Our Take: The city’s preeminent museum devoted to the history of New Orleans. Exhibitions, programs, and an academic research center make the Collection a worthy visit for any history buff. The Museum was founded in 1966 through the estates of Lewis and Leila Williams. The Williams bought properties in the French Quarter in the late 1930s and lived in one of those properties for 17 years. Preservation of the French Quarter spanned decades and was championed by Elizabeth Werlein in the 20’s and those efforts were continued by the Williams.