Jackson Free Press

Lolly Barnes, the executive director of Mississippi Heritage Trust, has a passion for history.

Barnes received her bachelor's degree in history from Louisiana State University in 1990 and her master's from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1994. After finishing college, she returned to Biloxi, where she worked in collections management for the city's museums. Later, she became the historical administrator. While in that position, she oversaw the restoration of Biloxi landmarks, such as the lighthouse. After leaving the city in 2004, she went to develop a plan to restore the White House Hotel on the Gulf coast. After Hurricane Katrina, she worked for the National Trust for Historic Preservation, where she advocated for the restoration of historic properties damaged in the storm.

"I love history and historical buildings," she says. "It tells you something about the people and history of that area. Historical buildings tell a story of a people and a place."

Before being named executive director, Barnes served her eight-year term at the organization, including being president from 2008 to 2009. When her term on the trust was up, she moved back to Biloxi with her husband, Chris, who is a professional land surveyor. The organization called her and asked if she'd be interested in the position when the former executive director left. Due to the trust's headquarters being in Jackson, Barnes declined the offer. They later called back and asked if she'd be interested in working from Biloxi. She went in for an interview, where they discussed how, due to things like the Internet and social media, she could work from home.

In her current position, Barnes hopes to raise awareness about endangered places in Mississippi. On Nov. 14 at The Cedars in Fondren (4145 Old Canton Road, 366-5552), the organization will announce the 2013-2014 list of the 10 most endangered places in the state. Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann is the honorary chairman for the event. T.B. Ledford and Dudereaux will play "Mississippi Zydeco" music. Sugaree's Bakery and Lazy Magnolia will also provide food and refreshments.

"This is a special time for preservationists from around the state to come together, celebrate our many accomplishments and strategize about how to save the places that matter to Mississippi," Barnes said in a press release.

With Mississippi Heritage Trust's first publication of the 10 most endangered places in 1999, the organization has seen many victories, including the restoration of the King Edward Hotel in Jackson (235 W. Capitol St., 888-440-1822) and The Cedars in Fondren.

Tickets to the event are $50. Go to mississippiheritage.com for more information.

Mississippi Heritage Trust was founded in as a non-profit preservation organization in 1992. MHT works to preserve historical buildings and places across the state. For more information, go to mississippiheritage.com.