Haunted History

Do ghosts or spirits really exist? Do they come back to haunt the places that held a special place in their lives? What is the relationship between history and hauntings. The History Channel takes a look at reported hauntings of historical places. New England farmhouses, Southern plantations and other areas of historical prominence are visited in this special series. Haunted History attempts to unravel the mysteries of reported sightings of specters and things that go bump in the night. Haunted History would be useful for classes on American History, American Culture and religion. It is appropriate for middle school and high school.

New Orleans

This episode of Haunted History examines reports of ghosts and spirits in the city of New Orleans. One of America's most colorful and flamboyant cities, New Orleans has a past rich in haunted history and superstition.

OBJECTIVES: Students will examine the relationship between history, myth and superstition. They will gain an understanding of the role of individual lives in historical events as well as some of the theories and controversies regarding spectral inhabitation.

NATIONAL STANDARDS:Haunted History fulfills the following National Standards for History for grades 5-12: chronological thinking, historical comprehension, historical analysis and interpretations, and historical research capabilities for United States History eras 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6.

• Acumen
• Apparition
• Atrocity
• Benevolent
• Benign
• Charade
• Demeanor
• Garish
• Havoc
• Residual
• Sadist
• Thespian

Discussion Questions

1. New Orleans is called the

2. New Orleans is known throughout the world for its Mardi Gras celebration. What is Mardi Gras? What is the religious connection to the festival?

3. Why is New Orleans called a

4. New Orleans has a distinct and rich cultural heritage. Discuss the history of New Orleans culture.

5. New Orleans is an example of a culturally diverse city. What is cultural diversity? How is cultural diversity a product of American history?

6. Discuss the role of slavery in New Orleans' history and culture.

7. What is voodoo? How are popular misconceptions different from the actual meanings of voodoo?

8. Madame Laveau was a free woman of color in New Orleans. What was a

9. How did Madame Laveau come to fame in New Orleans nineteenth century society and New Orleans' history?

10. What is gris-gris?

11. Why did Chloe poison her mistress's birthday cake? How did she pay for her crime?

12. It is said that Mary Greene haunts the Delta Queen river boat. Why does her spirit remain aboard the boat?

13. What is the history of the drama of the Le Petit Théâtre du Vieux Carré?

Extended Activities

1. Research the history of the Mardi Gras celebration in New Orleans and create a timeline of that history.

2. Design a Mardi Gras mask.

3. Design a travel brochure for the Delta Queen.

Related Videos

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Air Dates

• October 29, 2003