A long awaited and much anticipated look back at our state’s history was unveiled to the public on Saturday, December 9 as the 2 Mississippi Museums celebrated their grand opening.

The Museum of Mississippi History explores the entire sweep of the state’s history, from earliest times to the present. The museum collection dates back to artifacts acquired in the early days of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History (MDAH), which was founded in 1902. The Mississippi Civil Rights Museum focuses on the period 1945 to 1976 and tell the story of the struggle for equal rights and fair treatment under the law. It will be the nation’s first state-operated civil rights museum.

The museums are located in downtown Jackson and showcase MDAH's collection of more than 22,000 artifacts, as well as videos, photographs and interactive exhibits. This brand-new facility spotlights materials from the state archives as well as artifacts from the collection. Exhibit galleries span two levels, including a temporary exhibition hall, and an expansive museum store located on the ground floor. The facility also houses collections storage, a conservation laboratory, offices, and an exhibit workshop. The museums' opening is part of Mississippi’s bicentennial celebration.

“We are proud to support the 2 Mississippi Museums and their recognition of our state’s heritage,” said Sheila Grogan, Vice President, Community and Public Relations. “As a Mississippi company, we recognize the significance of understanding our state’s history and the impact that can have on our state’s future. These museums are a treasure for generations to come.”

Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi made one of the first gifts in support of the 2 Mississippi Museums to the Mississippi Department of Archives and History back in 2013. The $1.5 million donation is funding the Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi Theater and orientation video in the Museum of Mississippi History.

You can learn more on the 2 Mississippi Museums's website.