Journey to Colonial Mississippi: An America 250 Celebration

• Right here in Mississippi, visitors to the Old Capitol Museum in downtown Jackson can step back in time at a special exhibition where they will discover the people, places, and events that shaped Mississippi during the Colonial era.

Even though the Fourth of July has passed, folks around the country are celebrating America’s 250th anniversary all year long. While there have been concerts, fireworks, and plenty of celebrating, America250 is a historic event that honors the past. 

While it’s sometimes difficult to absorb important historical facts from reading a textbook, seeing history come to life makes it more tangible. 

Right here in Mississippi, visitors to the Old Capitol Museum in downtown Jackson can step back in time at a special exhibition: Journey to Colonial Mississippi: An America 250 Celebration, where they will discover the people, places, and events that shaped Mississippi during the Colonial era. 

With engaging demonstrations, educational presentations, and hands-on activities, visitors will be able to experience colonial history in an interesting and interactive way. The event will be held Saturday, October 3, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is free to the public. It is part of a three-day exploration of Mississippi’s historic past. Teachers and students from across the state will visit the Old Capitol to experience the history on Thursday and Friday, October 1-2. 

This is a one-of-a-kind program, presented as part of a nationwide America250 commemoration celebrating the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. Throughout the day, visitors can explore what life was like in colonial Mississippi and learn more about the diverse people and cultures that influenced the development of the lower Mississippi Valley. 

Living history demonstrations by the Atlanta Historic Dance group will bring the period to life through historic dance and interpretation, offering a glimpse into the social customs and traditions of the colonial era. 

The event will also feature educational presentations highlighting the life and legacy of Marquis de Lafayette, a French aristocrat and military officer who became an important figure in the American Revolution.

With educators dressed in period-specific wardrobes, the presentations and activities will help place Lafayette’s story within the broader history of the American Revolution and its connections to Mississippi. Visitors will feel like they are listening to Lafayette himself.

Families and history buffs can participate in hands-on activities designed to make the colonial period accessible and engaging for visitors of all ages. 

Journey to Colonial Mississippi is an official America250 project made possible by a grant from the Mississippi Humanities Council, through support from the state of Mississippi.

Visitors are encouraged to bring family and friends for a full day of history, living history demonstrations, educational programs, and activities celebrating Mississippi’s place in the story of America.

For more information, call (601) 576-6850 or email info@mdah.ms.gov.