January 17, 2012 (Jackson) - Belhaven University could make history on a national scale. The university and other parts of the surrounding Belhaven Neighborhood were recently nominated by the City of Jackson for the National Register of Historic Places.
This special historical distinction comes at a time when Belhaven University just celebrated 100 years at the Peachtree Street location.
“I believe Belhaven is a very special place and we are very excited to have the opportunity to be listed on the national register. To get this type of national designation would be a great seal of approval for the area,” said Virgi Lindsay, Executive Director Greater Belhaven Foundation.
The Belhaven area is already recognized in the state of Mississippi as a historical district, but it is not registered with the National Register of Historic Places.
The proposed boundaries for the historic designation will include Belhaven University and other areas that lie west of Interstate 55, east of State Street, north of Fortification Street and south of Riverside Drive.
The City of Jackson and the Greater Belhaven Foundation matched a $25,000 grant from the Mississippi Department of Archives and History, to survey 1000 structures in the surrounding Belhaven neighborhood.
Many of Belhaven University’s structure like Fitzhugh Hall, Helen White Hall, Preston Hall and others could be included in the national historic registry.
Because the Belhaven neighborhood is one of the largest historic districts in the state the survey will take a significant amount of time. The new designation could also give area residents access to tax credits for construction, repairs or rehabilitation of their property.
Belhaven stands among the select Christian colleges and universities that offer a unique general core curriculum encouraging the development of a personal worldview. The university believes a Christian worldview is a key to preparing men and women academically and spiritually to serve Christ Jesus in their careers, in human relationships, and in the world of ideas.
Founded in 1883, Belhaven University now serves over 3,000 students from campuses in Jackson, Memphis, Orlando, Houston, Chattanooga, Atlanta and online, offering traditional undergraduate degrees, graduate and adult degree programs, and online degree programs.