Story: Hurricane Katrina Devastates Gulf History And Culture, 09/14/05
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/extra/features/july-dec05/culture_9-14.html

Reading Comprehension Questions:

1. In addition to wiping out homes, communities and livelihoods, what else has been lost in Hurricane Katrina?

2. What are less tangible characteristics of the area? How would experts rate the degree of devastation?

3. Where is the region located? Why is this area significant?

4. Who are the Creole people and what are they famous for?

5. What music is famous in New Orleans?

6. What is the state of devastation in the French Quarter? What do historical experts fear may happen in the future?

7. What happened in Mississippi?

Discussion Activity (more research might be needed):

1. Read the quote by John Hildreth below. What does it mean? Do you agree? Why or why not?

"The lessons we've learned from other hurricanes and recovery efforts is that the things that were important before the storm need to be important after the storm," John Hildreth, director of the National Trust for Historic Preservation's southern office, told Architectural Record News.

"The city that is reborn is one that still has its heritage and culture."

2. Have you ever lived in or visited New Orleans or the Gulf Coast region? What did you enjoy or remember about your visit?

3. What is the heritage and culture that is important in your own city or community? How are they being preserved?

4. Research the job of the historical archivist, a person whose job it is to preserve historical objects. What kind of education do you need to pursue this line of work? Where might you work? Are there archivists in your community? See if you can interview them about their work.

Write a 300-500 word essay on either of these topics providing clear examples. Send your completed editorial to NewsHour Extra (extra@newshour.org). Exceptional essays might be published on our Web site.