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Reviving the American Dream
Small towns that actively pursue historic preservation through effective public administration can spark both economic growth and cultural development. This dual approach not only enriches a community’s identity but also inspires residents to reimagine and reconnect with the American dream. By embracing both rapid change and the unique resources available today, these towns can flourish, blending progress with tradition. A shared appreciation for local heritage and the surrounding environment fosters unity and kinship, ultimately contributing to sustained community growth.
I grew up in a small town in Mississippi—one filled with charm, history, and community, but like so many others, it now needs love, intentional investment, and a new vision for the future. It’s towns like mine that fuel my passion for preservation. I’ve seen firsthand how the heart of a community—its downtown—can fade when neglected, and how the spirit of its people can be reignited when that same space is restored and reimagined.
As a small business owner myself, I know how hard it is to compete in today’s fast-paced, convenience-driven world. The rise of online shopping and the growing expectation for instant access to everything has made it increasingly difficult for local businesses to survive—let alone thrive. We work tirelessly to provide quality, personal service, and unique offerings, but it’s a constant uphill climb in an era where "fast and cheap" often wins. Despite the challenges, small businesses remain the backbone of small towns—and of our economy at large.
Across the American landscape, many small towns have struggled—and continue to struggle—in the face of modernization and technological advancement. It’s often easier and more affordable to shop at a large grocery chain than support a small-town market. Unfortunately, this shift has led to the decline of countless local businesses whose owners know their communities personally, unlike the distant corporate entities of big-box stores. The same is true of drugstores, hardware shops, and home goods stores, which now compete with the convenience of online shopping giants like Amazon.
This new American lifestyle, centered on speed and convenience, often places efficiency above connection. We’re all guilty of choosing what’s quick and easy over what strengthens our local economies and identities. However, it's essential to remember that small-town businesses are more than just places of commerce—they are the threads that weave together the cultural fabric of our communities. These once-abundant establishments are now rare gems, overshadowed by uniformity and mass production. And yet, many people still long for that distinctive small-town feel, a slower pace, and a deeper sense of belonging.
Towns like Seaside, Florida, draw people in with their walkable layouts and all-in-one charm—characteristics that used to define countless communities across America. Today, however, many towns are gripped by a fear of change and struggle to imagine a brighter future. This hesitation often breeds a sense of hopelessness. Phrases like "there is no hope" echo through the streets of towns where empty storefronts outnumber thriving businesses.
But there is hope. And change is possible. It begins with one person, one project, one small initiative. That single spark can create a ripple effect that breathes life back into a declining community. We’ve seen it happen—across Mississippi and beyond.
I’m deeply grateful for the efforts of our local and state leaders in historic preservation. Their work is not just revitalizing buildings, but rekindling the spirit of the American dream. I chose to be a preservationist to help bring that timeless, “Mayberry” feeling back to towns and homes across the country. It’s a vision every American deserves—a sense of place, of history, of home.
Saving the downtowns of Mississippi—and small-town downtowns across the nation—is essential to revitalizing local economies and fostering small business growth. These downtowns were once the beating hearts of their communities, filled with family-owned shops, local eateries, and familiar faces. With thoughtful preservation and forward-thinking leadership, they can be that again.
As I continue my journey, I am committed to expanding my knowledge through research in small-town preservation practices and to supporting the restoration of architecturally significant homes and buildings across Mississippi. Our towns matter. Their stories matter. And it’s our job to preserve them.
It can start with you!
