The Presbytere

Today I visited a museum that contained information, artifacts, and stories from the devastating Hurricane Katrina. Before coming to New Orleans for this class, I knew that the hurricane had produce massive damage and loss. However, I never realized just how big of an impact it created. Visiting the museum today helped me understand what great losses, suffrage, and damage New Orleans endured. 

Something that I learned today that I found most interesting was how all of their Emergency Plans failed. Think about it. New Orleanians know that this area is prone to flooding and water damage. So, they have taken the steps to prepare for it such as levees, drains, and raised housing. Therefore, I feel that the residents were not expecting anything they hadn't dealt with before; considering the previous hurricanes such as Betsy. However, the great amount of force Hurricane Katrina brought was obviously much more than everyone bargained for. 

My favorite spot in the museum was the room that acted as a simulation. The room was dark with flashing white and blue lights symbolizing lightening. There were fans pointing down on us and speakers turned up loud playing sounds representing high winds. And in this room, actual video from the storm was being played. It showed footage of water pouring in through people's front doors, debris flying through the air, and hours completely submerged in water. I felt that this room did an excellent job at presenting this; I had goosebumps the whole time.