Beneath the Womb Veil: A Forum on Early Female Healthcare

Interested in 19th century contraceptive methods? What was life like for colonial midwives in Louisiana? Can digging in the dirt reveal early healthcare practices? What herbs are contained in that peculiar remedy?

The Cachet Arts and Culture Program at the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum announces an evening of art and presentations. 

NOVEMBER 24th, 2014 The Cachet Art and Culture Program (CACP) - a collaboration of the Black Forest Fancies (BFF) and the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum (NOPM) - is pleased to announce the launch of a project that investigates the historic and contemporary status of female healthcare in Louisiana. The introductory event will take place on Monday the 24th, from 6-8pm, at the NOPM - 514 Chartres Street in the French Quarter. The evening includes an art opening reception for local printmaker and teaching artist Rachel Speck, who will be exhibiting new print works that examine the aesthetics and ingredients of 19th century patent medicines recommended for the ailments of women. Her work will continue to be on display through the new year during regular museum hours. 

A series of brief presentations, followed by a Q&A, will serve as the beginning of continued discussions related to female healthcare - including the topics of early contraception, midwifery, herbal medicine, and the intersection of archeology and feminism. 

Beneath the Womb Veil presenters include:

Kate Paxton, Certified Nurse Midwife at Ochsner Baptist birthing center, discussing the French colonial sage-femme (midwife) Marie Grissot and early Louisiana midwifery practices. 

Elizabeth Seleen, student of historical archaeology in the University of New Orleans anthropology department, discussing the role archaeology can play in uncovering marginalized histories as evidenced through an excavation project of Storyville. 

Jen Stovall, graduate of LSU nursing program, herbalist, wilderness EMT, Representative of Maypop Community Herb Shop, discussing the continued relevance of herbalism in female healthcare and it's role in social and reproductive justice.

Click image to view documentation of the evening               Photo Credit: Nico Krebil