Architectural Archives

James Gallier, Sr.
Column for unidentified project, possibly a monument, circa 1840s.
Sylvester Labrot Collection.
 

The Southeastern Architectural Archive was founded in 1980 by William R. Cullison III.  Its original holdings drew from a 1948 gift from New Orleans businessman Sylvester W. Labrot, Jr. to the School of Architecture Library.  Mr. Labrot expressed to Tulane University's Board of Administrators:

"It gives me great pleasure to present my collections of books, scrap books, broadsides, engravings, original drawings and plans by James Gallier to the School of Architecture." (21 December 1948)

Buford Pickens, at that time Head of the School of Architecture, acknowledged the gift with the hopes that this collection would become "the nucleus" of an architectural archive at Tulane.  His hopes were realized in 1980, when Cullison sought to preserve the Labrot Collection under the auspices of the newly formed Southeastern Architectural Archive.

Over the last three decades, the SEAA has grown to be the largest architectural archive in the southern United States, housing nearly 1 million drawings, 1/4 million photographic documents, as well as models and other office records.  The SEAA retains nearly 200 discrete architectural collections, representing the work of some 700 architects and firms.  Searchable finding aids are located through our online directory, listed alphabetically by architect or firm, and also by collection number.  Architectural drawings are inventoried by the descriptive information indicated on the sheets, most frequently by name of architect or firm, property owner, building name or function, street address, and date. 

The architectural records of the SEAA document the built environment of the Gulf South region of the United States, stretching from the western boundary of Louisiana to the Florida Keys, and crossing the states of Alabama and Mississippi.  The collecting scope of the SEAA was historically comprehensive rather than qualitative, and holdings may as easily document roadside commercial buildings as well as national landmarks.

Researchers are strongly encouraged to make an appointment prior to visiting the SEAA, as the drawings are oversized and fragile, and nearly 80% of the SEAA's holdings are located in an off-site storage facility. Appointments may be made by calling the SEAA at 504.865.5699 or by email kevinw@tulane.edu.

Directory of Collections by Name

Directory of Collections by Number