Mississippi Department of Archives and History facts for kids
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William F. Winter Archives and History Building
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| Formation | February 26, 1902 |
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| Type | State Agency |
| Purpose | Archive |
| Location |
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Region served
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Mississippi |
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Director
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Katherine Blount |
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Budget
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$10 million (2015) |
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Staff
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122 (2015) |
The Mississippi Department of Archives and History (MDAH) is a special state agency in Mississippi. It started in 1902. Think of it as the official memory keeper for the Mississippi government. It collects and protects important old documents and items.
Contents
Where is the MDAH Located?
The MDAH is in Jackson, Mississippi. You can find it at 200 North Street. It's right next to the Museum of Mississippi History and the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum. The main building is called the William F. Winter Archives and History Building. It opened on November 7, 2003.
How the MDAH Began
The Mississippi Department of Archives and History grew from the Mississippi Historical Society. It was created to help protect and share Mississippi's history. This was especially true for records about the American Civil War.
On February 26, 1902, Mississippi Governor Andrew H. Longino signed a law. This law officially created the Department of Archives and History. It was the second oldest state archives department in the United States.
In 1902, a lawyer and historian named Dunbar Rowland became the first Director. He led the department until he passed away in 1937.
The MDAH also helped with the new Mississippi state flag. They provided support for the group that designed the new flag. On January 11, 2021, Governor Tate Reeves signed a law. This law made the new "In God We Trust" flag the official state flag.
What is the MDAH's Main Goal?
The main goal of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History is to:
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.
This means they save Mississippi's history and share it. They want people to learn stories that connect us and help shape our future.
How the MDAH is Organized
The MDAH is led by a director and a group of nine people called a board of trustees. It has five main parts, called divisions:
- Administration
- Archives and Records Services
- Historic Preservation
- Museums
- Programs and Communication
Main Buildings and Storage
The main offices and storage areas for old documents are in the William F. Winter Archives and History Building. This building was finished in 2003. It has six floors and is very large.
The Historic Preservation Division is in the Charlotte Capers Archives and History Building. This building is at 100 South State Street in Jackson. This division helps manage Historical Markers in Mississippi. They also look after Mississippi Landmarks and places listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Museums and Historic Sites
The Museum Division helps manage many important places. These include:
- Eudora Welty House
- Manship House Museum
- Old Capitol Museum
- Grand Village of the Natchez Indians
- Historic Jefferson College
- Windsor Ruins
- Winterville Mounds
- Museum of Mississippi History
- Mississippi Civil Rights Museum
The Programs and Communication Division started in 2017. They handle events, public information, books, marketing, and education programs.
See Also
- Charlotte Capers
- Mississippi State Flag
