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 Museum Division of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History (MDAH) has received accreditation by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM).
The gun and its holster belonged to J.W. Milam, one of two White men who confessed to killing the Black youth 70 years ago – a crime that sparked the Civil Rights Movement

 

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.

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

Events

Welty Wednesdays
September 24, 2025, 8:30 am - 4:00 pm

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

History Is Lunch: NancyKay Wessman, "Champions of the Storm: Katrina's First Responders"
September 24, 2025, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

At noon Wednesday, September 24, NancyKay Wessman, author and founder of WessComm, LLC, will explore the vivid firsthand accounts of frontline heroes sustaining local communities by showing courage, leadership, and moral determination as part of the History Is Lunch series. Wessman is the author of Katrina, Mississippi: Voices from Ground Zero which focuses on the stories of first responders who risked their lives to lead rescue, recovery, and relief efforts during and after Hurricane Katrina. This program will take place in the Craig H. Neilsen Auditorium of the Two Mississippi Museums and will also stream live on the MDAH Facebook page and YouTube channel. Copies of Katrina, Mississippi will be available for sale with a book signing to follow. For more information, call 601-576-6850 or email info@mdah.ms.gov.

History Happy Hour: Hurricane Katrina
September 25, 2025, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Join us for a free History Happy Hour on Thursday, September 25, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Two Mississippi Museums. Hurricane Katrina: Mississippi Remembers guided tours by photographer, Melody Golding, and volunteer, Alison Steiner, will be at 5:30 and 6:15. Enjoy live music with Carmen Washington, food from Catering by George's, and a cash bar. Two Mississippi Museums members and Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi employees will receive a complimentary drink. For more information, call 601-576-6850 or email info@mdah.ms.gov.