Built in 1894 by Harrod and Andry architects to house the physics program, Hebert Hall is the only building on campus facing magnetic north. Tulane physicist and astronomer Brown Ayres (1856-1919) placed the building facing forth south for both natural lighting and use of magnetic instruments.
At the time of its construction, it was the only laboratory in the south designed exclusively for physics research including little or no iron in its construction (for magnetic reasons), slate slabs for instruments, and piers for instruments that were isolated from the framework of the building.
It was enlarged in 1979 by Diboll and Kessels architects to include classroom space and additional offices. The building was later renamed in 1979 for the late congressman Hebert.
Today the building houses the history department, honors program, TIDES program, Capital Projects, as well as the Africana department.