On Monday, March 23, Picayune City Manager Jim Luke, Picayune Main Street Director Reba Beebe and Main Street historian Don Wicks will host a community meeting with hopes of gaining insight from residents about the preservation of Picayune’s history.
As previously reported in the Item, since 2010 Main Street has printed seven historical books and numerous historical cards featuring prominent Picayune residents.
Wicks said their ultimate goal is to get more people interested in the history of Picayune.
At Monday’s meeting, Wicks said there will be discussion about the past, present and future of history and its preservation.
Topics include, the revival of the PRC Historical Society in 2008, the construction of the new train depot and museum, the opening of the Hilda Hoffman Memorial Archive and the renewal of the old Frostop mug.
“We have plans to create a National Register Historical District in downtown Picayune and to become a Preserve America community,” Wicks said.
According to the National Parks Service’s website, the National Register of Historical Places is the official list of historic places worthy of preservation and is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify and protect historic areas in America.
According to www.preserveamerica.gov, this federal initiative supports community efforts to preserve a community’s cultural and natural heritage.
“Registering as a historic district provides opportunities for grants,” Wicks said.
Additionally, Wicks is aiming to find a way to preserve photographic records at the Margaret Reed Crosby Memorial Library. Ideally, historical photographs, videos, audiotapes and CDs would be stored on a server, he said.
There will also be a review of Main Street’s history books and Wicks said they are seeking questions and comments from the community.
“We want to engage our community members in this process,” Wicks said. “We need to keep working on preserving our history.”
The meeting will be held at the Crosby Library from noon to 2 p.m.
History books can be purchased at the Lower Pearl River Valley Transportation Center and Museum, Barze´Place Antiques, The Glass Porch and Treasures and More.
Learn more about Main Street at www.picayunemainstreet.com and through Facebook at Picayune Main Street.
For more information, contact Main Street staff by phone at 601-799-3070.