MDAH Remembers Avid Historic Preservationist Al Hollingsworth
Clarence Alton “Al” Hollingsworth, Jr., a founding member of the Mississippi Heritage Trust who died March 21, is remembered as a committed historic preservationist and supporter of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History. He and his wife, Libby, spent decades advocating for the preservation of places.
MDAH and the Mississippi Heritage Trust often collaborate on preservation projects in the state.
“Al and Libby’s commitment to preservation helped ensure Mississippi’s sites and stories were not lost to time,” said Barry White, incoming director of MDAH. “Their life’s work will impact generations.”
Hollingsworth met Libby, his wife of 60 years, in Natchez. The couple later spent 20 years in Guilford, Connecticut, where they were also involved in historic preservation projects, including establishing a historic district in Guilford. When they returned to Mississippi, Al Hollingsworth became manager for the Port Gibson Main Street Association program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. During this time, the couple joined the effort to form the Mississippi Heritage Trust, which was established in 1992. Hollingworth later launched the Mississippi Heritage Trust Endowment in memory of his late wife.