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

The gun and its holster belonged to J.W. Milam, one of two White men who confessed to killing the Black youth 70 years ago – a crime that sparked the Civil Rights Movement

 

The Mississippi Department of Archives and History seeks applicants for the role of executive director. Current MDAH Director Katie Blount has announced her retirement.
Mississippi Department of Archives and History Director Katie Blount—who led the agency through the establishment of the nationally recognized Two Mississippi Museums and supported efforts to adopt a new state flag—has announced her retirement after leading MDAH since 2015. Blount’s retirement will be effective June 30, 2026.

Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson held a news conference on Aug. 8 to announce that the 166th Mississippi State Fair, to be held Oct. 2-13, will participate in the nationwide Great American State Fair initiative, part of the America250 commemoration. Gipson was joined by Gov.

The Nissan Foundation has awarded a $40,000 grant to the Foundation for Mississippi History to support student field trips for the 2025–2026 school year at the Two Mississippi Museums—the Museu

The Mississippi Department of Archives and History kicked off commemoration of America 250 by hosting a Naturalization Ceremony at the Two Mississippi Museums. By an oath of citizenship administered by U.S. District Judge Daniel P.

Events

Welty Wednesdays
September 17, 2025, 8:30 am - 4:00 pm

Join the Eudora Welty House & Garden (EWHG) for Welty Wednesdays beginning Wednesday, January 8.

History Is Lunch: Diane Feldman, "Land and Spirit: Stories from Holmes County"
September 17, 2025, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

At noon Wednesday, September 17, Diane Feldman, author of Borrowed Land, Stolen Labor, and the Holy Spirit: The Struggle for Power and Equality in Holmes County, will discuss the history of a low-income county where African American farmers became grassroots leaders of the civil rights movement as part of the History Is Lunch series. This program will take place in the Craig H. Neilsen Auditorium of the Two Mississippi Museums and will also stream live on the MDAH Facebook page and YouTube channel. Copies of Borrowed Land, Stolen Labor, and the Holy Spirit will be available for sale with a book signing to follow. For more information, call 601-576-6850 or email info@mdah.ms.gov.

Discovery Day: Mississippi Storytellers
September 20, 2025, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm

Join us on Saturday, September 20, for Discovery Day: Mississippi Storytellers, a family-friendly event highlighting Mississippi storytellers and their contribution to the arts through a multimedia presentation, writing activity, readings, and crafts. Starting at 11 a.m., this exciting day is specially designed for fourth through eighth grade students and their families at the Two Mississippi Museums. For more information, call 601-576-6850 or email info@mdah.ms.gov.