The Mississippi Coast Historical & Genealogical Society will sponsor the 18th annual Mississippi
Coast History Week Feb. 10-16. It will be co-sponsored by the City of Biloxi.
February 13 will mark the 309th anniversary of the landing of the explorer D’Iberville in present-day Biloxi.
To commemorate the occasion, the Most Rev. Thomas J. Rodi, Bishop of the Catholic
Diocese will celebrate Mass at the Biloxi Community Center on Feb. 12 at 10 a.m.
History Week will feature three days of history with re-enactors dressed in 18th century reproduction
French clothing. There will be a presentation on French Colonial soldiers and their contacts with
Gulf Coast Indians; a portrayal of the life of an 18th century French lady; and a display of foods that were
growing here when the French arrived.
The Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum will have demonstrations relating to the seafood industry.
The Ohr O’Keefe Museum of Art will be doing pinch pots and handing out activity books to the children.
The Local History & Genealogy Department of the Biloxi Library will explain the making of Family Tree
charts.
This year, the society has invited the historical societies and genealogy societies from Coast cities to join in the observance. Among those expected to attend are historical societies from Hancock County, Pass Christian, Long Beach, D’Iberville and Jackson Countyy. Representatives of the Jackson County Genealogy Society and Beauvoir also will be on hand.
The public is invited to attend the presentations at the Biloxi Community Center, 591 Howard Ave. on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, Feb. 12, 13 and 14, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free.
School groups are encouraged to attend. For scheduling groups or for more information, contact Mary Adkinson at 436-3095 or at m.adkinson@harrison.lib.ms.us
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Tours of Columbus replica to be offered from museum pier
On Wednesday, Feb. 13, coincidentally the 309th birthday of Biloxi, the Nina, a replica of Columbus’s favorite sailing vessel, will open for tours at the Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum pier on east beach in Biloxi.
Built completely by hand and without the use of power tools, Archaeology magazine called the ship “the most historically correct Columbus replica ever built.” The Nina was used in the production of the film “1492,” starring Gerard Depardieu and directed by Ridley Scott.
The ship has been touring continually since 1992 as a sailing museum. For background on the Nina, click here.
Guided daily tours – Feb. 13 through Feb. 17, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. – will be offered at $5 for adults, $4 for seniors and $3.00 for students. Children 4 and under are free. A portion of the admission fee will be donated to the Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum.
Details: 228-435-6320.
