Salvage, Stabilization, and Storage of Collections HURRICANE KATRINA EMERGENCY GRANT

FAIN: PC-50010-06

Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum (Biloxi, MS 39533-1907)
Robin Krohn David (Project Director: October 2005 to August 2006)

The Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum located directly on the Gulf Coast in Biloxi, Mississippi, experienced extensive wind and water damage during Hurricane Katrina. The museum's roof collapsed onto its exhibition gallery, where collections were trapped. Other artifacts, including historic boats, were scattered over the area. The museum's collection focuses on the history of the Gulf Coast seafood and boatbuilding industry and includes early marine fittings, hardware, and blacksmithing tools; historic watercraft and boat models; boat building tools used by local builders from the mid-nineteenth century; and seafood factory equipment and implements. Many items can be recovered, but not until debris is removed and the museum has shored up the building. The museum has enlisted the help of archaeologists and students from Mississippi State University to survey the area and retrieve collections. A conservator will also be needed to assess the condition of recovered artifacts and initiate conservation treatment.