Speakers Bureau: "The American Revolution in the Gulf South"
2026-04-21 12:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | Columbus-Lowndes Public Library, 314 7th St N, Columbus, MS, 39701, United States
Max Grivno presents: “The American Revolution in the Gulf South”
The history of the American Revolution along the Gulf South is seldom told. Although most of the Europeans who called the region were sympathetic to the British — or at least hoped to remain neutral — the conflict soon engulfed the territory of what would, in time, become Louisiana, Mississippi and Florida. This presentation examines how the American Revolution transformed the Gulf South. It tells the story of how the Americans, British and Spanish vied for control of the Mississippi River and Gulf seaports, and how the Choctaws and Chickasaws struggled to preserve their homelands by courting the rival powers. It describes James Willing’s disastrous raid on Natchez, the Choctaw occupation of Natchez and the campaign launched by Spanish Bernardo de Galvez, who conquered Natchez and Pensacola and drove the British from the region. The lecture also discusses the consequences of the Revolution for the people of the Gulf Coast In the aftermath of the war, the Spanish and the Americans vied to control Natchez and the territory around present-day Vicksburg, while native confederacies like the Choctaw and Chickasaw grappled with the rising power of the United States.

Words on Water - 3
2026-04-21 17:00 - 19:00 | Cutrer Mansion, 109 Clark St, Clarksdale, MS, 38614, United States
Join the Mississippi Humanities Council for “Words on Water: Reading, Reflection and Journeying on the Mississippi.” This two-week experience will bring together readers, students, educators, and community leaders for thoughtful discussions and a guided canoe journey along the Mississippi River near Clarksdale.
Participants will begin with conversations at the historic Cutrer Mansion centered on W. Ralph Eubanks’ acclaimed book When It’s Darkness on the Delta, then take those reflections onto the water with expert guides from Quapaw Canoe Company. The journey culminates in a special riverside dialogue with Eubanks himself, connecting story, history, and place in a powerful shared experience.
This program is part of the 2026 Being Human Festival and is supported by the National Humanities Center.
Registration is free and includes a copy of When It’s Darkness on the Delta, but space is limited, and attendees must commit to all four discussion dates.

April 7, 5–7 p.m. – Cutrer Mansion
April 14, 5–7 p.m. – Cutrer Mansion
April 21, 5–7 p.m. – Cutrer Mansion
April 25, 1–7:30 p.m. – Canoeing the Mississippi River, concluding with a meal and bonfire at the Quapaw Canoe landing

If you’re ready to read deeply, paddle boldly, and engage Mississippi’s stories “between the lines,” we encourage you to sign up today. The deadline for entry is March 29.
For more information or to reserve your spot, email Rei Lott at rlott@mhc.state.ms.us.

America250 Mississippi - Greenwood Cemetery Showcase
2026-04-23 18:30 - 20:30 | Belhaven University – McCravey-Triplett Student Center, 1500 Peachtree Street, Jackson, MS, 39202, United States
Join us for a preview of the videos Belhaven University students have worked on, showcasing the following, buried in Greenwood Cemetery.

Jones S. Hamilton: Railroad pioneer and the story of his infamous murder trial.

Dr. Lewis T. Fitzhugh: The founding President of Belhaven University.

Lucius Lamar Mayes: The visionary developer behind the Belhaven neighborhood.

Lucy Tapley: A trailblazer and the first known woman to vote in Mississippi.

David Buck: A look at the modern-day tradition of beekeeping within the cemetery.

Words on Water - 4
2026-04-25 13:00 - 19:30 | Cutrer Mansion, 109 Clark St, Clarksdale, MS, 38614, United States

America250 Mississippi: Magee Chamber of Commerce America 250 Service Project
2026-05-01 - 2026-07-04 | Magee Chamber of Commerce, 117 1st Ave NW, Magee, MS, 39111, United States
The Chamber of Commerce in Magee along with all interested clubs, organizations, churches, businesses and individuals will be collecting 250 items to donate to the Veterans Home to show appreciation for their part in our rich history.

Fordice History Project: Journalist Roundtable
2026-05-07 18:00 - 19:30 | St. Andrew’s Episcopal School – Ridgeland, 370 Old Agency Rd, Ridgeland, MS, 39157, United States
Join the Fordice History Program for a panel discussion covering Governor Fordice’s 1991 election on Thursday, May 7, at 6 p.m. at St. Andrew’s Episcopal School. This free event is open to the public with a reception to follow.
For more information, call 601-278-6832 or visit fordicehistoryproject.com.

America250 Mississippi - Jimmie Rodgers Music Festival Bluegrass Night
2026-05-07 18:00 - 21:00 | The MAX, 2118 Front St, Meridian, MS, 39301, United States
America’s longest-running music festival kicks off with a free performance curated by the Bluegrass Standard, featuring bluegrass legends The Grascals, Southern Legacy, and Becky Buller & Ned Luberecki.
To learn more about the Jimmie Rodgers Music Festival, or to purchase tickets for Lach Thorton, Maggie Antone, Brent Cobb, Jamestown Revival, or Marcus King Band, please click here.

America250 Mississippi - America250 Lunch Lecture Series - Liberty's Song
2026-05-08 12:00 - 14:00 | Mississippi Agriculture & Forestry Museum, 1150 Lakeland Drive, Jackson, MS, 39216, United States
This is the second in the series of luncheon lectures coming to the MS Ag & Forestry Museum. The highlight of this lecture will be Liberty’s Song: America at 250.
Cecelia “Cece” Otto is a classically trained singer, composer, historian, recording artist, and international best-selling author. In 2013, she launched An American Songline with a 30-concert vintage music tour along the Lincoln Highway.
Heritage Center Gallery Auditorium1150 Lakeland Drive, Jackson, MS 39216Lecture begins at NoonFor more details visit:msagmuseum.org/education
This official America250 project was made possible by a grant from the Mississippi Humanities Council, through support from the State of Mississippi.

Speakers Bureau: “A Look at Mande (West African) Culture Through Traditional Music"
2026-05-08 17:00 - 19:00 | Natchez Museum of African American History & Culture, 301 Main St, Natchez, MS, 39120, United States
Jerry Jenkins presents “A Look at Mande (West African) Culture Through Traditional Music”
This presentation will give the listener a glimpse of the Mande Culture of West Africa. In the tradition of the Mande, the history and culture is orally preserved in the minds and through the music of the Djeli (oral librarian/mandenka hereditary professional musicians). The establishment of the Mali Empire can be recalled and retold in the musical piece of the legendary Densoba (great warrior) Sunjata. This discussion explores the function of the Mande music and musical instruments, Mande class system, songs, ceremonies and stories. The discussion also examines the influence of West Africa on American culture and why the djembe was outlawed during slavery. Participants will learn about the djembe, its introduction by drummers like Babatunde Olatunji in 1950 and Ladji Camara from Guinea, and how it spread throughout America.

America250 Mississippi - Lucedale’s 125th Birthday & America’s 250th!
2026-05-09 14:00 - 17:00 | Lucedale City Park, 5126 Main St, Lucedale, MS, 39452, United States
Celebrate Lucedale’s 125th Birthday & America’s 250th! Saturday, May 9, 2026 | 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Lucedale, MS
Join us for a once-in-a-generation celebration as we honor 125 years of the City of Lucedale and the 250th anniversary of the United States with a full afternoon of history, community, and family fun!
Pilgrimage & Living History Experience (2–5 PM)Step back in time and explore 9 historic sites across Lucedale:
George County MuseumScratching Post on Main StreetGeorge County CourthouseWar Memorial (City Park)Lucedale City HallOld Jail (City Park)George County TimesCounty Line School (City Park)Oak Grove School / Lily Grove Church & School
Pick up your FREE Pilgrimage Passport, visit each location, learn local history, and collect stickers along the way. Complete your passport to receive a commemorative prize!
You’ll enjoy live historical storytelling and presentations at each stop. The city bus will be available to shuttle attendees from the park and downtown to the Oak Grove School and Lily Grove Church.
Family Day in the Park (2–5 PM | City Park)Bring the whole family for an afternoon of fun!
Live music & performances Awards for MS250 & Lucedale 125 student contests Patriotic “Chalk the Walk” Art Contest Free activities for all ages
Oral History Documentary PremiereExperience Lucedale’s story through the voices of its people.
Indoor Screenings (2–5 PM): George County Museum & City Hall
Outdoor Premiere (8:00 PM): Stage next to Domino’s
Featuring 30+ local voices and narrated by historian Nancy-Jo Maples, this documentary captures the history, growth, and spirit of Lucedale and George County. This video is sponsored by Century Bank.
This official America250 project was made possible by a grant from the Mississippi Humanities Council, through support from the State of Mississippi

America250 Mississippi - All Aboard America: Then, Now, Next in Amory
2026-05-12 16:00 - 18:00 | Amory Regional Museum, 801 3rd St S, Amory, MS, 38821, United States
The community is invited to take part in a historic celebration on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Amory Regional Museum as Amory kicks off three major milestones: the 250th anniversary of the United States, the 100th anniversary of the Frisco 1529 steam locomotive, and the 50th anniversary of the Amory Regional Museum.
This special event will feature a Living Wax Museum presented by local students portraying figures who helped shape Amory’s railroad heritage and civic history. The evening will also include a student art show, essay contest recognition, and a patriotic concert celebrating American music and tradition.
Community members of all ages are invited to participate in the art and essay contests. Selected artwork and essays will be preserved inside Amory’s official 100-Year Time Capsule, which will be sealed during the July 4, 2026, celebration.
This initiative is made possible in part through support from the Mississippi250 Grant Program, which encourages communities across the state to explore and celebrate Mississippi’s role in the American story.
The event is free and open to the public. Those interested in submitting artwork or essays can scan the QR code on promotional materials to learn how to participate.
Join us as we honor our past, celebrate our present, and inspire the future of Amory.

America250 Mississippi - America250 Lunch Lecture Series - Quilting Circle
2026-05-13 11:00 - 13:00 | Mississippi Agriculture & Forestry Museum, 1150 Lakeland Drive, Jackson, MS, 39216, United States
Join our education team throughout the year for our America 250 Quilting Circle. We welcome all ages and skill levels to help make this quilt one for the collection. We will be hosting the Quilting Circle the second Wednesday of every month from 11 AM – 1 PM in the Learning Center.

America250 Mississippi - Liberty & Legacy: Byhalia 250 - Session 1
2026-05-13 15:00 - 16:30 | Ruth B. French Library, 161 Highway 309 South, Byhalia, MS, 38611, United States
Here’s the schedule for submitting materials and writing letters:

Session 1: Wednesday, 13 May, 3-4:30PM at Ruth B. French Library
Session 2: Thursday, 21 May, 5:30-7PM at Byhalia MS Town Hall
Session 3: Wednesday, 27 May, 3-4:30PM at Ruth B. French Library

What will you leave behind?

Grant information: “This project was made possible by a grant from the Mississippi Humanities Council, through support from the National Endowment for the Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this material does not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities or the Mississippi Humanities Council.

Mississippi Freedom Trail - Benjamin Brown
2026-05-14 16:00 - 18:00 | Jackson State University, 1400 J.R. Lynch Street, Jackson, MS, 39217
The Mississippi Humanities Council and Visit Mississippi will unveil a Mississippi Freedom Trail marker honoring Benjamin Brown on Thursday, May 14, at 4 p.m. as part of the 56th annual Gibbs-Green Commemoration on the Gibbs-Green Plaza at Jackson State University.

This marker honors Benjamin Brown, a former civil rights organizer, who was watching a student protest from the sidelines when he was hit by stray gunshots from police who fired into the crowd.

This unveiling is part of the 56th annual Gibbs-Green Commemoration and is made possible through a partnership with Visit Mississippi, the Mississippi Humanities Council, and Jackson State University. Community members and media are encouraged to attend.

For more information about the Mississippi Freedom Trail and to explore tourism offerings in Mississippi, visit visitmississippi.org.

America250 Mississippi - Story to Stage: America250
2026-05-15 - 2026-08-15 | Mississippi Children’s Museum – Meridian, 403 22nd Avenue, Meridian, MS, 39301, United States
SUMMER EXHIBIT
Open May 15 – August 15
Story to Stage is open this summer at the Mississippi Children’s Museum – Meridian! Designed to inspire young learners through storytelling, history, and interactive exploration, the exhibit celebrates America’s 250th birthday while engaging children and families in meaningful, hands-on learning experiences. Discover the American themes of bravery, freedom, home, citizenship, and generosity and perform American stories in new ways on stage!
The museum will be closed on May 25.

Free for Members | $10/Person for Non-Members
Tickets Available Online or At the Door
Access to Summer Exhibit is included in General Admission Ticket

Spark! Places of Innovation exhibit in Utica
2026-05-16 - 2026-06-27 | Utica Institute Museum, 34175 MS-18,, Utica, MS, 39175, United States
Spark! Places of Innovation exhibit in Utica

Join MHC in Utica for the Spark! Places of Innovation tour of Mississippi!
May 16-June 27, 2026
Utica Institute Museum at Hinds Community College Utica Campus
601-885-7110 | uticainstitute.org
Exhibit hours:
Across 2026-2027, the Mississippi Humanities Council presents Spark! Places of Innovation, a Smithsonian traveling exhibit touring Utica, Meridian, Greenville, Oxford, Hattiesburg, and Gulfport. Special thanks to our statewide sponsor, Cadence Bank, for making this possible!
ABOUT SPARK!:
The story of human history is written in inventions and innovations. Across our nation. And right here in Mississippi. Join us in 2026-2027 to catch a new Smithsonian traveling exhibit touring the state…and spark some new ideas of your own.
Spark! uses photographs, digital stories, objects, and interactive elements to explore the places, people, and circumstances that ignite innovation and invention in rural communities across our nation. The exhibit also offers a springboard for diverse local programming, spotlighting the stories, ideas, and innovations of Mississippians — and a call to contribute to the future of the towns we call home.

Everlasting Screening - Vicksburg
2026-05-16 17:30 - 19:30 | Strand Theatre, 717 Clay Street, Vicksburg, MS, 39183
Everlasting: Life and Legacy of Medgar Evers will be screening at the Strand Theatre thanks to a partnership between Mississippi Public Broadcasting, the Medgar and Myrlie Evers Institute, and the Mississippi Humanities Council. This original documentary from MPB explores the profound life, courage, and enduring influence of civil rights leader Medgar Wiley Evers.

The screening is free and open to the public and will be followed by a panel discussion on Evers’ legacy.

Saturday, May 16, 5:30 p.m. – The Strand Theatre, Vicksburg

WITNESS Community Meeting - Jackson
2026-05-18 11:00 - 13:00 | Smith Robertson Museum & Cultural Center, 528 Bloom St., Jackson, MS, 39202

WITNESS Community Meeting - Drew
2026-05-19 17:30 - 19:30 | 167 N Main St, Drew, 167 N Main St, Drew, MS, 38737, United States

Speakers Bureau: "Natchez in the Early American Economy"
2026-05-21 11:30 - 13:30 | Winston County Library, 301 W Park St, Louisville, MS, 39339, United States
Dr. Susan Gaunt Stearns presents “Natchez in the Early American Economy”
Dr. Susan Gaunt Stearns is an associate professor of history at the University of Mississippi. She currently teaches courses on US history, the history of the colonial and Revolutionary era America, the history of Mississippi, as well as graduate courses on historical methods and teaching history. Her research focuses on western expansion and its relationship to the creation of the United States and the development of the American and global economies. Her book, Empire of Commerce: The Closing of the Mississippi and the Opening of Atlantic Trade, received Southern Methodist University’s Center for Presidential History’s book prize for 2024. She is currently working on a book examining the history of Memphis from pre-history to the American Revolution.

WITNESS Community Meeting - Moss Point
2026-05-21 14:00 - 16:00 | Ina Thompson Moss Point Library, 4119 Bellview Ave., Moss Point, MS, 39562, United States

America250 Mississippi - Liberty & Legacy: Byhalia 250 - Session 2
2026-05-21 17:30 - 19:00 | Byhalia Town Hall, 225 MS-309, Byhalia, MS, 38611, United States

America250 Mississippi - Spark! at Utica Opening Celebration
2026-05-21 18:30 - 20:30 | Utica Institute Museum, 34175 MS-18,, Utica, MS, 39175, United States
Spark! is a Smithsonian exhibit focusing on innovations in rural communities. In our grand opening celebration, you’ll hear from Utica Mayor Calvin Williams, along with the co-founders of the Utica-based Mississippi Center for Cultural Production, Carlton and Brandi Turner. Carlton and Brandi will discuss their work in the town and the ways in which the arts and humanities inform life in a small town. After the talk, tour the Spark exhibit! All events will take place in the Bobby G. Cooper Fine Arts Center on the Hinds Community College-Utica campus.

WITNESS Community Meeting - McComb
2026-05-22 12:00 - 14:00 | McComb Public Library, 1022 Virginia Avenue, McComb, MS, 39648, United States

America250 Mississippi - A Memorial Day Commemoration in Recognition of America's 250th Anniversary
2026-05-25 10:00 - 17:00 | 1 John M.B. Church, I John M.B. Church, Doddsville, MS, 38736, United States

America250 Mississippi - Mantee History & Heritage Museum Grand Opening
2026-05-25 11:00 - 13:00 | Mantee Depot, 67 First Street, Mantee, MS, 39751, United States
Join us for the Mantee History & Heritage Museum grand opening! Monday, May 25 at 11:00 AM at the Mantee Depot (67 First Street). The updates to the museum are thanks to donations of military veterans memorabilia from community members and an America250 grant from the Mississippi Humanities Council.

America250 Mississippi - Liberty & Legacy: Byhalia 250 - Session 3
2026-05-27 15:00 - 16:30 | Ruth B. French Library, 161 Highway 309 South, Byhalia, MS, 38611, United States

Natchez Screening – McComb
2026-05-28 18:00 - 20:00 | Palace Theatre, 111 Main St, McComb, MS, 39648, United States
Join us for a free event featuring a screening of Natchez at 6 p.m. Thursday, May 28, in the Palace Theater in McComb. This 86-minute documentary journeys through an antebellum tourist destination at a crossroads as it grapples with a deeply troubled history.
The program will include a post-screening panel featuring local scholars, community voices, individuals from the film, and, at most sites, the filmmakers themselves. For more information, visit mshumanities.org/program/screenings.
Other MHC-sponsored screenings of Natchez include:

April 11, 7 p.m. at the Strand Theatre, Vicksburg
April 12, 2 p.m. at the Two Mississippi Museums, Jackson
April 14, 5:30 p.m. at the MUW Fant Library, Columbus
April 20, 5:30 p.m. at The Apothecary, Holly Springs
May 28, 6 p.m. at the Palace Theater, McComb
May 29, 6 p.m. at the Delta Arts Alliance, Cleveland

Natchez Screening – Cleveland
2026-05-29 18:00 - 20:00 | Delta Arts Alliance, 104 S. Court Street, Cleveland, MS, 38732
Join us for a free event featuring a screening of Natchez at 2 p.m. Friday, May 29, at the Delta Arts Alliance in Cleveland. This 86-minute documentary journeys through an antebellum tourist destination at a crossroads as it grapples with a deeply troubled history.
The program will include a post-screening panel featuring local scholars, community voices, individuals from the film, and, at most sites, the filmmakers themselves. For more information, visit mshumanities.org/program/screenings.
Other MHC-sponsored screenings of Natchez include:

April 11, 7 p.m. at the Strand Theatre, Vicksburg
April 12, 2 p.m. at the Two Mississippi Museums, Jackson
April 14, 5:30 p.m. at the MUW Fant Library, Columbus
April 20, 5:30 p.m. at The Apothecary, Holly Springs
May 28, 6 p.m. at the Palace Theater, McComb
May 29, 6 p.m. at the Delta Arts Alliance, Cleveland

Speakers Bureau: "Learning Mississippi History Through Historical Markers"
2026-06-02 18:00 - 20:00 | Mary Ricks Thornton Cultural Center, 200 North Huntington, Kosciusko, MS, 39090, United States
William “Brother” Rogers presents “Learning Mississippi History Through Historical Markers.”
From traditional green historical markers to the Mississippi Blues Trail, Freedom Trail, Country Music Trail, and Mississippi Mound Trail, the state’s history is told along its roads. The speaker takes a fun romp through history that will interest anyone who likes fascinating trivia about the state.
