And then there was the old, old Ursuline convent — the nuns’ first permanent home in New Orleans — which was completed in 1734, less than two decades after the founding of the city.

Many believe the casket girls smuggled vampires over from Europe in the caskets. And to this day, the original caskets are still stored in the attic at the Ursuline Convent. Or so the folklore goes.

The Old Ursuline Convent, the Oldest Surviving Structure in New Orleans You can still visit the Old Ursuline Convent, where the Casket Girls stayed upon arrival in the city almost 300 years ago.

A new plaque on the levee in the Lower Ninth Ward honors the history of the Ursuline nuns in New Orleans. The marker is funded through a city grant awarded to the nonprofit lowernine.org.

Original student artwork showcasing what it means to be Catholic in New Orleans is on display at the Old Ursuline Convent Museum this summer.

As New Orleans celebrates its 300th anniversary this year, Dave McNamara takes us inside the Old Ursuline convent in the Heart of Louisiana. The wooden steps show the wear of nearly three centuries.

On Eucharistic Adoration and Its Detractors, the Old Ursuline Convent in the French Quarter of New Orleans, and More Great Links!

Mother Superior, Sister Marie Tranchepain led Ursuline nuns from France to New Orleans in 1727, inspiring this painting ‘Landing of the Ursulines’ by Paul Poincy, late 19th century.

NEW ORLEANS — They stayed through yellow fever epidemics that killed thousands. They hunkered down when cannons roared and blood flowed during the War of 1812.