Certified Local Government

Preserving Mississippi’s historic places requires more than an appreciation for old buildings. It requires knowledge, planning and a clear understanding of the tools and processes available to protect the architectural heritage that helps define communities across the state.

The Mississippi Department of Archives and History helps communities build that knowledge through a statewide program of affordable historic preservation training for local officials, preservationists and community members.

Each year, MDAH offers four regional training sessions in communities across Mississippi, bringing preservation expertise directly to the people working to protect historic resources in their own hometowns. The sessions cover topics including architectural history, design review and Certified Local Government (CLG) procedures, providing participants with practical information they can apply in their communities. The 2026 sessions ended in August in Ocean Springs. The 2027 sessions begin in August 2027.

In addition to the regional sessions, MDAH offers an intensive two-day Preservation Boot Camp in Jackson. The program provides participants with a deeper look at the tools and techniques used to identify, evaluate and protect historic resources. The next boot camp is tentatively set for mid-April 2027.

Together, the regional workshops and Preservation Boot Camp give Mississippians opportunities to strengthen their preservation knowledge without the expense and travel often associated with specialized professional training.

For communities participating in the CLG Program, the training can be especially valuable. A stronger understanding of architectural history, design review and preservation procedures helps local officials make informed decisions about the historic buildings and districts that contribute to their communities’ identity and character.

Andria Osborne, historical preservation inspections coordinator for the city of Laurel, has found the training particularly helpful in her work.

“These boot camps are helpful for community preservationists,” Osborne said. “I administer structural change request submissions in Laurel.”

“Preservation works best when knowledge is shared across the community,” said James Bridgforth, MDAH Certified Local Government coordinator. “Our conveniently located sessions are designed as both refreshers for seasoned historic preservation commissioners, as well as an introduction to preservation for local officials and commissioners taking their first steps into historic preservation.”

MDAH’s training opportunities are designed to serve a wide range of participants, from experienced preservation professionals and local government officials to community members who are beginning to explore the field of historic preservation.

By offering programs throughout the state and keeping costs minimal, MDAH is helping make preservation education accessible to communities of all sizes while creating opportunities for participants to connect with others working to preserve Mississippi’s heritage.

Understanding Historic Preservation Tax Incentives

MDAH’s preservation training also provides information about financial tools available to support the rehabilitation and reuse of historic properties.

Substantial federal and state tax incentives may be available for the rehabilitation of qualifying historic buildings in Mississippi. These programs encourage private-sector investment in historic properties, helping create jobs, support economic development and revitalize communities. Depending on the project, property owners may be eligible for both state and federal tax credits.

Barry McIlwain, president of the Pascagoula Historic Preservation Commission, said the annual workshops have given him a better understanding of the resources available to his community.

“One thing that I thought was particularly interesting that might be good for us as far as historic preservation is the tax credits,” McIlwain said. “And I understand that a whole lot better than I did before.”

“Historic tax credits demonstrate how preservation and economic development can work hand in hand,” said Clay Mapp, MDAH Mississippi Landmarks coordinator. “By encouraging investment in historic properties, these incentives help communities preserve their character while creating opportunities for new businesses, jobs and continued economic growth.”

Historic buildings and neighborhoods are tangible connections to the people, events and traditions that shaped Mississippi. Through its statewide training programs, MDAH is helping communities develop the knowledge and skills needed to care for those resources today and preserve them for future generations.

The CLG Program

The CLG Program is a federal-state-local partnership established through amendments to the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. The program allows local governments that have established historic preservation programs meeting federal and state standards to participate directly in the national historic preservation program and related processes.

The CLG Program promotes historic preservation at the grassroots level and helps communities address local preservation needs through training, technical assistance and grant opportunities.

Since 2019, MDAH has awarded more than $250,000 to preservation projects in CLG communities across Mississippi.

MDAH allocates funds to individual CLGs through a competitive application process. Communities that remain in compliance with federal regulations may be eligible for annual matching grants to support preservation planning projects that are important to their communities.

Grant funding may support a variety of preservation activities, including the restoration of historic buildings; historical, architectural and archaeological surveys; preparation of nominations to the National Register of Historic Places; educational programs; and staff support for new historic preservation commissions.

For more information about MDAH’s Historic Preservation programs, visit https://www.mdah.ms.gov/historic-preservation.

Founded in 1902, the Mississippi Department of Archives and History collects, preserves and provides access to the archival resources of the state. The agency empowers people and places by telling Mississippi’s many stories. For more information, visit www.mdah.ms.gov or email MDAHInfo@mdah.ms.gov.

At a regular meeting on January 22, 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 eighteen 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 in Certified Local Government communities and other historic properties.

"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:

House on Ellicott’s Hill, Natchez, Adams County—$210,400
For restoration of the front gallery of the building.

Natchez City Hall, Natchez, Adams County—$157,056
For replacement of the roof.

Corinth Coliseum Theater, Corinth, Alcorn County—$236,234
For replacement of the roof and ADA upgrades.

Chickasaw County Courthouse, Houston, Chickasaw County—$226,677
For repairs to the roof and other interior repairs.

G.L. Hawkins Elementary, Hattiesburg, Forrest County—$35,200
For roof repairs.

Franklin County Courthouse, Meadville, Franklin County—$144,388
For window and masonry restoration, and reroofing of the jail.

Wechsler School, Meridian, Lauderdale County—$277,154
For interior and exterior rehabilitation.

(Old) Monticello Elementary, Monticello, Lawrence County—$40,000
For structural repairs and asbestos report and abatement.

Stephen D. Lee House, Columbus, Lowndes County—$25,600
For front porch roof replacement.

Tennessee Williams House, Columbus, Lowndes County—$35,000
For rebuilding of the front porch.

Old Madison County Jail, Canton, Madison County—$250,250
For rear wall repair and roofing.

Marion County Courthouse, Columbia, Marion County—$225,940
For window restoration.

Isaac Chapel (Rosenwald School), Byhalia, Marshall County—$268,744
For interior and exterior restoration.

Noxubee County Library, Macon, Noxubee County—$200,044
For clay tile roof replacement and exterior restoration.

Pontotoc County Courthouse, Pontotoc, Pontotoc County—$239,753
For window and masonry restoration.

Quitman County Courthouse, Marks, Quitman County—$184,792
For exterior and interior rehabilitation.

(Old) Vicksburg Library, Vicksburg, Warren County—$103,370
For electrical upgrades, window and door restoration, and boiler removal.

Southern Cultural Heritage Foundation, Vicksburg, Warren County—$89,056
For repair to the auditorium’s south wall.

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.