Randolph School, Pass Christian, After Restoration

It is hard to believe it has been eight years since Hurricane Katrina plowed through Mississippi. It was such a scary time, full of uncertainty about the future of so many places that we cherish and want to preserve. While there have been a number of sad losses in the past eight years, on the whole, I think we should be extremely proud of how Mississippians responded the greatest historic preservation crisis on our country’s history.

Today, we can look with pride to the glorious Charnley-Norwood House in Ocean Springs, once so close to being hauled off to the dump and now a showcase of architectural history and preservation technology. Or the Randolph School in Pass Christian. This small city, reeling from almost complete destruction, held on to this special place and would not let it go. If you are in town, stop by and see this beautifully restored school and visit with the great folks at the Senior Center.

There are so many stories like these, stories of treasured homes, churches and civic buildings that people fought to save. As we reflect on what we saved, what we lost and what remains to be done, I invite you to visit www.savemyplacems.com and share your stories of restoration and renewal. Save My Place: Mississippi’s Stories of Restoration and Renewal is a project of the Mississippi Heritage Trust. Join us along this 29-day journey as we honor a variety of these treasures and their people.

Categories: Disasters, Gulf Coast, Historic Preservation, Hurricane Katrina, Lost Mississippi, Mississippi Heritage Trust, Renovation Projects