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About the Trust
The Brookhaven Trust was founded in 1991 by a group of citizens committed to preserving our heritage and promoting cultural events.  It has a 501 (c) (3) non-profit status.  Thus, any charitable contributions to the Brookhaven Trust is tax-deductible. Our membership form has more information on becoming a member of the Trust.

The Trust is fulfilling its commitment to the community in many ways: 

Mary Jane Lampton Auditorium:
The restoration of Mary Jane Lampton Auditorium created the possibility for the restoration of the other historic buildings on the campus of Whitworth College.  Perserverance and the commitment of Brookhaven Trust members paid off.  The campus is now the home of The Mississippi School of the Arts, a statewide residential school for gifted eleventh and twelfth graders.  

Ongoing support of enhancing Brookhaven's historic downtown such as addressing downtown housing possibilities.

Current Brookhaven Trust Projects Underway:
The Board of the Brookhaven Trust is made up of several committees whose members volunteer countless hours of their time to provide cultural events  to the community and local schools, as well as the preservation of historic buildings and artifacts.  Current preservation projects for the Brookhaven Trust include renovation of the Old City Hall/Chamber of Commerce Building, preservation and archiving of The John H. Williams/State Bank Photo Collection, and maintenance of the log cabin.  

Old City Hall/Chamber of Commerce Restoration Project:
The restoration of the Old City Hall building project began in 2001 with a partnership between the Brookhaven Trust and the Chamber of Commerce.   and continues today.  Planning of the renovation includes a large conference room, smaller meeting rooms, a kitchen, an art gallery, and handicapped accessibility to the building.  A grant was obtained from the National Endowment for the Arts which jump started the process.  Private support and donations from the community are necessary to complete the renovation.  

The John H. Williams/State Bank Photo Collection:
The John H. Williams/State Bank Photo Collection consists of thousands of photographs collected or taken by Mr. John H. Williams, a photographer and proprietor of the Art Studio in Brookhaven.  His vast collection of photographs depict life in southwest Mississippi from the 1930's through the 1970's.  The collection was generously donated by State Bank and Trust.  Currently, the Lincoln County Public Library is cataloging and archiving the collection and will make many of the photographs available through its website.  In addition, The Brookhaven Trust has partnered with the Center for the Study of Southern Culture at the University of Mississippi to provide an oral historian to the project.  Pride in Brookhaven, generous donations, and hard work by many dedicated volunteers make this project possible.            

The Brookhaven Arts Council:
In 1997, the Brookhaven Arts Council was formed as a division of the Brookhaven Trust.  The Arts Council provides the community with outstanding art exhibits, musical and theatrical performances and story-telling, rarely offered to a community of Brookhaven's size.  "American Realism:  A Tradition" a rare art exhibit featuring the works of Andrew Wheth, is an example of the calibre of programs being presented by the Arts Council.  While these endeavors are costly, they are usually provided free of charge to the community.

The Arts Council continues its efforts with the annual visit by the Missoula Children's Theatre, which offers community children an opportunity to work with gifted actors and directors for a week.  At the end, they present a wonderful children's play starring local Brookhaven talent.

Music is a gift to us all, enriching our lives daily, but rare is the opportunity to experience The Mississippi Symphony Chamber Orchestra or the Capitol Brass live and at no cost to the public.  The Brookhaven Arts Council makes these and so many other culture events available on a regular basis.  

How Can I Help Support The Brookhaven Trust?
Become a member of the Brookhaven Trust
Make a memorial gift
Set up a charitable trust for the organization
Assign a bequest in your will
List the Brookhaven Trust as a beneficiary of your life insurance policy
Become a vounteer for one of the many committees of the Brookhaven Trust