Great Migration Initiative
Take an in-depth look at the Great Migration—the unprecedented movement of African Americans from the South in the first three-quarters of the twentieth century—through the lenses of history and art. The Mississippi Department of Archives and History (MDAH) and the Mississippi Museum of Art (MMA) are undertaking a year-long initiative in 2022 to expand understanding of the Great Migration and its impact on Mississippi and the nation.
Empowering people through Mississippi’s many stories.
That’s our vision at the Mississippi Department of Archives and History. We are here to help you explore and discover your Mississippi stories.
You can use this website, and our reading rooms in downtown Jackson, to:
- Research historical records, archival collections and special publications
- Discover historical sites and museums to visit all around the state
- Check out upcoming events, including our History is Lunch series
- Preserve Mississippi’s historic buildings and archaeological sites
- Download field trip guides, lesson plans, and teaching units
- View regulations for managing state and local government records
- Find out how to volunteer, donate, and more
News & Events
Find the latest news, upcoming programs, and special exhibitions at the Mississippi Department of Archives and History.
Research
Discover your story. Search the ultimate primary resource of Mississippi’s historical documents, photos, videos, and more.
You can use our online collections, and the extensive resources at our reading rooms in downtown Jackson, to build your family tree, create an engaging presentation, or simply explore your Mississippi history.
Explore
Real stories, real places. Set out on a hands-on history adventure and discover the people and places that shaped your Mississippi.
MDAH welcomes curious visitors of all ages to more than a dozen museums, historic sites and cultural attractions throughout the state.
Preserve
Tell your story for generations to come. Mississippi is rich in architectural and archaeological history.
Donate
Leave a lasting legacy. Help preserve and share the stories of Mississippi. Discover the many meaningful ways to give to MDAH.
Volunteer
Be part of history. Volunteer with MDAH and help us preserve and connect Mississippi’s rich historic resources with people around the world.
Teachers & Students
Stories are for sharing. Help your students explore their Mississippi history from K-12 to college.
Discover ready-to-use field trip guides, professional development opportunities, a host of classroom resources and information on Mississippi History Day, our history-themed student competition.
News & Articles
The Wikipedia Edit-a-thon scheduled for September 23 has been cancelled. MDAH will work with the Smithsonian American Women’s History Initiative to reschedule this program.
US Country 96 and MDAH have collaborated to host Women in Country Music: Songs and Conversation at 6 p.m. on Thursday, September 15, at the Two Mississippi Museums. This event is free and open to the public.
Events
Free Sundays at the Two Mississippi Museums
Admission to the Museum of Mississippi History and the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum is free every Sunday and includes
History Is Lunch: Margaret Burnham, “By Hands Now Known: Jim Crow's Legal Executioners”
At noon on Wednesday, October 12, Margaret Burnham will present “By Hands Now Known: Jim Crow's Legal Executioners” as part of the History Is L
Archaeology Expo
Join us for our Archaeology Expo from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.