NEW ORLEANS — From the Vieux Carré Property Owners, Residents and Associates:
Jacquelyn Brechtel Clarkson, former New Orleans City Council member and Louisiana state representative, is the 2023 recipient of the Schwartz-Gage Award for the preservation of the French Quarter, which is bestowed by the Vieux Carré Property Owners, Residents and Associates every two years.
Clarkson represented the French Quarter while serving as District C councilmember and continued to support the historic neighborhood in her capacity as an at-large council member and author of the City of New Orleans Master Plan. She fought to make sure the Master Plan included protections for the French Quarter. Throughout her 24 years as an elected official, Ms. Clarkson was well known for her honesty, hard work, and around-the-clock availability.
“Over the decades, many elected officials have supported the historic preservation of the French Quarter, but no one has done it quite on the level of Jackie Clarkson,” explains VCPORA President Nathan Chapman. “This is the first time VCPORA is awarding its lifetime Schwartz-Gage Award to someone who held public office.”
The award is named for the sisters Eugenie Chavanne Schwartz and Grace Chavanne Gage, who were visionary advocates of the French Quarter and its historic preservation for much of the 20th century. The VCPORA has been conferring the award since 2003.
Other noteworthy preservationists who have received the award include Bill Borah, Freddie Pincus, Ann Masson, Ray Boudreaux and Stephen Scalia. Ms. Clarkson continues in their tradition of vision, leadership and dedication to New Orleans’ most famous and original neighborhood.
She will be honored at a luncheon from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 14. The event at Brennan’s Restaurant, 417 Royal Street, will include a three-course meal, speakers and guests of honor. Tickets start at $75 for an individual and can be purchased from VCPORA through Sept. 8.
For information on sponsoring or underwriting this event, please reach out to VCPORA Executive Director Erin Holmes at 504-579-9014. For any other additional information, please call 504-581-7200.
