Elizebeth Thomas Werlein (28 January 1883 – 24 April 1946) is considered responsible for the preservation of the French Quarter of New Orleans.

She hunted in Africa and met Empress Eugénie de Montijo and Emperor Franz Joseph and travelled through Vienna and St Petersburg.

[1][2][3][4][5] As one of the elite of the city Werlein began a career of working to become completely involved in the social life of New Orleans.

She founded sewing classes for underprivileged girls in Kingsley House and later became the first president of the Louisiana League of women voters in 1920.

Werlein never lost her love of music and was on the board of the New Orleans Philharmonic Society and acting as a host to artists arriving in the city.

It was her only paid position, when she was the public relations director of the Saenger Theatre as the group worked to forestall legislation by attempting self censorship of their films.

Despite the early lack of support Werlein persuaded the public and officials to recognise her perspective and as a result of her efforts the French Quarter became a valuable part of the national heritage.