This week marks the third anniversary since the re-opening of the Old Capitol Museum after its post-Katrina restoration. These photographs of the 2007-2008 restoration were taken by OCM Director Clay Williams.
Work on the ceiling of the Senate ChamberWorking on the floor of the Senate ChamberScaffolding in the State LibraryRear view of the Old Capitol
View more photos in the Old Capitol Restoration Gallery. Old Capitol Museum hours are Tuesday-Saturday from 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1-5 p.m., free of charge. Located at Capitol and State Streets in downtown Jackson, parking in rear.
Today marks the third anniversary of the grand opening of the Old Capitol Museum after its post-Katrina restoration. OCM Director Clay Williams documented the 2007-2008 restoration of this National Historic Landmark in hundreds of photographs. We have selected a few to look at here, but you can view more in the Restoration Gallery. Read more about the restoration here.
Workers in the House of Representatives ChamberPlaster work in 1st floor corridor
Old Capitol Museum hours are Tuesday-Saturday from 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1-5 p.m., free of charge. Located at Capitol and State Streets in downtown Jackson, parking in rear.
One panorama of shipbuilding on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Call Number: PI/2011.0002 (MDAH Collection)
These panorama photographs were recently scanned and made available online in the catalog. Click the photograph title to view the image or click “view the catalog record” to see the individual catalog records.
"New Capitol, Bevo Car, circa 1918." Call Number: PI/1999.0001, no. 50 (MDAH Collection)
We stumbled on this little treasure while browsing the excellent Daniel (Al Fred) Photograph Collection (PI/1999.0001). At first glance, it appears to be simply an early automobile in front of the capitol, but upon closer examination, you’ll notice life preservers, ship’s bell, miniature cannons, and a front bumper that is reminiscent of an anchor!
This car was called a “Bevo Boat” and was manufactured by Anheuser-Busch to promote its non-alcoholic “Bevo” beverage. However, during World War I, the company loaned the cars to the United States government so that they could tour the country and aid in the recruitment of soldiers and sale of war bonds. This is what most likely brought the vehicle to Mississippi in 1918. Click here to see an original catalog of the Anheuser-Busch Vehicle Department, including the Bevo Boat.