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.

News & Events

Volunteer

Be part of history. Volunteer with MDAH and help us preserve and connect Mississippi’s rich historic resources with people around the world.


Volunteer

News & Articles

Artists interested in showcasing their talent at the Two Mississippi Museums in Jackson are encouraged to apply for the annual MLK Night of Culture program that will be held on Sunday, Jan. 20, 2025.  Applications are open for those who would like to perform spoken word, sing, dance, or perform an artistic piece. This year’s theme focuses on the Voting Rights Act of 1965 in honor of the 60th anniversary of its passage.
The src will review, approve, disapprove, amend or modify records control schedules for all state agencies, boards, and commissions at 10 a.m. for the following dates: Thursday, January 16; Thursday, April 17; and Thursday, October 23. Once approved, schedules shall have the force of effect of law.
On Sunday, Dec. 1, the Possum Ridge model train exhibit will open at the Two Mississippi Museums. There is no charge to view the exhibit, which will close on Dec. 31. For more than 40 years, the model trains and the town of Possum Ridge have been a holiday tradition delighting both children and adults. The site depicts a typical Mississippi railroad town of the 1940s. In its first year, it consisted of a single block of an electrified Main Street with 10 buildings, including a bank, dry goods store, newspaper office, and restaurant.
The Mississippi Department of Archives and History (MDAH) will host a community engagement program titled “The Untold Stories of Enslavement at Windsor” at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 3, at the Mississippi Cultural Crossroads building in Port Gibson. This program is funded by a grant from the Mississippi Humanities Council, with support from the National Endowment for the Humanities.
The Mississippi Department of Archives and History (MDAH) Christmas by Candlelight Tour will return Friday, Dec. 6, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Two Mississippi Museums, the Old Capitol Museum, the state Capitol, and the Governor’s Mansion. The tour offers a festive evening filled with live holiday music, crafts, sweet treats, and a photo opportunity with Santa.

The Foundation for Mississippi History has been awarded $225,000 by the Mississippi Arts Commission for the construction of Margaret Ann Crigler Park in Jackson.

Events

History Is Lunch Ryan P. Semmes, “Exporting Reconstruction: Ulysses Grant and a New Empire of Liberty
December 11, 2024, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

At noon on Wednesday, December 11, Ryan P.

Free Welty House Tours
December 13, 2024, 8:30 am - 4:00 pm

Possum Ridge Paint a Train
December 13, 2024, 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Join us for the Possum Ridge Paint a Train workshop at 2 p.m. Friday, December 13, at the Two Mississippi Museums.