Some days, it is tough to be a preservationist. Petitions, letters of supports, all those meetings, begging people “please don’t tear it down!”. But, when the stars align, board members and elected officials see reason, and we are able to save one our community’s treasured landmarks, something really special takes place.

We have seen it happen over and over again, that tremendous sense of victory and accomplishment that brings people from all walks of life together to raise money and plan for the future of their historic schools, depots, banks, churches and commercial buildings. Rather than a sad parking lot, that restored building will become a centerpiece for community revitalization and a point of civic pride for generations to come.

From the Mary C. O’Keefe Cultural Center in Ocean Springs to the L.Q.C. Lamar House in Oxford, we know that preservation works, bringing new life to old buildings and creating special places for people to live in, grow small businesses, enjoy birthdays, weddings, concerts and plays, art classes-well, the list is nearly endless.

For the month of August, let’s congratulate ourselves on the many preservation victories we have won over the years and recharge for the battles yet to come. As a special thank-you for joining MHT in August, the wonderful historic sites listed below are offering some fun preservation perks when you flash your new membership card:

• Free admission to Rowan Oak, Oxford
• Discounted admission to the Mississippi Delta Blues Museum, Clarksdale
• Free admission to the Old Depot Museum, Vicksburg
• Free tour of the Biloxi Lighthouse and 10% discount on Biloxi Lighthouse merchandise at the Biloxi Visitor’s Center
• Free admission to Merrehope, the Frank W. Williams House and the Jimmie Rodgers Museum, Meridian

Thank you to our preservation partners for offering MHT members such a warm welcome. MHT has a prize in store for those of you intrepid preservationists who have your membership card stamped at all seven sites. Just call the office at 228-697-1066 to let us know you have been enjoying the benefits of being a Mississippi preservationist.

Yes, some days it is hard to be a preservationist. But knowing you have good friends to call on makes it easier. Please consider becoming a member of the Mississippi Heritage Trust today by visiting http://www.mississippiheritage.com and become part of a statewide network of card-carrying preservationists.

Categories: Historic Preservation