Empowering people through Mississippi’s many stories is our vision.
Whether you are interested in researching Mississippi history, visiting historic places, preserving history, attending or sponsoring history-themed events, engaging students with history, properly managing government records or finding opportunities for volunteering, internships and careers, MDAH can connect you with the experiences and information you seek.
By preserving Mississippi’s diverse historic resources and sharing them with people around the world, MDAH inspires discovery of stories that connect our lives and shape our future.
Who We Are
The Mississippi Department of Archives and History was founded in 1902 to collect, preserve, and provide access to the archival resources of the state. Our commitment to preservation continues today through the work of the department’s five divisions.
MDAH is governed by a nine-member board of trustees whose president is Spence Flatgard of Ridgeland. Katie Blount has served as department director since February 2015.
Administration
Administration comprises human resources, financial services, operations, and information systems.
Archives and Records Services
Archives and Records Services oversees the state archives and public reading rooms, where documents, photographs, and other items from the state’s vast collection are made available free of charge to the public.
Historic Preservation
Historic Preservation works with property owners to preserve the state’s historic sites and structures.
Programs and Communication
Programs and Communication focuses on programming, education, public relations, and marketing for the entire department.
Museums
The Museum Division oversees the Museum of Mississippi History, Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, Eudora Welty House & Garden, Manship House Museum, Old Capitol Museum, and the historic section of the Mississippi Governor’s Mansion in Jackson; the Grand Village of the Natchez Indians in Natchez; Historic Jefferson College in Washington, and Winterville Mounds in Greenville.
News & Articles
Events
Archaeology Day
Join us for Archaeology Day at the Grand Village of the Natchez Indians on Saturday, October 4, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Enjoy hands-on activities such as a pottery puzzle and “excavate a cookie,” along with ground-penetrating radar demonstrations, an artifact identification station, and guest lectures. The Grand Village of the Natchez Indians is located at 400 Jefferson Davis Boulevard, Natchez, Mississippi. For more information, email info@natchezgrandvillage.com or call 601-446-6502.
Ghosts in the Garden Scavenger Hunt
Join a monthlong scavenger hunt in the Eudora Welty House & Garden. Kids and kids-at-heart are invited to go on a Ghosts in the Garden Scavenger Hunt throughout the month of October. Visitors can pick up a scavenger hunt sheet from the Little Free Library and explore the Welty Garden to discover fun facts about plants along with friendly ghosts. Completed forms may be returned to the gift shop during the week of Halloween for a special treat. For more information, call 601-353-7762 or email info@eudoraweltyhouse.com.
Fannie Lou Hamer Birthday Tours
In honor of the 108th anniversary of Fannie Lou Hamer’s birthday, education staff from the Two Mississippi Museums will host free flash tours at 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Sunday, October 5. Fannie Lou Hamer was a pivotal figure in the civil rights movement, known for her relentless fight for voting rights and economic justice. Despite facing ongoing oppression, her unwavering activism left a lasting impact on civil rights and social justice. For more information, call 601-576-6850 or email info@mdah.ms.gov.
Articles and Publications
MDAH and our partner organizations produce a number of detailed publications related to Mississippi history and prehistory. Select a publication for information on topics, purchasing or subscribing.
