In an effort to generate greater interest in local family histories, members of the Hilda Hoffmann Memorial Archive, Inc. will begin hosting monthly programs showcasing a specific family in Pearl River County.
According to previous Item coverage, Picayune native Hilda Hoffmann, at the time of her death, had amassed more than 200 boxes of binders and five filing cabinets filled with genealogical and historical information about the families of Pearl River County.
Hoffmann Archives Board Member Don Wicks become involved in 2010 and the archives opened in 2012, previous coverage states. There is also a museum filled with historic artifacts including, hearing aids, a toaster, an automatic piano roll, sewing machine and a Confederate Civil War uniform.
Next month, the group will host its first family history program, Wicks said. Pending community response, he is hoping to make this an ongoing monthly event.
The Stockstill family will be the first family featured, he said.
“They are one of the oldest and probably the largest families in Picayune,” Wicks said. “We have about 16 boxes of archives related to the Stockstill family.”
Noted family members include David Stockstill, who was a historian and local philanthropist Huey Stockstill, Wicks said.
“Huey Stockstill was a paving contractor and donated many things to the city of Picayune, including land at Friendship Park,” Wicks said.
Wicks is hoping to create more interest in family history.
“There used to be numerous yearly family reunions and now I don’t hear too much about them anymore,” Wicks said. “Aside from pride of land, our ancestors deserved to be remembered.”
The first program will be held on Sept. 7 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Hilda Hoffmann Memorial Archive.
“Due to the size of the family and of our facilities, we ask that you RSVP at 601-799-5671,” Wicks said. “Snacks and drinks will be provided. Please join with us to celebrate the Stockstill family history.”
The Hilda Hoffmann Memorial Archive is located at 301 Williams Ave.
The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.
The archive is a non-profit, according to previous coverage and people can join the organization for an annual fee of $25. Residents are also invited to lend or donate historical artifacts and family histories to the museum for preservation.
Learn more about the archives at www.hildahoffmannarchive.org and through Facebook at Hilda Hoffmann Memorial Archive.
Contact museum volunteers at 601-799-5671 or via email at hildaarchive@bellsouth.net or hhma1908@att.net.