Jackson County Historical and Genealogical Society

Pascagoula, Mississippi

Jackson County Historical and Genealogical Society officers and committee chairs pose for a photo following their Apr. 26  installation in Pascagoula. Seated from left, Melanie Moore, Sherry Owens and Linda Grimes. Standing, l-r, are: Renee Hague, Kathie Keene, Kay Doyle, Brian Johnston, Pat Haynes, Helen Gardner, George Sholl, Dr. Chris Wiggins, Pat Keene, Tommy Wixon, Barry McIlwain, Rev. James LeBatard, Martha Duvall, Kevin Hall, Betty Oswald and Joanne Anderson.

JCHGS to continue strong work agenda

with installation of new leadership team

            Those who will lead the Jackson County Historical and Genealogical Society for the 2011-2013 term were installed in an impressive ceremony on April 26 at the Pascagoula Public Library.

            Betty Oswald, Society member, author, and community leader, conducted an installation ceremony using the metaphor of a rainbow.

            "A rainbow is unique by itself, but it only presents a complete, beautiful picture when all seven colors are joined," she said. "It is the same with the officers of the Historical and Genealogical Society. Each individual officer has his or her own unique responsibilities and must work with all the other officers to fulfill the purpose of the organization."

            Officers who will lead the next two years are:

            Joanne Anderson, president; Dr. Chris Wiggins, president-elect; Else Martin, vice president, genealogy; Kevin Hall, vice president, buildings and museums; Helen Gardner, Corresponding Secretary; Liz Ford, recording secretary; Linda Grimes, treasurer; Rev. James LaBatard, chaplain; and Sherry Owens, Melanie Moore and George Sholl, directors.

            McIlwain and past president Tommy Wixon will also sit on the Society's board. Anne Moore is grants advisor and Martin will continue as editor of the society's annual journal.

            Committee chairs are: Wixon, Publications; Martha Duvall, Programs; Roger Hansen, Military; Kay Doyle, membership; Melanie Moore, spring gala; Walter and Debbie Mansfield, archaeology/Krebs Cemetery; John Ford, constitution and by-laws; Pat Haynes, hospitality; Brian Johnston, railroad history; Renee Hague, Colonial history and cemetery program; Dr. Steve Demetropoulos, William Faulkner event; Pat Keene, Maritime Museum, and Kathie Keene, plaques.

            Under the leadership of outgoing president Barry McIlwain, the Society has had a productive two years marking many accomplishments. They include:

            • Supported the reinstallation of the Singing River Indians mural at the Pascagoula Post office and purchased a plaque to mark the history of the mural.

            • Saw to the return of the Mac Anderson mural to the Chancery Court building.

            • Supported the re-interment of 1848 Mexican War veterans excavated from Greenwood Island to the National Cemetery.

            • Published an annual journal of local history and genealogy.

            • Produced two major fundraising events, the Fête La Pointe 2010 and 2011 galas, to benefit further development of the La Pointe Krebs House.

            • Assisted in funding for archaeological excavations on Greenwood Island and at the Krebs La Pointe House.

            • Partnered with the library, city and others to support the annual Krebs Cemetery Tour which continues to grow in attendance.

            •  Contributed to further development of the collection and equipment at the Local Genealogy and History Department of the Pascagoula Public Library.

            • Secured funding for and initiated a Digital Project at the LG&HD to scan all original files, documents and video and cassette recordings for historical and genealogical preservation.

            • Created this website, www.jchgs-ms.org.

            • Presented numerous programs and conducted workshops featuring qualified speakers from the fields of history, genealogy and archaeology.