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Mississippi Department of Archives & History
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Welcome to the Mississippi Department of Archives and History.

By preserving Mississippi's diverse historic resources, and sharing them with people around the world, MDAH inspires discovery of stories that connect our lives and shape our future.

The Commission to Redesign the Mississippi State Flag met at the Two Mississippi Museums and selected the “New Magnolia Flag” to become the new state flag. The commissioners submitted the design to the governor and the legislature as instructed in House Bill 1796, which established the commission. Mississippians voted to approve the flag design on November 3, 2020. 

The commission voted to brand the flag the “In God We Trust” flag.

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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

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 Search the ultimate primary resource of Mississippi’s historical documents, photos, videos, and more.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.

Get Started

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.

Go Places

Preserve

Tell your story for generations to come. Mississippi is rich in architectural and archaeological history.

See How

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

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.

Education

News & Articles

2/1/2021
Nissan is sponsoring free weekends to the Museum of Mississippi History and Mississippi Civil Rights Museum in February starting Saturday, February 6.
1/26/2021
Join us at 7 p.m. on Feb. 9 for a virtual discussion about a new documentary about the Black church. The event is presented in partnership with Mississippi Public Broadcasting.
1/25/2021
The special exhibition I AM A MAN: Civil Rights Photographs in the American South, 1960–1970 will open Saturday, January 30, at the Two Mississippi Museums. The exhibition will feature a wide range of images that captured key events of the Civil Rights Movement across the South.
1/22/2021
At a regular meeting on January 22, the Board of Trustees of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History awarded nearly $3 million on behalf of the Community Heritage Preservation Grant program.
1/13/2021
FedEx Corporation is supporting free admission to the Museum of Mississippi History and Mississippi Civil Rights Museum on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, January 18.
1/11/2021
On Monday, January 11, Governor Tate Reeves signed the bill ratifying the newly adopted state flag at the Two Mississippi Museums. Afterwards, Governor Reeves joined Lieutenant Governor Delbert Hosemann and House Speaker Philip Gunn to lead a flag-raising ceremony on the grounds of the Mississippi State Capitol. 

Events

I AM A MAN: Thoughts of Yesterday
Sat, Mar 6 2021, 11am - 12pm

On Saturday, March 6, at 11 a.m., civil rights veterans Frank Figgers and Hezekiah Watkins will share their personal experiences of the Mississippi

History Is Lunch: Michael J. Goleman, “History and Mississippi’s Lost Cause”
Wed, Mar 10 2021, 12 - 1pm

At noon on Wednesday, March 10, Michael J.

Lena Richard & Julia Child: Two Women Who Changed Culinary History
Wed, Mar 10 2021, 6 - 7pm

Join us in collaboration with Smithsonian Affiliations for a look at chefs Lena Richard and Julia Child.

Announcements: The special exhibition I AM A MAN is now open at the Two Mississippi Museums.