Letters Read is an ongoing series of live events in which performers read historically important personal letters vital to the culture of New Orleans. A collaboration between Nancy Sharon Collins, stationer, Antenna, and venues such as the evening’s Hermann-Grima+Gallier Historic Houses (HGGHH). June 29 readings are by thespian and burlesque historian Ashton Akridge, Big Easy Award winner Richard Mayer, along with a relative newcomer on the New Orleans theatre scene, Aaron Richert, currently performing in Tulane Summer Lyric Theatre. This event gives a special glimpse into the personal lives of a few, well to do, French Quarter residents from the antebellum era to battlefield accounts during the Civil War. Readings also include: a love triangle resulting in a duel, antiquated healthcare techniques such as blood letting with leeches and home made small pox remedies—and—the occasional personal request (heavily paraphrased here) “dear brother…while you’re out and about during your Parisian stay, would you mind picking up for me a little opium?” In addition to HGGHH staff, several individuals are instrumental in making this Letters Read segment possible: Jenny Dyer, Education Director, HGGHH, Nicole Horne, Tulane University doctoral candidate for translating, editing, and notating some of the letters. Additionally, thanks go to the following for making available some of the letters: Tulane University Howard-Tilton Memorial Library and The Historic New Orleans Collection Williams Research Center (WRC) where some of the letters are housed. Thanks also to M. L. Eichhorn, Senior Reference Associate at WRC, and Dr. Adrienne McFaul helping formulate the evening’s introduction.