Architecture students, faculty, alumni to help transform school into naval museum
PASCAGOULA, MS (WLOX) – The Mississippi Maritime Museum Group is getting some help transforming the old Pascagoula High School into a naval history museum.
The old building may not look like a museum now, but that will soon change. Mississippi State University architecture professors and students have teamed up with Mississippi Maritime Museum Group to breathe new life into this place.
“We are having the beginning of a Charette from Mississippi State School of Architecture,” said Museum Vice President Jack Hoover.
“The Charette means that they are coming in here and they will study this building as far as the best usage, plans and future development.”
During the two day trip, the MSU group will meet with maritime museum and city leaders to get insight on what they want to see developed here.
“It is a combination of looking at the kind of museum and what they need and also make into a great project for students,” said David Perkes, Director of MSU’s Gulf Coast Community Design Studio.
Museum board member Robert Hardy also has some suggestions for the naval center.
“I think our primary focus is to build this museum as an educational tool and opportunity to gather and preserve artifacts,” said Hardy.
“We have a 300 year heritage going back to 1699 with maritime development on the Pascagoula River. Today, 85 percent of U.S. Navy warships that are active in the Navy were built here at Ingalls.”
MSU student John Taylor Schaffhauser of Canton said creating an action plan should be easy because there is potential in every room of this structure.
“It has some really good bones and when I walked in, I was immediately amazed how well lit it is. The natural light pouring in, it is feels how school should feel. The walls are thick and they’re honest. Yes, it really has some great potential,” Schaffhauser said.
Thursday afternoon, the MSU staff and students will present and discuss the details and visuals for the new Museum with city leaders and the maritime board. The meeting will be held at the Chamber of Commerce building in Pascagoula.
