Author Archives

Lolly Barnes is the Executive Director of the Mississippi Heritage Trust, a statewide nonprofit organization working to save and renew places meaningful to Mississippians and their history.

• Party in the Pass

  By Lolly Barnes on October 24, 2013 • ( 2 )

  

  As the sun set over the Gulf of Mexico on October 20th, over 250 preservationists from Pass Christian and all points south gathered at the beautifully restored home of Mary Helen and Philip Schaeffer on Scenic Drive to offer up… Read More ›

• Tootling Around Mississippi

  By Lolly Barnes on October 17, 2013 • ( 1 )

  

• Keepers of the Flame

  By Lolly Barnes on October 10, 2013 • ( 1 )

  

  Martha Ebberman shares stories of Biloxi’s past at Burger Burger. Want to learn about the history of your town? Well, there always the library or perhaps a historic house museum. Or try the local burger joint. In Biloxi, a group… Read More ›

• The 10 Most Endangered Historic Places in Mississippi-Where Are They Now?

  By Lolly Barnes on October 3, 2013 • ( 0 )

  

  Preservationists in Jefferson County are working to save the c. 1854 Prospect Hill house and cemetery. In the weeks leading up to the November 14 announcement of the 10 Most Endangered Historic Places in Mississippi for 2013-2014, I thought I… Read More ›

• A Call for Young Artists

  By Lolly Barnes on September 26, 2013 • ( 0 )

  

  Calling all young Mississippi artists! The Mississippi Heritage Trust is looking for young artists with an interest in historic preservation to participate in the art exhibition “This Place Matters.” The theme of the exhibition, “This Place Matters”, is about choosing… Read More ›

• Madness in Mendenhall

  By Lolly Barnes on September 16, 2013 • ( 9 )

  

  Sheer, utter madness. You are probably going to think this is a typo, but, sadly, I assure you it is not.  At the September 12 meeting of the Simpson County School Board, board members voted unanimously to accept a $350,000… Read More ›

• Save The Date!

  By Lolly Barnes on September 13, 2013 • ( 4 )

  

  Our models: Ivy Alley, Lee Margaret Sykes, Mary Will Sykes and Warwick Alley, photographed at the Cedars in Jackson, once endangered and now a thriving arts center. Hello folks, Please make plans to join us on Thursday, November 14th when… Read More ›

• Why join MHT? It is good for the soul.

  By Lolly Barnes on September 5, 2013 • ( 2 )

  

  Susan Higgs is a card-carrying preservationist. While talking with a group recently, I was asked, “What are the benefits of becoming a member of the Mississippi Heritage Trust?” My answer was, ”You get to be a part of the statewide… Read More ›

• A Day of Reflection

  By Lolly Barnes on August 29, 2013 • ( 8 )

  

  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… Read More ›

• Don’t Turn On The Water Works For Moss Point Just Yet

  By Lolly Barnes on August 21, 2013 • ( 3 )

  

  Yes, it brings a tear to the eye to think of a wrecking ball slamming into the 1926 Water Works Building in Moss Point. But don’t break out your handkerchief just yet. Now known as the Moss Point Fire Station,… Read More ›

• Flock to Flora for Trade Day September 7

  By Lolly Barnes on August 16, 2013 • ( 3 )

  

  Flora is a town that gets preservation.  From the lovely main street to the historic depot and Chip Estes’ super cool cotton gin, the people of Flora are committed to saving what makes their place so special.  On Saturday, September 7, visitors… Read More ›

• A Bright New Future for the Charnley-Norwood House

  By Lolly Barnes on August 9, 2013 • ( 2 )

  

  The Mississippi Heritage Trust partnered with the Mississippi Department of Archives and History June 27-28 to get the plans rolling for the future of the Charnley-Norwood House in Ocean Springs. Experts from around the country, as well as the agencies… Read More ›

• Are You A Card-Carrying Preservationist?

  By Lolly Barnes on August 7, 2013 • ( 0 )

  

  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… Read More ›

• A Sad Loss For Mendenhall

  By Lolly Barnes on July 19, 2013 • ( 38 )

  

  In an inexplicable decision, the Mississippi Department of Archives and History Board of Trustees today voted 5-2 to allow the Simpson County School District to demolish the 1938 Mendenhall High School Auditorium. Mayor Steve Womack of Mendenhall set the tone… Read More ›

• Preservation Under Pressure

  By Lolly Barnes on July 3, 2013 • ( 1 )

  

  As we celebrate our nation’s birthday and reflect on the right to free expression that we enjoy as Americans, the precarious future of the 1938 Mendenhall High School Auditorium is foremost in my mind. Despite the fact that this Mississippi… Read More ›

• Cruisin’ Downtown Ocean Springs

  By Lolly Barnes on October 9, 2009 • ( 1 )

  

  OK, so it’s not historic preservation, but anyone who likes old houses would have to enjoy the thrill of being surrounded by antique autos.  I think some of the same things that attract us to historic buildings-craftsmanship, quality materials, attention to… Read More ›