Michael Jack Mizell-Nelson

Michael Jack Mizell-Nelson passed away after battling appendix cancer on Monday, December 1, 2014, at the age of 49. He was the husband of Cathe Mizell-Nelson, father of Keely and Arlo Mizell, son of Dr. Merle Mizell and the late Lorraine Mizell, brother of Tracy M. Moore (Sean), and son-in-law of Dr. Harland and Corinne Nelson. He is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives. He was an associate professor of history at the University of New Orleans and recently was honored with the Joseph Logsdon Professorship of History Teaching. Michael earned a BA in classical studies, an MA in English, and a PhD in history from Tulane University.

He was a noted specialist on the history of New Orleans, his passion growing out of his deep love for his native city. He researched and produced the documentary “Streetcar Stories,” which was shown nationally on PBS, screened at the Museum of Modern Art, and won a Silver Apple award from the National Educational Media Network. Michael served as an English instructor at Delgado Community College and moved to the UNO history department in 2004. With the help of the Roy Rosenzweig Center for History and New Media (RRCHNM) at George Mason University, he began preserving his students’ oral histories online during the 1990s. In 2005, with RRCHNM, he established the Hurricane Digital Memory Bank (www.hurricanearchive.org), to collect and preserve stories of Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Wilma. Michael was a founding board member and developer of the New Orleans Research Collaborative (www.nolaresearch.org). His most recent project was New Orleans Historical (www.neworleanshistorical.org), offering historical information on particular sites in the city, written by UNO and Tulane students. Michael started and directed UNO’s graduate program in public history, and he secured a grant from the Joe W. and Dorothy Dorsett Brown Foundation to establish a service learning program for UNO students.

Michael always sought to share his knowledge as widely as possible, to help others research topics that intrigued them, and to connect people with similar interests. He was a devoted husband and father, exceptional son and brother, beloved teacher, cherished colleague, selfless friend, and an amazing human being.

Friends wishing to make donations in Michael’s honor are encouraged to consider the following organizations that were invaluable to his career. New Orleans Video Access Center (NOVAC), 532 Louisa Street, New Orleans LA 70117 or www.novacvideo.org/donate. Please include “Mizell-Nelson archive fund” on your check or online “special instructions.” Or donate to the Roy Rosenzweig Center for History and New Media, George Mason University, ATTN: Jeny Martinez, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030. Make check payable to George Mason University Foundation Inc. or donate through www.chnm.gmu.edu.

Visitation will be held Saturday, January 3, from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m., at First Unitarian Universalist Church of New Orleans, 5212 S. Claiborne Ave. UNO will host a memorial event Sunday, January 11, from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m., in the Homer L. Hitt Alumni and Visitors Center on the UNO campus. All are welcome at these events. An online guestbook is available through Leitz-Eagan Funeral Home at www.legacy.com.