MDAH News

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.

FedEx will sponsor free admission to the Two Mississippi Museums during an extended observance of the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday weekend, Jan. 18-21.

The holiday weekend events include the MLK Night of Culture on Monday, Jan. 20, at 6 p.m. in the Craig H. Neilsen Auditorium, with a theme inspired by the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Other activities during the free weekend at the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum and the Museum of Mississippi History include themed crafts, student performances, museum tours on voting rights, and gallery talks from Freedom Rider Hezekiah Watkins. Additionally, staff from the Elections division of the Mississippi Secretary of State’s Office will be on-site for voter registration.

“We are grateful to FedEx for their continued support of our annual Martin Luther King Jr. celebration,” said Katie Blount, director of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History, which administers the Two Mississippi Museums. “Welcoming the public as guests of FedEx allows more people to experience the rich, historical stories in the museum and honor this important holiday.”

Having sponsored free admission on MLK Weekend for six consecutive years, FedEx generously extended the 2025 celebration to include Tuesday, Jan. 21, a day designated as National Day of Racial Healing.

“At FedEx, we believe that every person deserves a chance to access opportunities that lead to success in work and life,” said Rose Jackson Flenorl, Manager of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Opportunity. “Dr. King dreamed this vision and we are proud to continue supporting the Two Mississippi Museums and their efforts to help visitors connect with Dr. King’s legacy.”

The MLK Night of Culture features local artists performing original pieces. The program is hosted by Vicksburg native Alexis Noble, owner of Vibe Studio Jxn and curator of The Mash Up, an online platform for Mississippi artists. 2025 Night of Culture artists and performers include:

 The Mississippi Department of Archives and History (MDAH) is the recipient of three 2024 Southeastern Museums Conference (SEMC) Awards.

During the recent SEMC awards luncheon in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, MDAH was recognized with the following:

• Silver Award in the poster category for the Two Mississippi Museums 2024 Makers Fest Poster.
• Silver Award in digital education over $10,000 budget category for MDAH Digital Snapshots – exhibits designed to introduce to a broader audience lesser-known, selected collections from the state agency’s Digital Archives Collection.
• Bronze Award in the gallery guides category for the Two Mississippi Museums Family Guide.

“These resources created by our staff and partners allow visitors to immerse themselves in Mississippi’s history and culture and empower people and communities to tell their own stories,” said Katie Blount, director of MDAH. “We’re honored by the recognition.”

The poster and family guide were submitted to the SEMC Publication Design Competition, which rewards excellence in graphic design in southeastern museum publications. The Two Mississippi Museums are among the sites administered by MDAH.

The MDAH Digital Snapshots were an entry in the SEMC Technology Competition that recognizes effective design, accessibility, creativity and pride in work, and recognition of institutional identity. MDAH Digital Snapshots are developed in partnership with the University of Southern Mississippi’s Digital Humanities Center.

Award winners will be listed in the Fall 2024 edition of “INSIDE SEMC,” a digital publication of the Southeastern Museums Conference.  

About the Southeastern Museums Conference:

The Southeastern Museums Conference (SEMC), a nonprofit membership organization, is an association of museums, museum staff, independent professionals, and corporate partners. We focus on the Southeastern United States including: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Puerto Rico, and US Virgin Islands.

A free, public screening of An Ordinary Hero: The True Story of Joan Trumpauer Mulholland will be held Sunday, Aug. 11, at 2 p.m. in the Craig H. Neilsen Auditorium of the Two Mississippi Museums.

Mulholland’s son, Loki, directed the film about his mother’s civil rights activism. Both are scheduled to attend the screening, which is part of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History’s monthly Sunday Screening series.

“Joan Trumpauer Mulholland’s experience during the Mississippi Movement is something we can all learn from and be inspired by,” said Michael Morris, director of the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum and the Museum of Mississippi History. “Screening this film is an opportunity reflect on her contributions and share her story with new audiences."

​In 1961, Joan Trumpauer Mulholland, then 19, had participated in more than three dozen protests and was incarcerated on death row at the Mississippi State Penitentiary at Parchman after joining the Freedom Rides. Upon her release, she enrolled at the historically Black Tougaloo College, becoming the first White woman to do so.

Mulholland served as the secretary of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee and was a central figure of the Woolworth Sit-in in Jackson, Mississippi. By the time she was 23, she had participated in more than 50 sit-ins and demonstrations, including the March on Washington, the Meredith March Against Fear, and the Selma to Montgomery March.

Joan Trumpauer Mulholland was born in Washington, D.C., and raised in Arlington, Virginia. She worked at the Smithsonian Institution, the U.S. Department of Commerce, and the U.S. Justice Department and taught English as a second language.

In 2023, Mulholland was awarded an honorary doctorate from Tougaloo College. She is the recipient of the 2020 Simeon Booker Award for Courage, the 2019 International Civil Rights Museum Trailblazer Award, and the 2015 National Civil Rights Museum Freedom Award.

Loki Mulholland is an Emmy-winning filmmaker, author and activist. He is the author of “She Stood for Freedom” and “Get Back to the Counter.” His films include “An Ordinary Hero: The True Story of Joan Trumpauer Mulholland,” “Black, White & Us,” and “The Evers.”

The Two Mississippi Museums opened Dec. 9, 2017, in celebration of the state's bicentennial. Museum hours are Tuesday–Saturday, 9 a.m.– 5 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m.– 5 p.m. The Two Mississippi Museums are located at 222 North St. in Jackson. For more information, visit the MDAH Facebook page or email info@mdah.ms.gov.