NATCHEZ &045; For the past 10 years, tourists from around the world have made their way past the heavy lead glass door of Stratton Chapel to catch a glimpse &045; or hundreds of glimpses &045; of Natchez history recorded in the Natchez in Historic Photographs exhibit.

In search of Natchez’s past, most tourists over those 10 years have probably stumbled upon the best of Natchez’s present &045; a bright smile and a warm welcome from the many docents who commit a part of their week.

&uot;The docent sets the stage,&uot; John Williams, one of the exhibits original docents. &uot;We like to make them feel welcome.&uot;

And welcome they do. In the past decade, more than 50 volunteers have greeted visitors, provided them with information about the exhibit and also provided tours of the church.

&uot;I like to tell (visitors) the background of the exhibit,&uot; Williams said.

Like Williams, many of the volunteers give tourists a little bit of insight into the history of the images. They tell of how Dr. Thomas Gandy, after acquiring thousands of negatives, saw the immense value in the images and carefully printed most of the photographs of the exhibit, Williams said.

&uot;It is fun to see their mouths go open when I tell them about Dr. Gandy recovering the 75,000 negatives,&uot; Williams said, adding that he explains a large proportion of the negative were damaged beyond repair, leaving about 60,000 negatives still in good condition.

As he restored the photos, Gandy and his wife Joan began to exhibit them throughout the world. The photos traveled to London, Toronto and Los Angeles, but there was not yet a gallery space in Natchez. Bazile Lanneau Sr. had often suggested using Stratton Chapel to showcase the photos, and in late 1994, the Gandys began to hang photos, with the blessing of then-pastor Matthew Covington of First Presbyterian.

All of the photos &045; aside from a few mural-sized ones &045; were made by Dr. Gandy in his darkroom, where he printed from the original glass or celluloid negatives,

Joan Gandy

said. Dr. Gandy died in January 2004 following a long illness.

&uot;It’s unbelievable, really, that we have this wonderful exhibit,&uot; Williams said.

Dr. John Larson, minister of First Presbyterian Church, agrees.

&uot;There is no other place that I know of where you can find a 100 plus years of a pictorial record of community,&uot; Larson said. &uot;We have this incredible treasure trove of a photographic memory.&uot;

For Sue Ann Wilt, a recent volunteer, meeting the many people that come through the chapel’s door is an added benefit to being a docent.

&uot;I think I get just as much out of it as the tourists,&uot; Wilt said of the many opportunities she has had to meet people.

&uot;I keep a running tally,&uot; Wilt said. &uot;I haven’t got all 50 states yet.&uot;

In the past ten years, the exhibit has been viewed by someone from almost every corner of the world. From as close as New Orleans to as far away as South Africa and Australia, many hundreds of tourists have enjoyed the photographs of Natchez photographers Earl Norman, Henry Norman and Henry Gurney.

Recorded in the exhibit’s registry are hundred of signatures, some more famous than others.

&uot;Michael Eisner and Bill Bradley once visited,&uot; Williams said. &uot;Eisner signed his hometown as Disneyland.&uot;

Thursday evening, the many docents who have selflessly given of their time over the past ten years will be honored with a celebration at Stratton Chapel from 4 to 7 p.m.

&uot;Their devotion has been incredible,&uot;

Joan Gandy

said. &uot;The celebration of the ten years is a celebration of their dedication.&uot;