Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum of Biloxi Inc.

Overview

The Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum of Biloxi Inc. is a nonprofit organization established in 1986, dedicated to preserving and interpreting the maritime history and heritage of Biloxi and the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The museum showcases the region's rich maritime past through various exhibits and interactive activities.

Mission

The museum's mission is to highlight the maritime history, seafood industry, and cultural heritage of the region, offering visitors insights into shrimping, oystering, recreational fishing, wetlands management, marine blacksmithing, wooden boat building, net-making, and other related industries. It also emphasizes educational programs to engage both children and adults.

Exhibits

The museum features a wide range of exhibits, including:

• Shrimping and Oystering: Historic techniques and equipment used in these industries.
• Marine Blacksmithing: Displays of traditional tools and methods.
• Wooden Boat Building: Exhibits showcasing local boat-building traditions.
• Net-making: Demonstrations of traditional net-making techniques.
• Wade Guice Hurricane Museum: A dedicated exhibit space focusing on hurricanes and their impact on the region, complete with a state-of-the-art theater.
• Art Gallery: Rotating exhibits of maritime art from regional and national artists.

Programs

The museum offers several programs:

• Sea-n-Sail Adventure Camp: An annual summer camp for children aged 6 to 12, focusing on marine heritage, sailing, fishing, and maritime crafts.
• Billy Creel Memorial Wooden Boat Show: An event celebrating the historic, antique, classic, and contemporary wooden boats of the Gulf Coast.

Ships and Facilities

The museum features two replica Biloxi schooners, the Glenn L. Swetman and the Mike Sekul, both of which sail regularly in the Gulf waters. The Schooner Pier Complex provides a home for these vessels, offering additional amenities such as observation decks and facilities for special events.

History

The museum was severely impacted by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, which destroyed its previous facility. A new, larger museum was built and opened in 2014. This new facility continues to preserve maritime history and culture while offering a more extensive space for exhibits and programs.

Cultural Significance

The museum is a testament to the resilience and heritage of Biloxi, known historically as the "Seafood Capital of the World." It celebrates the contributions of various immigrant groups, including Croatians, Yugoslavians, French, Vietnamese, and others who have shaped the seafood industry.

Preservation and Community Engagement

The museum relies heavily on volunteers to support its operations, including docents who assist with educational programs and artifact preservation. This community involvement is crucial to maintaining and sharing the maritime history of the region.