MDAH News

The Old Capitol Museum will reopen on Wednesday, October 5, with new hours—10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wednesday through Friday. The National Historic Landmark was closed for repair of long-standing problems with the building’s roof and dome. Admission is free.

"The Old Capitol is the most historically significant building in the state," said Katie Blount, director of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History. "We are pleased to reopen and welcome back visitors."

Parking is available on the lower lot accessible from Amite Street. Limited handicapped parking is available on the upper lot. Due to construction at the War Memorial Building, a portion of the lot will remain fenced off.

The Old Capitol Museum is also available for event rental such as weddings, receptions, ceremonies, and lectures. More information about reserving space is available at https://www.mdah.ms.gov/event-rentals/old-capitol-museum, or email eventrentals@mdah.ms.gov.

The Old Capitol is home to a museum exploring the history of the site when it was the seat of Mississippi government from 1839 to 1903. The 180-year-old building is one of the country’s premier examples of Greek Revival public architecture. The massive limestone exterior, copper dome, and grand interior spaces made the Old Capitol at one time the most distinguished building in Mississippi.

The building was the site of some of the state’s most significant legislative actions, such as the passage of the 1839 Married Women’s Property Act, Mississippi’s secession from the Union in 1861, and the crafting of the 1868 and 1890 state constitutions.

For more information call 601-576-6920 or email info@oldcapitolmuseum.com.
 

Change the Pattern is supporting free admission to the Museum of Mississippi History and the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum on Saturday, October 1. Admission to the Two Mississippi Museums is free every Sunday. 

“We are grateful to Change the Pattern for their generous support which allows free admission to all visitors for all exhibits,” said Katie Blount, director of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History.

Change the Pattern is an initiative of the National AIDS Memorial and Southern AIDS Coalition, in partnership with Gilead Sciences to bring displays of the AIDS Memorial Quilt to twelve Southern states. The program will raise awareness about health disparities and social justice issues that continue to disproportionately impact communities of color. 

Museum hours are Tuesday–Saturday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m.–5 p.m. The Museum of Mississippi History and the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum—Two Mississippi Museums—are located at 222 North Street in Jackson. For more information visit the MDAH Facebook page or email info@mdah.ms.gov.  

The Wikipedia Edit-a-thon scheduled for September 23 has been cancelled. MDAH will work with the Smithsonian American Women’s History Initiative to reschedule this program.

To learn about all MDAH programs, please subscribe to our Weekly Update. For more information, call 601-576-6850 or email info@mdah.ms.gov.

US Country 96 and MDAH have collaborated to host Women in Country Music: Songs and Conversation at 6 p.m. on Thursday, September 15, at the Two Mississippi Museums. This event is free and open to the public.

“Country music is about stories,” said Traci Lee, program director of US Country 96. “I'm so excited that we're part of an event that gives the women in our industry an opportunity to tell the stories that make them who they are and shape our format.”

Inspired by The World of Marty Stuart special exhibit, this event will celebrate country music and spotlight female country music performers, creating a conversation about identity, musical influences, and the next steps in the future of country music.

The event will feature a panel discussion moderated by Traci Lee and acoustic performances from country performers Hannah Everhart—an up-and-coming country music artist inspired by souls and blues music and nicknamed “The Country Katy Perry” on American Idol—the sibling trio Track45—Jenna, Ben, and KK Johnson—who have songwriting credits from Justin Timberlake, Charlie Puth, Dierks Bentley, Weezer, Lee Brice, HARDY, and Lauren Alaina.

The Two Mississippi Museums are located at 222 North Street in downtown Jackson. For more information, call 601-576-6850 or email info@mdah.ms.gov.

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MDAH offices, archives library, and Grand Village of the Natchez Indians will be closed Monday, September 5, in observance of Labor Day.

Visit www.mdah.ms.gov/explore-mississippi for more information about our one-of-a-kind museums, historical sites and cultural attractions throughout the state. Learn more about researching at archives here.

The Mississippi Historical Society is pleased to announce a call for individual papers and complete panels on topics related to the study of Mississippi history for presentation at its annual meeting March 2-3, 2023, in Jackson, Mississippi.

“Mississippi’s history is full of compelling stories,” said Mississippi Historical Society (MHS) president Daphne Chamberlain. "Our annual meeting provides a space for us to appreciate the diverse contributors to our history and its preservation. From teachers to public historians and archivists, our community benefits from the various investments that have made our history so vibrant and accessible."

Founded in 1858, MHS proudly embraces the contributions of scholars and laypersons interested in the study and dissemination of all aspects of Mississippi history. Undergraduate and graduate student participation is encouraged, in addition to scholarly work from professional historians in a variety of practices—archival, teaching faculty, and public historians. MHS values the ongoing work of educators across the state and would welcome proposals from elementary and secondary teachers offering unique deliveries of Mississippi history curriculum, community-engaged learning practices with local archives/libraries, or other partner-oriented learning opportunities. While all proposals are welcome, we are especially interested in topics and approaches that broaden our shared understanding of Mississippi’s culture, economy, political landscape, and social history. MHS encourages interactive presentations that engage our participants’ interest and knowledge of Mississippi’s history through a collaborative approach that solicits feedback.

Individual paper proposals should include a 250-word abstract of the topic, name and affiliation (institution of higher learning, school, business, government entity, museum, archive, etc.), and presenter’s contact information. Panel proposals should include a 500-word abstract that contains a brief description of each proposed topic and includes the names, affiliations, and contact information for each presenter. Proposals are due Friday, October 7, 2022. Please send directly to mhs@mdah.ms.gov. For more information visit the Mississippi Historical Society website at www.mississippihistory.org.