About MDAH

The Mississippi Department of Archives and History was founded in 1902. It is the second-oldest state department of archives and history in the country. A comprehensive historical agency, the department collects, preserves, and provides access to the archival resources of the state, administers museums and historic sites, and oversees statewide programs for historic preservation, government records management, and publications.

The department comprises six divisions—Administration, Archives and Library, Historic Preservation, Historic Properties, Museum, and Records Management. The department is headquartered in the state-of-the-art William F. Winter Archives and History Building, located at North and Amite Streets in downtown Jackson. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday. The Winter Building is closed on official state holidays and for occasional Saturday events. For more information email us or call 601-576-6850.

The Archives and Records Services Division is located in the Winter Building. The division oversees the state archives and the public reading rooms, where documents, photographs, and other items from the collection are made available.

The Historic Preservation Division is located in the Charlotte Capers Archives and History Building, 100 South State St., Jackson. The division works with individuals and local governments across the state and provides grants, tax incentives, and technical assistance from on-staff architectural historians and archaeologists for preservation projects. It oversees, among others, the State Historical Marker, Mississippi Landmark, and National Register of Historic Places programs.

The Historic Properties Division administers several sites open to the public—the Grand Village of the Natchez Indians, Historic Jefferson College, Windsor Ruins, and Winterville Mounds. The division is headquartered in Natchez at the Grand Village.

The Museum Division oversees the Eudora Welty House, Manship House Museum, Museum of Mississippi History, and Old Capitol Museum, all in Jackson. The division headquarters are located at 929 High Street, Jackson.

The Records Management Division helps state agencies, counties, municipalities, school districts, libraries, and other local government entities manage the official documents created by each group.

The Administration Division includes the Finance and Accounting, Human Resources, Information Systems, and Public Information sections, as well as the office of the department director.

The department also provides staff assistance for the Mississippi Historical Society and the Foundation for Mississippi History.

Board of Trustees

Kane Ditto, Jackson, president
E. Jackson Garner, Jackson, vice president
Reuben V. Anderson, Jackson
Nancy Carpenter, Columbus
Valencia Hall, Natchez
Betsey Hamilton, New Albany
Web Heidelberg, Hattiesburg
Hilda Cope Povall, Cleveland
Roland Weeks, Biloxi

Director

H.T. Holmes

Director Emeritus

Elbert R. Hilliard