from our director
In this special issue, we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Mississippi Gulf Coast National Heritage Area (MSCNHA) This milestone reflects two decades of collaboration, preservation, and stewardship, honoring the cultural heritage, vibrant communities, and natural landscapes of Mississippi’s six coastal counties
Established to unite people, stories, and traditions, MSCNHA has been a foundation for preservation, economic resilience, and community pride. Its achievements showcase a shared vision of collaboration and connection
Key Achievements:
Historic Preservation: Revitalizing historical sites and preserving landmarks that embody our heritage.
Education and Outreach: Expanding cultural and environmental education to inspire future generations
Promoting Heritage: Boosting the economy by reconnecting locals and visitors to the coast’s beauty and history
As we mark this milestone, Embrace Your Cultural Story highlights these successes and the rich stories behind them Together, we continue to safeguard the legacy of Mississippi’s Gulf Coast
Here’s to the next 20 years of discovery and pride!
Rhonda Price
Director, Mississippi Gulf Coast National Heritage Area
MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES
Joe Spraggins, Executive Director
Rhonda Price, MS Coast NHA Director
Andrew Barrett, Heritage Coordinator
Chelsea Prince, Outreach Coordinator
Jeff Rosenberg, Heritage Coordinator
RoxAnn Rankin Wicker, Communications Coordinator
Joyce Hart, Administrative Assistant
Marie Lewis, Administrative Assistant
U.S. Senators Cindy Hyde-Smith
702 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Phone: (202) 224-5054
Roger Wicker 555 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Phone: (202) 224-6253
U.S. Representative (District 4)
Congressman Mike Ezell 443 Canon HOB
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-5772
Photos courtesy of SeeSea Live
WHY WE FUND GRANT PROJECTS
Our grant programs are more than just financial support they are vital to our mission enriching communities and amplifying the cultural and historical stories that make our G Coast unique This list includes only a handful of our notable grant projects that have mark our program ’ s journey, but it is by no means exhaustive of all our grants, partnerships a sponsorships Each grant, whether large or small, plays a role in preserving, interpreting a sharing the rich narratives of the Mississippi Gulf Coast for both residents and visitors
A FEW GRANT-FUNDED PROJECTS OVER THE YE (2018 - 2022)
Land Trust for the Mississippi Coastal Plain - Shaw Homestead Resto
With our support, the Land Trust for the Mississippi Coastal Plain received a gra restoration projects at the historic Shaw Homestead This funding preserved the ho structures and grounds, enabling it to host the annual Shaw Homestead event, w community gathers to experience early homestead life and celebrate the rich history River County.
Our Mother of Sorrows Catholic Church - Heritage Brick W Program
We awarded a grant to Our Mother of Sorrows Catholic Church for its Heritage Brick Program This project commemorates significant events and the contributions of the African American congregation, creating a walkway that honors the cultural impact of the church’s members on the Gulf Coast
Coastal Mississippi Mardi Gras Museum - Carnival Heritage Film
A grant to the Coastal Mississippi Mardi Gras Museum allowed the production of a 30-minute documentary that captures the Coast’s Mardi Gras traditions Through oral histories, interviews and historical imagery, this film preserves the unique heritage of Carnival season, ensuring these stories endure for future generations.
Alice Moseley Folk Art & Antique Museum - Art in the Environment Initiative
Our grant helped the Alice Moseley Folk Art & Antique Museum with an art project that brought in local artists who transformed plain trash bins into colorful, artistic works, creating functional art pieces displayed throughout the City of Bay St. Louis. This initiative fosters environmental stewardship and artistic expression, leaving a lasting, vibrant mark on public spaces
Disability Connection - Accessible Recreation Project
Through our grant, Disability Connection produced a film showcasing accessible recreational sites, promoting full participation in outdoor activities for people with disabilities. This project aligns with our commitment to inclusivity, highlighting locations where individuals with d mmunities
Grant Projects
#1 & 2
Shaw Homestead, renovation project
#3 & 4
Our Mother of Sorrows, brick walk construction
#5
Coastal Mardi Gras Museum, film premier
#6 & 7
Alice Moseley Folk Art & Antique Museum environmental bins
