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

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

News & Articles

The Mississippi Department of Archives and History seeks applicants for the role of executive director. Current MDAH Director Katie Blount has announced her retirement.
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.

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.

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 Museu

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.

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.

Events

Welty Wednesdays
August 27, 2025, 8:30 am - 4:00 pm

Join the Eudora Welty House & Garden (EWHG) for Welty Wednesdays beginning Wednesday, January 8.

History Is Lunch: "From Crisis to Recovery: HORNE's Role Post-Katrina"
August 27, 2025, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

At noon on Wednesday, August 27, a panel of partners from HORNE, a professional services firm, will reflect on their groundbreaking role in Mississippi’s recovery following Hurricane Katrina. As the 20th anniversary of the storm approaches, Bryan McDonald, Scott Keller, Alethia Thomas, Timothy Smith, and Neil Ford will discuss how HORNE helped lead one of the first major collaborations between government and the private sector to manage disaster recovery in the state—a model that has since shaped efforts nationwide. This program will take place in the Craig H. Neilsen Auditorium of the Two Mississippi Museums and will stream live on the MDAH Facebook page and YouTube channel. Visitors are also encouraged to view Hurricane Katrina: Mississippi Remembers, Photographs by Melody Golding, a special exhibit currently on display at the museums. For more information, call 601-576-6850 or email info@mdah.ms.gov.

Free Sundays at the Two Mississippi Museums
August 31, 2025, 11:00 am - 5:00 pm

Admission to the Two Mississippi Museums is free every Sunday.