Mississippi Gulf Coast National Heritage Area

06/24/2026

What if the future of coastal living isn’t fighting nature—but learning to live with it?

A recent Architectural Digest feature highlights a remarkable home in Ocean Springs designed by renowned architect Tom Kundig. Built along Davis Bayou near the Gulf Islands National Seashore, the home embraces the realities of life on the Mississippi Gulf Coast rather than trying to hide from them. Elevated 23 feet above the ground on steel columns, the house was designed to withstand flooding, storm surge, and hurricane-force winds while still feeling warm, welcoming, and connected to the landscape. (Architectural Digest)

Surrounded by ancient live oaks draped in Spanish moss, the home proves that resilient design can be both beautiful and practical. With a large screened porch, views across the bayou, and durable materials designed to last for generations, it offers a glimpse into how architecture is adapting to a changing climate along the Gulf Coast. (Architectural Digest)

As our coastal communities continue to face rising water and stronger storms, projects like this show how thoughtful design can help preserve both our way of life and the landscapes we cherish.

📖 Read the full story in Architectural Digest.

To build one family’s dream house on a flood-prone Mississippi bayou, AD100 architect Tom Kundig decided the sky’s the limit

06/23/2026

06/23/2026

🚀🌙 BEFORE BILOXI HAD A MOONWALK, IT HAD A MOON PARADE. 🌙🚀

Long before Fred Haise Landing became a reality, Biloxi celebrated its hometown astronaut when at Gulf Coast Carnival in 1996.

The theme that year was "Famous Explorers," and Harrison County Supervisor Bobby Eleuterius saw it as an opportunity to invite Haise back to Biloxi. Fred hadn't been to a Biloxi Mardi gras in 25 years. Eleuterius recently shared memories of the space-themed county float. Haise headed a crew of 100 float riders, all garbed in locally created white space suits and hats emblazoned with Apollo logos. But the out of this world feature was the float itself. Shaped like a booster rocket, it vibrated as if it was rumbling before takeoff and white smoke billowed from the back end!

Fred, as usual, was first class, as you can see in this video, which is a clip of the WLOX parade coverage.

Born and raised in Biloxi, Fred Haise went on to become one of only 24 people to travel to the Moon at the time (28 today). As Lunar Module Pilot of Apollo 13, he played a key role in one of the most dramatic and inspiring missions in NASA history.

More than 50 years later, the Coast is once again coming together to honor his legacy.

Join us this Saturday, June 27, for the dedication of Fred Haise Landing and the unveiling of the restored Moonwalk mural near the Biloxi Lighthouse.

📍 Biloxi Visitors Center
🕛 Noon – Program and meet-and-greet with Fred Haise

📍 Fred Haise Landing
🕐 1 p.m. – Ribbon cutting near refurbished statue and restored Moonwalk

⭐ Were you there for the original parade? Do you remember the astronaut float? Share your memories and photos in the comments!

📹 Historic video courtesy of former Harrison County Supervisor Bobby Eleuterius and used with permission of WLOX.

06/23/2026

William H. Hardy
By Jude Alley

Today, we are honoring American businessman and Founder of Gulfport, Mississippi, William Harris Hardy!

William H. Hardy (1837–1917) was one of the most influential visionaries in Mississippi history. He was a lawyer, railroad developer, judge, and entreprenuer. He is best remembered for his help in shaping the economic future of South Mississippi through transportation and the development of communities. Hardy’s leadership of the Gulf and Ship Island Railroad connected the Pine Belt of Mississippi to the Gulf Coast, opening vast amounts of timber resources to national and international markets and laying the foundation for modern economic growth across the region.

Of Hardy’s legacy, one of his greatest accomplishments was founding several Mississippi cities, most notably Gulfport. In 1887, while planning the route of the Gulf and Ship Island Railroad, he recohnized the potential of a deep-water harbor near Ship Island and selected the site that would become Gulfport as the railroad’s southern terminus. He also eventually founded Hattiesburg—named after his wife, Hattie—and played a key role in the development of Laurel. Hardy’s vision transformed Gulfport from a pine-covered stretch of coastline into Mississippi’s most important port and economic centers, earning him the name “Father of Gulfport.”

Today, more than a century after his death, Hardy’s impact remains visible across the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The City of Gulfport, its port and thriving regional economy all trace their origins to his foresight and determination. His legacy continues to be celebrated as a cornerstone of Mississippi Gulf Coast history.

Sources:
Photo credited to Historical Society of Gulfport. Portrait by Artist Harry Coughlin
📍"William H. Hardy." Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation. Retrieved June 22, 2026, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_H._Hardy
📍"Gulfport." Encyclopaedia Britannica. Retrieved June 22, 2026, from https://www.britannica.com/place/Gulfport
📍"Gulfport Historic District." Mississippi Gulf Coast National Heritage Area. Retrieved June 22, 2026, from https://msgulfcoastheritage.ms.gov/historic/districts/gulfport/

06/23/2026

06/22/2026

🎙️ What do Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Hank Williams, and George Jones have in common?

Before they became household names, they all performed on the Louisiana Hayride, the legendary radio and stage show that helped launch some of the greatest careers in American music.

On June 25, join us at the Mary C. O’Keefe Cultural Arts Center for ROCKABILLY: An Evening of Music History and discover the story of the show known as the “Cradle of the Stars.”

The evening will feature Joey Kent, owner of Global Media Archives and the Louisiana Hayride Archives, who will share rare photographs, fascinating stories, and behind-the-scenes insight into the show that helped launch Elvis Presley’s rise to stardom.

Guests will also hear from Jeff Cole, former Gulfport resident and Executive Director of the Rockabilly Hall of Fame Museum, who brings more than 30 years of experience in music promotion and a personal connection to rockabilly history through his father, Lee Cole, an upright bass player who performed on the Louisiana Hayride and once sat in with Elvis Presley.

Also featured is Dale Rushing, a Southern creative director, civic architect, musician, and music historian whose work blends heritage, storytelling, and modern media strategy. Dale brings a powerful regional perspective on creativity, Mississippi music history, and the cultural roots that helped shape rockabilly.

The Louisiana Hayride was more than a radio show. It was where audiences first discovered future stars and where genres such as Country, Gospel, Western Swing, Rockabilly, Rock and Roll, Bluegrass, Honky-Tonk, and Rhythm and Blues came together to create something entirely new.

Guests will also have the opportunity to view the original KWKH microphone used by legendary performers, including Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Hank Williams.

📍 Mary C. O’Keefe Cultural Arts Center
📅 June 25, 2026
🕕 6:00 PM | Doors open at 5:30 PM
🎟️ Free Admission

If you love Elvis, music history, or the stories behind the songs, this is an evening you won’t want to miss.

06/22/2026

🎙️ What do Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Hank Williams, and a legendary Louisiana Hayride microphone have in common?

On June 25, you’ll have the chance to find out during “An Evening of Rockabilly Music History” at the Mary C. O’Keefe Cultural Arts Center in Ocean Springs.

See the original KWKH microphone that helped launch some of the biggest names in American music and hear fascinating stories from three experts who have spent decades preserving the history of rockabilly, the Louisiana Hayride, and the artists who changed music forever.

🎤 Rare music history
🎤 Incredible storytelling
🎤 Special exhibit featuring the historic KWKH microphone
🎤 FREE admission

Whether you’re an Elvis fan, music lover, history buff, or just looking for a unique night out on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, this is an event you won’t want to miss.

📍 Mary C. O’Keefe Cultural Arts Center, Ocean Springs
📅 June 25, 2026
🕕 6:00 PM (Doors open at 5:30 PM)
🎟️ FREE

Know someone who loves Elvis, Johnny Cash, classic country, or rockabilly music? Tag them and share this post! Help us spread the word and keep these incredible stories alive. 🎶✨

06/21/2026

Have you visited any restaurant hosting an Elvis special yet?

06/20/2026

The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources is excited to welcome our newest group of interns to the agency! Throughout the summer, these talented students will gain hands-on experience while working alongside our staff in a variety of programs dedicated to protecting, conserving, and enhancing Mississippi’s coastal and marine resources.

From coastal management and habitat restoration to environmental education and marine science, our interns will have the opportunity to learn about the important work being done every day to support Mississippi's coastal communities and ecosystems.

We are proud to invest in the next generation of environmental professionals and look forward to seeing all they accomplish during their time with us.

Please join us in welcoming our 2026 MDMR interns.