Possum Ridge Paint a Train - Saturday, December 9, 2023

William F. Winter Building

Welcome to The Mississippi Department of Archives & 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.

MLK Night of Culture, January 15, 2024 - 6 p.m.

Sunday Screening - Dec 10, 2023 - Mose Allison

MLK Celebration - Free Weekend, January 13 - 15, 2024

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Sunday Screening - Dec 10, 2023 - Mose Allison

MLK Celebration - Free Weekend, January 13 - 15, 2024

Possum Ridge Paint a Train - Saturday, December 9, 2023

MLK Night of Culture, January 15, 2024 - 6 p.m.

William F. Winter Building

Welcome to The Mississippi Department of Archives & 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.

Previous Next

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 Search the ultimate primary resource of Mississippi’s historical documents, photos, videos, and more.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

Religion Initiative

Learn about the role of religion in Mississippi history and culture. Made possible by a grant from Lilly Endowment’s Religion and Cultural Institutions Initiative, MDAH offers programs through its religion initiative that range from free group tours of the Two Mississippi Museums to research fellowships in the archives.

Learn More

News & Articles

11/28/2023
The state records committee will review, approve, disapprove, amend or modify records control schedules for all state agencies, boards, and commissions at 10 a.m. for the listed following dates: Thursday, January 18; Thursday, April 18; Thursday, July 18; and October 24. Join meeting via Zoom video from (PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android): Meeting ID: 860 9651 4745 Passcode: 948342
11/27/2023
On Friday, December 1, the Possum Ridge model train exhibit will open at the Two Mississippi Museums. There is no charge to view the exhibit, which is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sundays from 11 to 5 p.m. The Possum Ridge exhibit will be closed on December 25 and will end on December 31.
11/17/2023
Friday, December 1, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., the Mississippi Department of Archives and History (MDAH) will host its annual Christmas by Candlelight Tour, a free, festive evening filled with live holiday music, holiday themed craft activities, sweet treats for all, and a photo opportunity with Santa Claus.   Christmas by Candlelight Tour sites will include the Mississippi Governor’s Mansion, Old Capitol Museum, Two Mississippi Museums, and Mississippi State Capitol.  
10/10/2023
The Mississippi Department of Archives and History (MDAH) is accepting applications for the 2024 Eudora Welty Research Fellowship, 2024 Medgar and Myrlie Evers Research Fellowship, and inaugural Religion in Mississippi History Fellowship. The competitive scholarships may be used for research at MDAH for a minimum of two weeks during the summer of 2024.  
10/2/2023
On Thursday, October 5, from 5 p.m.–6:30 p.m., Mississippi Department of Archives and History (MDAH) staff will provide an update regarding plans for re-opening the Windsor Ruins site, the historic site of the Daniell Plantation. The meeting will be held in the Clinton Bristow Hall at Alcorn State University.
9/27/2023
Entergy Mississippi’s grant of $250,000 to the Foundation for Mississippi History will support the restoration of Raymond Hall as part of a new initiative by the Mississippi Department of Archives at History (MDAH) on the campus of Historic Jefferson College in Washington.

Events

Genealogy Workshop: Beginning Genealogy
December 9, 2023, 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Interested in starting your journey in genealogy?

Hezekiah Watkins Gallery Talk
December 9, 2023, 10:30 am - 11:00 am

Join us at the Two Mississippi Museums each Saturday at 10:30 a.m. with Hezekiah Watkins.

Paint a Train
December 9, 2023, 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Learn about Possum Ridge during the Paint a Train session from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., on Saturday, December 9, at the Two Mississippi Museums.