History
Mary C. O'Keefe, a progressive educator, was named the first woman public school superintendent in Mississippi. She instilled a spirit of learning and raised the level of education. In 1999, this facility was named in her honor. The building was constructed in 1927 and is a primary historic landmark of Ocean Springs. The school's listing on the National Register of Historic Places indicates the significance of this building in our community's heritage. The effort to save the building and create a community arts center began in 1998 and moved ahead quickly with the incorporation of the Friends of the Mary C. O'Keefe Cultural Center in October 1999. Since then, a major renovation has been completed and work continues on development of expanded facilities in the building.
Specialties
Who We Are MISSION: The mission of The Friends of The Mary C. O'Keefe Cultural Center of Arts and Education is to serve as stewards of the landmark 1927 public school building; to encourage our citizens to attend performing, culinary and visual art events; to grow focused collections for exhibitions and educational programs highlighting the history of the area; and to dedicate time to enhance to quality of life for Ocean Springs, Jackson County, and the state of Mississippi.