Preservation in May celebrates Biloxi’s history

Preservation in May continues this Thursday and each Thursday in May.

After a three-year hiatus, the City of Biloxi and Preserve Biloxi Committee has resumed its highly successful and award-winning Preservation in May program. This year’s program celebrates Biloxi’s history and diverse culture. 

The program began on May 4 with a sneak peek at the Mississippi Gulf Coast Historical and Cultural Exposition and continues each Thursday throughout the month.

Here is the lineup.

May 11, Downtown Mural Walk, 5:30 – 7 p.m. The tour gathers at the Bond House, 932 Howard Ave. Take a guided tour of the public murals throughout downtown Biloxi to learn the stories behind the unique works of art.

May 18, Biloxi: the Seafood Capital of the World, 5:30 – 7 p.m. at the Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum, 115 First St. This community has always relied on the water as a source of food, livelihood, and recreation. This event celebrates seafood and the traditions and techniques developed in collecting and enjoying the Gulf’s bounty.

May 25, Memorial Mass for Deceased Fishermen and Cultural and Heritage Boards Presentations: Mass at St Michael Catholic Church begins at 6 p.m. with board presentations to follow in the Parish Life Center, 177 First St. As long as our area has been populated, gathering the Gulf’s bounty has been a source of sustenance and livelihood for many in our community.  To remember and honor the individuals who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in pursuit of a living on the water, the annual Blessing of the Fleet celebration, which began in 1929, kicks off with a mass at St Michael Catholic Church. Following the mass, the Shrimp Queen Pageant contestants will display their cultural and heritage boards in the Parish Life Center next to the church. The Cultural and Heritage Boards are an integral part of the Shrimp Queen Pageant, an 85-year-old Biloxi tradition.

Participation is free and participants in the Preservation in May programs will be given a Biloxi Passport through History which can be stamped at each event.  Everyone who collects at least three stamps and attends the May 25 program, will receive a special gift.

Preserve Biloxi began Preservation in May 2007 in the aftermath of the destruction of Hurricane Katrina to educate the community on the history of Biloxi and the importance of preserving our remaining historic architecture and cultural traditions.  Preserve Biloxi is a collaborative effort of the City of Biloxi, Biloxi Main Street, Biloxi Bay Chamber of Commerce, and Mississippi Gulf Coast National Heritage Area. In addition to Preservation in May, Preserve Biloxi sponsors the Mississippi Gulf Coast Historical and Cultural Exposition the first weekend in May and the Annual Old Biloxi Cemetery Tour held each October.
See the Preservation in May flyer

News & notes: Weekly report, Red Tide, trash reminder, closure

The week that was: Get the behind-the-scenes details on the week that was in Biloxi. Weekly reports from the departments of Police, Fire, Community Development, and Engineering are online for review. To see the reports from last week and an archive of weekly reports, click here.

Biloxi Red Tide: The Biloxi Aquatics Division is now registering swimmers to participate in its summer swim league, the Biloxi Red Tide. Registration takes place at the Biloxi Natatorium, 1384 Father Ryan Ave., weekdays through May 31 from 3:30-5 p.m. BRT is open to ages 18 and younger who can swim 25 yards efficiently. Fees range from $40 to $150. To see more, including practice times, click here.

Trash reminder: The City of Biloxi is asking residents to remember to remove their trash carts from the street after collection days. According to the city ordinance, the carts or “containers” should be removed by the owner, occupant, or lessee within 12 hours after they are emptied. To review the ordinance, click here.

Parks & Rec. office to temporarily close: The Biloxi Parks & Recreation Department office at Hiller Park, 377 Hiller Drive, will be closed Thursday, May 11. A new generator will be installed and the power to the building will be off during the work. Those needed assistance on Thursday are being asked to call the Biloxi Natatorium at 228-435-6205.