MDAH Board of Trustees Selects Barry White as New Director of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History
The Mississippi Department of Archives and History Board of Trustees has selected Barry White, longtime preservation leader and current director of the agency’s Historic Preservation Division, as the next director of MDAH. White will succeed outgoing director Katie Blount on July 1, 2026.
White has spent more than a decade working across programs that identify, document, and preserve Mississippi’s historic places. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in applied anthropology with a focus on historic preservation from Mississippi State University. During his tenure, he has overseen major preservation initiatives, administered statewide grant programs, supported communities through the Certified Local Government program, and built partnerships with local, state, and federal agencies.
“It is an honor to be selected to lead an agency with such a vital mission,” White said. “The work of MDAH is rooted in service – preserving the stories, places, and records that define Mississippi. I look forward to supporting the talented staff across the department and building on the strong foundation that has been laid.”
White will begin transitioning into his new role in early 2026 to ensure a smooth handoff of responsibilities.
“Katie Blount’s leadership has strengthened this agency in profound and lasting ways, and Barry is the right person to lead MDAH into our next chapter,” said Spence Flatgard, president of the MDAH Board of Trustees. “His experience, integrity, and relationships across the state give him a deep understanding of both our mission and our partners who help carry us forward.”
White began his career at MDAH as a local government assistance coordinator before serving as liaison for MDAH and the Mississippi Department of Transportation and deputy director of the Historic Preservation Division. He became division director in 2020. In this role, he has administered programs including the National Register of Historic Places, the Mississippi Landmark program, the Historical Marker Program, and preservation grant initiatives that have helped communities rehabilitate historic courthouses, schools, and significant cultural landmarks.
White also is among the leadership team developing a regional hub for education, research and workforce development at Historic Jefferson College near Natchez. Mississippi State University is MDAH’s partner on the project.
Blount, who announced her retirement earlier this year, praised White’s commitment to preservation and collaboration.
“Barry has earned the trust of colleagues and communities throughout Mississippi,” Blount said. “He’s forged strong relationships with key stakeholders through his thoughtful approach to preservation and his dedication to public service.”
Reflecting on the work ahead, White said: “Our stories belong to every Mississippian, and I am committed to strengthening our connections to communities across the state. As we look to the future, collaboration will continue to drive our efforts to preserve and share Mississippi’s history in meaningful ways.”
The Mississippi Department of Archives and History is the second-oldest state department of archives and history in the United States. The department collects, preserves, and provides access to the archival resources of the state, administers various museums and historic sites, and oversees statewide programs for historic preservation, state and local government records management, and publications. For more information, call 601-576-6850 or email info@mdah.ms.gov.