PRESERVATION SOCIETY OF COLUMBUS
SPRING PILGRIMAGE - AN EVENT TO TELL “THE FULL AMERICAN STORY”
We occasionally revisit previous stories for updates. In the Fall 2019 issue of Progress, we reported the formation of the Preservation Society of Columbus and their efforts to reimagine the long-standing Spring Pilgrimage. Now a year later, we check back in with board member Kathy Novotny to see how things are going as they make plans for the 2021 Pilgrimage.
In years past, the emphasis during Pilgrimage has been on the historical structures themselves; however, the Preservation Society’s mission envisions a more holistic approach moving forward. Next year Novotny says the event will emphasize the untold stories of those who resided in the historic spaces to “humanize” the stories.
Dr. Erin Kempker, from the Mississippi University for Women’s Department of History, along with student interns, will compile the history of those who lived and those who were enslaved in the area’s homes and sites on tour. The research is expected to take five years to complete and will form the foundation of future tours. Additionally, the results of that research will be archived at the Columbus-Lowndes Public Library.
New additions to the tours will give a voice to those silent too long. “We are focusing on telling the stories of all of those who lived here,” Novotny emphasized. Local historian and Preservation board member Susie Shelton has also been active in collecting those stories.
Next year’s Pilgrimage will include African American tours, Jewish tours and the history of Native Americans. Of course, Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science will host Tales from the Crypt at Friendship Cemetery.
In some cases the event will offer “hands-on experience” for participants. Helen Karriem, owner of Helen’s Kitchen, for example, will showcase biscuit-making skills and share her experience as a female business owner at Temple Heights.
The Columbus Spring Pilgrimage will take place between March and April, and the group will announce details of the tours and events in November.
STORY BY YUE STELLA YU
PHOTOS BY ANTRANIK TAVITIAN
