News Releases

At a special meeting on December 6, the Board of Trustees of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History awarded nearly $3 million on behalf of the Community Heritage Preservation Grant program to seventeen preservation and restoration projects from across the state. The Community Heritage Preservation Grant program, authorized and funded by the Mississippi Legislature, helps preserve and restore historic courthouses and schools and, in Certified Local Government communities, other historic properties. Over the life of the program the department has awarded more than $37 million to 300 projects.

"The Legislature has saved hundreds of significant Mississippi properties through this program," said MDAH director Katie Blount. "The Department of Archives and History is grateful for the Legislature's support and pleased to be able to help preserve these local treasures."

The grant awards are as follows:

Natchez Institute, Natchez, Adams County—$243,375

For roof replacement, window restoration, and cornice repair.

Temple B’Nai Israel, Natchez, Adams County—$286,384

For upgrades to the electrical system and fire suppression.

Corinth Coliseum, Corinth, Alcorn County—$116,006

For structural repairs to the roof and fly loft.

Attala County Courthouse, Kosciusko, Attala County—$226,536

For repairs to the roof and metal cornice.

Cleveland Police Station, Cleveland, Bolivar County—$53,474

For window and masonry restoration.

Millsaps Hotel, Hazlehurst, Copiah County—$254,131

For rehabilitation of the first floor, ADA compliance, and plumbing and electrical improvements.

F.B. Woodley Elementary School, Hattiesburg, Forrest County—$102,400

For structural repairs and exterior painting.

Morning Star School, Edwards, Hinds County—$280,000

For interior restoration and utilities improvement.

Scott Ford House, Jackson, Hinds County—$30,025

For stabilization of the buildings located at 136 and 138 Cohea Street.

Kemper County Courthouse, DeKalb, Kemper County—$288,000

For stabilization of the portico and cornice repair.

John W. Boddie House, Tougaloo, Madison County—$142,819

For interior restoration.

Spain House, Tupelo, Lee County—$63, 364

For window restoration, electrical and HVAC upgrades, and fire suppression.

Old Water and Light Plant, Holly Springs, Marshall County—$151,086

For reroofing, restoring windows and doors, and utilities improvement.

Marks Rosenwald School, Marks, Quitman County—$198,315

For replication of the windows and doors, interior rehabilitation, and utilities improvement.

Senatobia High School, Senatobia, Tate County—$250,000

For window and classroom restoration, plaster repair, and utilities improvement.

Union County Courthouse, New Albany, Union County —$196,560

For windows and masonry restoration and reroofing of the jail.

Town Hall, Woodville, Wilkinson County—$91,944

For restoration of the exterior and second floor of the building.

Grant awards are paid on a reimbursable basis upon the successful completion of the entire project or at the time of the completion of pre-established phases of the project. Prior to application, all buildings must have been designated Mississippi Landmarks. Only county or municipal governments, school districts, and nonprofit organizations granted Section 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status by the Internal Revenue Service may submit applications.

To become a Certified Local Government, a community must adopt a preservation ordinance establishing a preservation commission in accordance with federal and state guidelines. Once the commission has been established, application for CLG status may be made to the National Park Service through the Department of Archives and History. MDAH works closely with local government officials and citizens to help them create and manage a workable local historic preservation program. To learn more about the CLG program, contact Meredith Massey in the Historic Preservation Division of MDAH, at 601-576-6538.