News

The Mississippi Department of Archives and History (MDAH) is seeking a new executive director to lead the agency following the retirement of the current director. 

The director leads Mississippi’s state historical agency, overseeing a staff of approximately 160 people and a budget of roughly $13 million. The director serves as the public face of MDAH and represents the agency to a wide range of stakeholders. The director plays a central role in fundraising and resource development. The director must be able to clearly communicate the agency’s mission, articulate its priorities, and tell the story of its impact. 

The director leads engagement with the Legislature, donors, foundations, grantmaking organizations, and the public. The director serves as the State Historic Preservation Officer and the State Archivist. In these roles, the director works closely with division leaders to ensure the agency’s statutory responsibilities are met and its strategic goals are advanced. Read more.

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. 

Blount, who began her career at MDAH as a public relations coordinator in 1994, is the agency’s seventh director since 1902 and only the second woman to hold the position. (Charlotte Capers became the first woman to head MDAH and a state agency in 1955.) Blount has more than three decades of public service in Mississippi. 

Under her leadership, MDAH has strengthened relations with Tribal Partners through repatriation and begun work on several renovation or development projects at historic sites across the state, including the new Vicksburg Civil War Visitor Center, Historic Jefferson College near Natchez, the Grand Village of the Natchez Indians, the stabilization at Windsor Ruins, and the upcoming Margaret Ann Crigler Park in downtown Jackson. 

Earlier this year, Blount was recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Association for State and Local History (AASLH) for her commitment to inclusive storytelling, which has reshaped programming, interpretation, and staffing at the agency charged with preserving historical records, artifacts, and properties. Blount also developed the agency’s own long-term strategic plan that is implemented concurrently with the state-mandated plan. 

Blount said MDAH achievements during her tenure should be credited to the agency’s staff, who are committed to preserving Mississippi’s history and telling the stories of the state’s people and places. 

“Mississippi’s history is the central arc of American history—from the Native American experience to cotton and slavery, Civil War, Reconstruction, up to the Civil Rights Movement and beyond,” Blount said. “I’m extremely grateful I’ve had the opportunity to serve the people of this state and work alongside a staff whose passion to preserve history runs as deep as mine.” 

Spence Flatgard, president of the MDAH Board of Trustees, said the board will begin the search for Blount’s successor immediately. He described Blount’s leadership as “transformational.” 

“Her commitment to telling the full story of Mississippi’s compelling history has elevated the work of MDAH,” Flatgard said. “Katie is universally respected by her peers and state leaders. Her love for public service and for Mississippians has helped us tell our story to schoolchildren and to presidents. Our state has been blessed by her leadership, and she will always have our profound gratitude.” 

Businessman Kane Ditto, a former Jackson mayor who previously served as president of the MDAH Board of Trustees and is currently a member of the Foundation for Mississippi History Board of Directors, said Blount “has provided inspirational and strategic leadership for MDAH” in the 10 years since she became director. 

“When visiting with department staff, I am struck by their enthusiasm and sense of purpose. That attitude starts at the top,” Ditto said. “Building on the legacy of the department as a national leader in documenting and preserving our state history, Katie has led the department to new heights of achievement and recognition.” 

Blount said the key is to tell honest stories. 

“Embracing complex stories draws audiences and earns the trust of partners in a position to pour resources into Mississippi,” Blount said. “We have consistently shared Mississippi’s layers of rich narrative through our work.” 

Blount rose through the ranks at MDAH, working under previous directors, Elbert R. Hilliard and H. T. Holmes. She served as assistant to the director and deputy director for communication before she was promoted to director in 2015. 

During her tenure at MDAH, Blount shepherded the opening of the Two Mississippi Museums in 2017, during the state bicentennial. Since then, more than 744,000 people have visited from across the nation and other countries. 

In 2022, the William and Elise Winter Endowment was established by the Foundation for Mississippi History, the nonprofit that supports MDAH. The endowment ensures Mississippi students can attend the museums free of charge and covers the cost of transportation and lunch for the school field trips. 

“Ensuring that future generations have access to world-class museums that tell our state’s powerful history is a lasting legacy we can all be proud of,” Blount said.

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. Tate Reeves and other state partners, including Mississippi Department of Archives and History historian Brother Rogers and Nancy Carpenter, who is development director of the America250 Mississippi Commission and a member of the MDAH Board of Trustees.

The announcement highlighted plans for patriotic events and activities during the Mississippi State Fair. Rogers announced that admission will be free at the Two Mississippi Museums the weekend of Oct. 10-12, thanks to generous financial support from City of Jackson Mayor John Horhn and Nancy and Ray Neilsen.

“One of the best ways to honor the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence is to learn our own history,” said Rogers. “Therefore, as part of the patriotic celebration at the Mississippi State Fair, we encourage fairgoers to visit the Two Mississippi Museums – the Museum of Mississippi History and the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum. The museums are located next door to the fairgrounds."

For more information about the Mississippi Great American State Fair and America250 events, watch the full announcement here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abSYQ7k_gn4. 

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 Museum of Mississippi History and the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum.

The funding will help offset costs related to admission, transportation, and on-site lunches, expanding access for thousands of students from Title I schools across the state. The support from the Nissan Foundation ensures more young Mississippians can engage with the state’s rich and complex history at no cost to their families or schools.

“We’re deeply grateful for the Nissan Foundation’s continued investment in our education initiatives,” said Katie Blount, director of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History. “This gift allows students to explore history in a dynamic and meaningful way at a world-class museum complex.”

“The most meaningful change often starts at the local level with people listening, learning and lifting one another up,” said Ali Tonn, senior manager of philanthropy at Nissan North America and executive director of the Nissan Foundation. “Our 2025 grantees create spaces where cultural curiosity thrives, and community bonds are strengthened. It’s a privilege to support organizations that are not only educating and inspiring but also helping to bond and unite. 

Since its founding in 1992, the Nissan Foundation has contributed nearly $18 million to more than 150 nonprofit organizations across the country. Its mission is to break down societal barriers and foster inclusive communities through educational and cultural outreach in the eight U.S. areas where Nissan operates. For two decades, Nissan has assembled vehicles in Canton, Mississippi. The plant employs more than 5,000 people and currently produces the Nissan Altima and Frontier.

The Two Mississippi Museums opened on December 9, 2017, in celebration of Mississippi’s bicentennial. Located at 222 North Street in Jackson, the museums are open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

To learn more about field trip opportunities or to make a reservation, contact Candace Williams, group tours coordinator, at cwilliams@mdah.ms.gov.

For more information, call 601-576-6850 or email info@mdah.ms.gov. 

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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. Jordan III, 78 people became American citizens. More than 225 people attended, including statewide elected officials and members of the America 250 Mississippi Commission.

Governor Tate Reeves today announced the launch of Mississippi’s America250 Commission (A250 MS) alongside America250 Mississippi Co-Chair First Lady Elee Reeves, Co-Chair Lynn Hosemann, Visit Mississippi Executive Director Rochelle Hicks, and America250 Mississippi Commission Development Director Nancy Carpenter. The Commission is also co-chaired by Jolynn White.

“On March 28, 2023, I was proud to sign Senate Bill 2139, establishing America250 Mississippi,” said Governor Tate Reeves. “America’s journey has been marked by innovation, resilience and a steadfast commitment to freedom. I look forward to seeing how America250 Mississippi celebrates our state’s role in America’s exceptional story.”

“I take pride in knowing Mississippi's patriotism for the United States will shine during these commemorative events and programs,” said First Lady and A250 MS Co-Chair Elee Reeves. “This coming year is going to be a truly inspiring celebration of America's founding!”

"The national America250 Commission has presented many incredible opportunities to Mississippians,” said A250 MS Co-Chair Lynn Hosemann. “I am excited to see all the unique ways in which my fellow Mississippians and their communities will take part in this grand celebratory year, further instilling a sense of wonder and pride for what it means to be an American.”

“I am proud to see the American story told through the eyes of Mississippians as we prepare to celebrate this milestone in our nation’s history,” said A250 Co-Chair Jolynn White. “I know our communities will find creative ways to display their great pride and patriotism in what it means to be both a Mississippian and American.”

Leadership of the America250 Mississippi Commission (A250 MS) also announced several grant programs and public initiatives, inviting Mississippians to engage in the ongoing commemoration and celebration of the 250th anniversary of the 1776 signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Among the various state offices participating in A250 MS initiatives and grant programs are Visit Mississippi, the Mississippi Arts Commission, and the Mississippi Humanities Council. These offices will run statewide grant programs to support local America250 celebrations and commemorations.

Additionally, the Two Mississippi Museums will launch a new exhibit called Mississippi Made, highlighting the state's creative talent, fortitude and ingenuity that has helped shape the fabric of America.

The Journal of Mississippi History, published by the Mississippi Historical Society, recently issued a call for submissions for a special edition commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026, providing a unique opportunity to explore Mississippi's rich history within the broader context of American history.

The A250 MS Commission invites Mississippi communities and vendors to submit information about their ongoing and planned commemorative and patriotic events celebrating America’s independence at the A250 MS website events page.

America250 Mississippi:

America250 Mississippi is the state’s commission charged with collaborating and coordinating partnerships for the historic semiquincentennial commemoration of the United States. Funding for commemorative programming and grants is made possible in part by the Mississippi Legislature and by A250 MS local public and private partnerships.

For more information on A250 MS grant opportunities, programs, and initiatives, please visit https://america250.ms.

America250:
America250’s mission is to celebrate and commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, marking America’s semiquincentennial. We aim to inspire our fellow Americans to reflect on our past, strengthen our love of country, and renew our commitment to the ideals of democracy through programs that educate, engage, and unite us as a nation. America250 will foster shared experiences that spark imagination, showcase the rich tapestry of our American stories, inspire service in our communities, honor the enduring strength, and celebrate the resilience of the United States of America.

For more information on America250 grant opportunities and initiatives, please visit https://america250.org/americas-250th.

Video of the press conference can be found on Governor Reeves’ Facebook page.

The Foundation for the Mid South will sponsor a free admission day at the Two Mississippi Museums on July 2 in honor of the birthday of civil rights leader Medgar Wiley Evers. Education staff from the Two Mississippi Museums—the Museum of Mississippi History and Mississippi Civil Rights Museum—will host flash tours at 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. that day.

“Thanks to the Foundation for the Mid South, visitors can explore the Two Mississippi Museums free of charge and discover the stories about the activism of civil rights leaders like Medgar Evers, who fought to dismantle segregation and improve the lives of Black Mississippians,” said Michael Morris, director of the Two Mississippi Museums.

Medgar Evers became the first field secretary for the NAACP in Mississippi. He advocated for nonviolent but direct action, helping to establish new local chapters and leading initiatives such as boycotts, voter registration drives, and protests aimed at desegregating public parks, schools, and beaches. Evers also investigated incidents of racial violence and injustice by interviewing eyewitnesses, gathering evidence, and briefing members of the press.

Despite threats, he continued his activism, linking Mississippi's civil rights struggle to the national movement. On June 12, 1963, he was assassinated by White supremacist Byron De La Beckwith. His legacy endures through numerous honors and institutions bearing his name.

“At the Foundation for the Mid South, we believe equity begins with access—to history, to truth, and to the tools that shape our future,” said Greg Johnson, president and CEO of the Foundation for the Mid South. “As we honor the legacy of Medgar Evers, we’re proud to support this free admission day at the Two Mississippi Museums, creating greater access to the stories that continue to educate and inspire.

“This is more than just a day at the museum. It’s a chance for individuals and families to reflect, learn, and engage with the transformative journey toward justice that Evers championed. His unwavering commitment to activism reminds us of the power each of us holds to effect change in our communities.”

The Foundation for the Mid South works in Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi, bringing together public and private sectors to focus resources on increasing social and economic opportunity in the region.

The Museum of Mississippi History opened in tandem with the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum on Dec. 9, 2017, in celebration of the state's bicentennial and is administered by the Mississippi Department of Archives and History. The Mississippi Civil Rights Museum explores the period from 1945 to 1976 when Mississippi was ground zero for the national Civil Rights Movement. The Museum of Mississippi History explores the entire sweep of Mississippi’s history from its earliest inhabitants to the present day.

The Junior League of Jackson has announced a $100,000 donation to the Foundation for Mississippi History to support the creation of Margaret Ann Crigler Park, a new public green space in downtown Jackson.

The donation from the Junior League of Jackson, which has a mission that includes community improvement, advances construction of the park that will be located next to the Two Mississippi Museums — the Museum of Mississippi History and Mississippi Civil Rights Museum.

“The Junior League of Jackson is honored to play a role in the development of Margaret Ann Crigler Park,” said Molly Griffin, president of the Junior League of Jackson. “As an extension of the Two Mississippi Museums, this innovative outdoor classroom represents a meaningful investment in our city and state. We believe it will significantly support our mission to promote academic growth as well as the health and mental well-being of children and youth.”

Designed as a vibrant gathering place for families, students, and museum visitors, the park will connect history, nature, and community while serving as a natural link along the city’s growing Museum Trail — drawing people into a space that combines learning and leisure. The park will feature native landscaping, an open lawn, a children’s play area and an outdoor stage.

“This project can be accomplished only with support from community partners like the Junior League of Jackson,” said Katie Blount, director of MDAH. “We’re grateful for their contribution and hope it will inspire others to champion this project that enhances Mississippi’s capital city.”

In 2024, MDAH acquired the former Eudora Welty Library property with plans to replace the building with a new public park and green space. The plans for the project align with the original layout for Jackson from 1822, which included public green spaces on alternating blocks. Only two parks remain from the original layout: the Old Capitol Green and Smith Park.

The first $1 million for the project was donated by retired businessman Noble T. Crigler, and the park will be named after his late wife, Margaret Ann Crigler. In March, the Community Foundation for Mississippi made a $1 million donation to the Foundation for Mississippi History for the park. The Mississippi Legislature has provided $3 million for the project.

Founded in 1902, MDAH collects, preserves, and provides access to the archival resources of the state. The agency empowers people and places by telling Mississippi’s many stories.

The Foundation for Mississippi History is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that conducts fundraising efforts to support and promote the projects and programs of MDAH, which operates the Museum of Mississippi History, Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, Eudora Welty House & Garden, Grand Village of the Natchez Indians, Old Capitol Museum, Windsor Ruins, Historic Jefferson College, and Winterville Mounds.

Two Mississippi students were recognized with the Senior Mississippi Outstanding Affiliate Award during the 2025 National History Day contest, held this week in College Park, Maryland.

Phoebe Jones and Michael Taquino, both Starkville High School students, received the award on Thursday, said Bently Cochran, coordinator of the Mississippi History Day program at the Mississippi Department of Archives and History. The Outstanding Affiliate award recognizes the quality and dedication of both the students and the teachers who guide them.

“All our student contestants represented Mississippi, well,” Cochran said. “Their achievement in the national competition is the result of their hard work on the projects and rigorous history instruction in school classrooms.”

The Mississippi students were among more than 3,000 contest participants from the United States, Guam, American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, Department of Defense schools in the Atlantic, China and Korea.

Jones and Taquino were recognized for their project, “From Ancient Text to National Tongue: Eliezer Ben-Yehuda's Impact on the Hebrew Language.”

“National History Day has taught me how to thoroughly and professionally research academic topics, and it has deepened my interest in pursuing more historical work in the future. It’s been an incredible experience, one that I’m excited to take part in again,” said Jones, who presented the project alone as Taquino was unable to attend.

Myrto Sergi, another Starkville High student who participated in the contest, said the program has been “vital” this school year.

“It has taught me to read between the lines, ask more questions, and has made me a more confident and productive person overall,” Sergi said. “I feel as though NHD is one of the best experiences a student can have to prepare for the future.”

NHD is a non-profit organization based in College Park, Maryland, which seeks to improve the teaching and learning of history. Established in 1974, the National History Day Contest engages more than half a million students every year in conducting original research on historical topics of interest. Projects compete first at the local and affiliate levels, where the top entries are invited to the National Contest at the University of Maryland at College Park. NHD is sponsored in part by HISTORY®, the National Endowment for the Humanities, the National Park Service, The Better Angels Society, and the Diana Davis Spencer Foundation.

NASHVILLE, TN—June 2025—The American Association for State and Local History (AASLH) proudly announces that Katie Blount, director of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History (MDAH), is the recipient of an Individual Lifetime Achievement Award for her work to preserve the stories of Mississippi’s communities. The AASLH Leadership in History Awards, now in its 80th year, is the most prestigious recognition for achievement in the preservation and interpretation of state and local history.

Blount has been MDAH director since 2011. Under her leadership, the agency has established the nationally-recognized Two Mississippi Museums—Museum of Mississippi History and the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, strengthened relations with Tribal Partners through repatriation and broken ground on the Vicksburg Civil War Visitor Center. Blount was recognized for her commitment to inclusive storytelling, which has reshaped programming, interpretation and staffing at the agency.

“Katie Blount has shown the nation what we in Mississippi have always known: that our state’s history is essential to understanding the history of the United States,” said Spence Flatgard, the president of the MDAH Board of Trustees. “Through her steady leadership and commitment to telling the full story of Mississippi’s compelling history, she has elevated the work of MDAH and brought national attention to Mississippi’s role in shaping the American experience. The Board of Trustees is proud to see her vision and dedication recognized with this well-deserved honor.”

This year, AASLH confers 54 national awards honoring people, projects, exhibits, and publications. The winners represent the best in the field and provide leadership for the future of state and local history.

“I’m honored to receive this award from AASLH and grateful to the incredible team at MDAH and our many partners across the state,” Blount said. “Mississippi’s history is complex and powerful—it’s essential to understanding who we are as a nation. I’m proud of the work we’ve done to make that history more accessible, inclusive, and meaningful for all Mississippians and for audiences around the country.”

The AASLH awards program was initiated in 1945 to establish and encourage standards of excellence in the collection, preservation, and interpretation of state and local history throughout the United States. The AASLH Leadership in History Awards not only honor significant achievement in the field of state and local history, but also bring public recognition of the opportunities for small and large organizations, institutions, and programs to make contributions in this arena. For more information about the Leadership in History Awards, contact AASLH at 615-320-3203 or go to www.aaslh.org.

The Mississippi Historical Society (MHS) is pleased to announce a call for individual papers for a special 2026 issue of the Journal of Mississippi History, commemorating the 250th anniversary of the creation of the United States.

“This landmark anniversary provides a unique opportunity to explore Mississippi's rich history within the broader context of American history—reflecting on the past 250 years and envisioning the future,” said Stephanie Rolph, a Millsaps College professor and former MHS president, who will edit the special issue.

MHS secretary-treasurer William “Brother” Rogers said authors should use as a guide the themes in Making History at 250 Field Guide from the American Association for State and Local History.

“This special issue for America250 will allow scholars to examine topics such as the role Mississippi has played in America’s fight for liberty and justice for all, and how the narrative of Mississippi history has changed since the American Bicentennial in 1976,” Rogers said.

Each author selected for publication will receive a $1,000 honorarium. Submissions must be received by September 15, 2025, by emailing the manuscript to mhs@mdah.ms.gov with the subject line “Special Issue Submission: America250.” Manuscripts should be submitted in Word format, typed and double-spaced, and between 5,000 and 8,000 words, including footnotes and references. Please follow the Chicago Manual of Style for citations.

Submissions must include a 250-word abstract with the topic, author’s name, and affiliation. Each paper will undergo a peer review process prior to acceptance. Final selections will be based on relevance to the 250th commemorative theme and the paper’s effectiveness in placing Mississippi’s history within the larger context of American history. The issue seeks to include a diverse collection of essays representing a variety of perspectives, topics, and time periods. Authors will be notified of the acceptance of their manuscripts by December 15, 2025.

For more information, visit the Mississippi Historical Society website at www.mississippihistory.org.