A new exhibit at the Two Mississippi Museums in Jackson showcases the diversity of the state’s contributions to the United States as the nation celebrates its 250th birthday.
The Mississippi Made exhibit consists of 250 individual artifacts that showcase Mississippians’ work and achievements in the fields of agriculture, manufacturing, music, fashion, science, literature, sports and the arts.
Items on display include a 19th century cotton gin, Elvis Presley’s bathrobe, a cartoon by Marshall Ramsey and a box of Wheaties featuring the late Walter Payton, a NFL Hall of Fame running back, on the front of the box. Another one of the Mississippi Made exhibits is the NASA flight jacket worn by Mississippi astronaut Richard Truly of Fayette, who also served as the administrator of the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration from 1989 until 1992.
Credit: Mississippi Department of Archives and History
“I think everyone can find something that they find interesting in this exhibit,” said Jessica Walzer, curator of collections and exhibits at the Mississippi Department of Archives and History.
She added that the exhibit would be great representation for young Mississippians.
“Mississippi Made brings together objects that tell a broader story about the state’s creativity, industry and innovation,” Michael Morris, director of the Two Mississippi Museums, said in a press release. “Each artifact reflects how Mississippians responded to local needs in ways that shaped life far beyond the state.”
This exhibit is part of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History’s celebrations for America250, a national initiative in honor of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. There are events and initiatives at the national, state and local levels leading up to July 4.
The exhibit is on the second floor of the Two Museums. It opened in early March and runs through Nov 6.
