Jackson Mississippi

The Mississippi Civil Rights Museum shares the stories of the movement that began in Mississippi but impacted and changed our entire nation. Through highlighting the strength of those involved and their sacrifices, a deeper understanding of the Civil Rights Movement is promoted.

There are eight galleries that allow visitors to the Museum to witness the freedom struggle through interactive exhibits. These show the systematic oppression of black Mississippians and their subsequent fight for equality that transformed the state and the entire nation. nation.

Seven of the galleries encircle a central space called “This Little Light of Mine.” As museum guests gather, this dramatic sculpture glows brighter and the music that was a unique part of the Movement begins to swell.

The other seven galleries are:

Mississippi Freedom Struggle defines civil rights, setting the context for the Civil Rights Movement.

Mississippi in Black and White covers the years 1865 to 1941 during which Black Mississippians emerged as free citizens and established strong communities, including the essential role of church and family.

A Closed Society explores the years 1941 to 1960, an era of black Mississippians who were World War II Veterans that returned to Mississippi motivated to fight for equality.

A Tremor in the Iceberg looks at the 1960s and a new generation of activists, including an immersive theater that commemorates life and work of Medgar Evers.

I Question America has as its centerpiece a re-created country church where guests can experience the compelling stories of Freedom Summer of 1963 and 1964.

Black Empowerment reviews decade that began in 1965 with the Freedom Riders and sit-ins ended in 1975 with black leaders running Head Start programs and serving as members of the state legislature.

Where Do We Go From Here inspires conversation as visitors read the words of Mississippians from all walks of life as they discuss the progress that Mississippi has made since the Civil Rights era and the challenges that remain.

Mississippi Civil Rights Museum

222 North St #2205
Jackson, MS 39201

HOURS of OPERATION

Tuesday–Saturday 9AM–5PM
Sunday 11AM–5PM
Closed Mondays

Contact

601-576-6800

info@museumofmshistory.com

Mississippi Museum of Natural History promotes understanding and appreciation for Mississippi's biological diversity. It accomplishes this through exhibits that include collections, research, scientific databases, and education programs that inspire the people of our state to respect the environment and to preserve natural Mississippi.

The museum overlooks a 300-acre natural landscape, an open-air amphitheater, and 2.5 miles of nature trails. Inside the museum walls visitors discover 200 species in the 100,000 gallon aquarium network, and investigate 73,000 square feet of exhibits. These include insightful presentations of deer, waterfowl, fossils, and many of Mississippi's endangered species.

Highlights found in the museum include:

• Displays of Mississippi's diverse habitats.
• An entire wall of fossil specimens including a giant Sloth.
• A 100,000-gallon aquarium network housing over 200 living species.
• A 1,700-square foot greenhouse called "The Swamp"
• The colorful murals and giant treehouse found in Preschool Discovery Room.
• The Dinosaur Trail
• The LeFleur's Bluff Playground
• The 200-seat Rotwein Theater

Each year, more than 100,000 visitors share their time between the indoor exhibits and the outdoor environment.

Visitors can take advantage of a range of nature trails that wind through wooded bluffs, river bottoms, lakes, and scenic swamplands, offering opportunities for nature walks, photography, and the study of living things in their natural landscape.

Mississippi Museum of Natural History

2148 Riverside Drive

Jackson, MS 39202

Contact

601-576-6000

Museum Days and Hours

Mon - Fri: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Saturday: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Sunday: 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Eudora Welty is one of Mississippi's most beloved authors in a State that boasts many. For 76 years, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author lived and wrote in her Jackson home. After her death in 2001, the home and gardens were restored by the Mississippi Department of Archives.

Despite her fame as a writer, Eudora Welty was also an avid gardener. The gardens at her home were designed in 1925 by her mother, Chestina. Until 1945, Chestina and Eudora spent many hours digging, planting, and weeding the area.

You can find rich imagery of nature in both Welty’s writings, as well as, her personal correspondence.

She mentions more than 150 kinds of plants in her stories. Welty asked that the garden not be turned into something it wasn’t, explaining it was never a show garden, but merely a work of love which was typical of its time.

The Eudora Welty House and Gardens

1119 Pinehurst Street

Jackson Mississippi 39202

VISITOR CENTER HOURS
Tuesday–Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturday: 12:30 to 4 p.m.

CONTACT
info@eudoraweltyhouse.com
601-353-7762

Cathead Distillery is the state of Mississippi's first legal distillery. It found in 2010 by Austin Evans and Richard Patrickin who not only friends, but avid blues fans. Cathead Distillery currently produces five award-winning brands in small batches: Cathead Vodka, Bristow Gin, Hoodoo Chicory Liqueur, Old Soul Bourbon Whiskey, and Cathead Sparkling.

Tours include a walk through of the method of creating their unique spirits. It also provides insights into the history of the spirits in Mississippi and an overview of their products.

At the end of the tour, there is a tasting which is limited by state law (Cathead cannot sell products on the premises). The warehouse has a vibe that is a very laid back, and the work space is described as fun-loving.

Their unique spirits include honeysuckle vodka, moonshine, pecan vodka, chicory liqueur, and their original gin which has been described as stout.

Cathead Distillery

422 S Farish St
Jackson, MS, 39201

Contact

info@catheaddistillery.com

(601) 667-3038

Call for hours of operation

The Old Capitol Museum is Jackson Mississippi’s oldest building, built in 1839. It is listed as a National Historic Landmark and is one of the country’s premier examples of Greek Revival public architecture. It is distinguished by the massive limestone exterior, its copper dome, and the grand interior spaces

.The museum explores Mississippi history when it was the seat of government from 1839 - 1903. The building was the site of some of the most significant legislative activities including the passage of the 1839 Married Women’s Property Act, the 1861 Mississippi’s secession from the Union, and the passing of the 1868 and 1890 state constitutions.

The building has been restored to its original grandeur. It was reopened by the state as a free museum focusing on the distinguished history of the building and the events that have taken place in it. There are many Interactive and multimedia exhibits, each exploring the roles of the legislature, governor, and high court during the late 19th and early 20th century.

Old Capitol Museum

100 South State Street
Jackson, MS 39201

Contact

601-576-6850

oldcapitolmuseum@mdah.ms.gov

Museum Days and Hours

Wednesday - Friday 10 am to 2 pm