Preserving Gulf Coast Heritage: A Conversation with the Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum
The Mississippi Gulf Coast is more than just beautiful beaches and casinos — it’s a living, breathing culture built on seafood, boats, and the hardworking people who call this place home. On Episode 319 of Brown Water Banter, we sat down with Brandon Boudreaux, the new Executive Director of the Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum in Biloxi, to talk about his journey and the museum’s role in keeping our history alive.
From Deckhand to Director
Brandon’s story is as Gulf Coast as it gets. At just 15 years old, he started working as a deckhand on the museum’s schooners — historic replicas of the oyster boats that once lined Back Bay. Over the years, he worked his way up to fleet captain before stepping away to raise his family. But the museum always felt like home, and when the opportunity came to step into leadership, he returned to carry on the legacy.
As Brandon put it: “That was always home for me. I knew one day I wanted to come back, and when the chance finally came, I knew I had to take it.”
Why the Museum Matters
Biloxi was once known as the seafood capital of the world, shipping more oysters and shrimp than anywhere else. Families lived and worked in the seafood factories, blessing their boats each season and building a community around the water. The museum tells that story through artifacts, photographs, and even full-sized boats on display.
Brandon explained that preserving these stories isn’t just about the past — it’s about connecting future generations to the culture that shaped the Coast. From schooner cruises to community events, the museum is a hub for celebrating who we are.
Surviving Katrina
Like so many places on the Coast, the museum was devastated by Hurricane Katrina. Nearly everything inside was lost, but volunteers and locals combed through the rubble to recover what they could. Bit by bit, artifacts were found and restored, proving once again that Gulf Coast resilience runs deep. Today, the museum stands rebuilt on its original site — stronger than ever.
A Living Piece of History
One of the museum’s biggest draws is its fleet of schooners, which still sail the waters today. From sunset cruises to island trips, these boats offer a chance to experience the Gulf the way our ancestors did. As Brandon explained, “They’re not just exhibits — they’re working pieces of history that continue to bring people together.”
Why You Should Visit
Whether you’re a local who’s never set foot inside or a visitor passing through Biloxi, the Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum is worth the trip. It’s more than a building full of exhibits — it’s a reminder of the grit, culture, and community spirit that make the Mississippi Gulf Coast one of a kind.
👉 Learn more at maritimemuseum.org and check them out on Facebook for upcoming events and schooner cruises.
And of course, don’t miss our full conversation with Brandon on Episode 319 of Brown Water Banter — available here.
