Aberdeen Gears Up For 43rd Annual Southern Heritage Pilgrimage

ABERDEEN, Miss. (WCBI)- Excitement is in the air in Aberdeen as the city gets ready to host its 43rd Annual Southern Heritage Pilgrimage.

These antique antebellum homes and churches are a part of a rich history in Aberdeen.

“The historic homes date back as early as the 1850s through the turn-of-the-century,” said Tina Robbins, Aberdeen Visitors Bureau Director. “Five of our historic churches available that are going to be open for touring date back as early as 1839.”

That rich history is expected to bring thousands of people to the Monroe County town for this year’s pilgrimage.

“We have so many people coming from out of town, from out of the area, several different states,” Robbins expressed. “We’ve had some from other different countries that come here and they seek this out. They seek out the history,  they want to see the history, they want to see the houses, what they look like, travel through them. We’re all dressed in period costumes so they get a little feel for the ancient times.”

Robbins has been a part of pilgrimage for 8 years now, and said the event is unique because the city gets to show off its real roots.

“Aberdeen is rich with culture and history,” Robbins described. “With the houses that we have and the buildings, we have over 200 on the national register that dates back so far.”

Ten homes along with churches will be open for touring.

“These are all homes,” Robbins explained. “These are lived in and the homeowners are there to tell you the stories of those that lived there before them, and what they’ve done to the houses since they’ve been there and made it their own.”

Robbins said the three day event offers something for people of all ages to enjoy…

“Carriage rides, we have storytelling, we have cemetery tours, 5K run, car show, Proper Tea at the Cottage Tea Room,” said Robbins.

The visitor’s director said each year they try to add something new.

This year the city is adding a candlelight and garden tour.

The fun kicks off this Thursday and will go through Saturday.

For a look at what to expect, visit for http://aberdeenpilgrimage.com/events.html more information.