
Are there other guides besides yourself?
Right now, since it’s a new company, it’s just me.
What is the content of the tour information?
It varies depending on the tour; however it’s all clustered around social studies: history, geography, economics, and culture. The main tour, Creole Kids Tour, focuses on the 1830s in New Orleans. We talk about the settlement patterns leading up to this time, the importance of the river, and the natural resources that combined to make New Orleans a very wealthy, cosmopolitan port city at that time. The Port & Pirates Tour is a field trip for schools, focusing on settlement through to the present day; the Creepy Crescent Tour explores the spookier aspects of our past- ghost stories, vampire sightings, voodoo, Creole mourning rituals and more; The Gens de Couleur Tour focuses on people of color in New Orleans, starting with slavery, the paths to freedom and the cultural influences over time.
7956 County Road 451 Hawks, Michigan 49743 ©2001-2008 Recollections, Inc |
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Do you get cooperation from local museums or other businesses?
Yes! Confederacy of Cruisers, my friends’ bike company, has been unbelievably helpful in starting the company. Their business advice, encouragement and help with marketing made this first year possible. In addition, I have collaborated with a lot of museums in developing the tours, researching them, and highlighting them on the tour. The Hermann-Grima + Gallier Historic Houses have been the inspiration for the time period, as well as the Pharmacy Museum. Both are fantastic places to visit. The Historic New Orleans Collection, Ursulines Convent and the Cabildo have also helped in the research.
What is the funniest thing that has happened on a tour?
The tours are always fun. Kids do say the silliest things and I really need to start recording them. One of the most amusing answers I typically get comes when we’re talking about settlement in New Orleans. When I ask kids who the first people to ever live in this area- or anywhere in America- the first people before Europeans arrive, invariably there will be a couple of kids who shout out, “Adam and Eve!” But the funniest thing I love is when the parents play along. Usually it’ll be a somewhat quiet, stern dad who gets cajoled into wearing the top hat and acting out a scene for the kids. It’s tremendously endearing to watch.
What is the most difficult topic you cover?
The hardest part is teaching kids about bad things in our past, especially slavery and gender roles of the 19th century. Their innocent, incredulous, "Why did they do that?" always gets me and I never really know how to answer that question.
Do you always conduct the tour in your "unmentionables"?
I love this question- and I love telling the kids that their tour guide is walking around in just her underwear. Yes, as of the moment I only wear my unmentionables for the Creole Kids Tour. It took me many months to become comfortable dressed in costume while walking around the French Quarter. Now, I’m hooked! I am seriously considering getting a mutton-sleeved gown for the wintertime…
OK – Speaking of wintertime, are your tours available all year round?
Yes, the tours run year round, though usually not when it's below fifty degrees out. I'm pretty flexible though. I have done tours during rainstorms and melting tropical weather. If the family doesn't mind, I'm all for it! This winter, I may invest in a heavier gown, gloves, a coat etc. then nothing will stop the tours!
We at Recollections were enchanted! If you would like to know more about Jill’s special tours, please call her at 504-975-5355, or visit her web site for French Quartour Kids at www.frenchquartourkids.com.
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How are the tours conducted? In general, how long do they take?
The tours last about an hour and a half. We have about 5 – 6 stops on the tour, every couple of blocks. I use lots of props (like ice cubes to talk about the Ice Trade or heavy iron chains to talk about slavery), maps (both physical and political), role playing (curtsying, bowing, sitting like a lady) and story telling at the historic sites (I can point to the jail cell that once held a pirate, albeit briefly).
If you know someone who has taken their love of Victoriana and made it into an interesting business or hobby, and you think they should be featured in our Victorian Lady pages, please e-mail or call us and let us know! 1-800-452-5925
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