December 9 …

The Mississippi Civil Rights Museum in Jackson, MS is a powerful and evocative institution dedicated to telling the story of the struggle for civil rights in Mississippi and across the United States.

Legislatively funded in 2011, the museum was established through the efforts of Mississippi lawmakers, advocates, and historians who recognized the importance of creating a dedicated space for civil rights history. Groundbreaking occurred in 2013, and after extensive planning, design, and curation, the museum officially opened its doors on December 9, 2017, coinciding with Mississippi’s bicentennial celebration.

The museum chronicles the journey from the end of World War II through the transformative years of activism in the 1950s and 1960s. It invites visitors to engage deeply with narratives of resistance, courage, and community transformation.

Administered by the Mississippi Department of Archives and History, the museum is the product of collaborative efforts among civil rights advocates, state officials, and community historians. All of them are united in documenting, exhibiting, and educating the public about the American Civil Rights Movement in Mississippi, with a focus on personal stories, systemic injustice, and the enduring impact of activism.

Since its opening, the museum has become one of the most visited historical institutions in the state, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors eager to explore the complexities of Mississippi’s past and its relevance to current cultural and social discussions. It has received first-time accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums, a prestigious recognition underscoring its commitment to excellence in preserving history.

The museum has also earned public acclaim, including Tripadvisor’s 2024 Travelers’ Choice® Award and nominations in USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards for Best History Museum.

Through immersive galleries, artifacts, narratives, and reflection spaces, the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum continues to enrich the understanding of civil rights, collective memory, and the ongoing quest for justice in America.