Old Capitol Museum Hosts Outdoor Celebration April 17

The newly restored grounds of the Old Capitol Museum will come to life with a celebration of art, music, food, and citizenship. "Gathering on the Green" will begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 17, and will feature groups and organizations from around the capital city.

"We are excited about renewing the tradition of community gatherings on the historic Old Capitol Green," said Clay Williams, director of the Old Capitol Museum. "We hope this event grows each year."

The state’s traditional arts will be on display throughout the day. Wood carver George Berry, quilter Dorinda Evans, and blacksmith Bill Pevey, members of the Mississippi Craftsmen's Guild, will give demonstrations and exhibit their wares.

Old–fashioned children's games will be organized on the green, and the Mississippi Museum of Art will provide art activities for families. The Russell C. Davis Planetarium, the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science, and other area attractions will also be on hand.

Music will be provided by Buie, Hamman, and Porter, Scott Albert Johnson, and The Remynders. The Jim Hill Choir and the Hinds Community Jazz & Trumpet ensemble will also perform.

Representatives from the Secretary of State's office will be on hand to register voters. CARA will bring pets for adoption, and the Department of Environmental Quality will provide tips for recycling. In keeping with the long tradition of fire engines being displayed on the Capitol Green, the Jackson Fire Department will have a truck onsite.

Miller's Grocery and Country Fisherman restaurant will sell plates of hot food.

The Capitol Green has been a gathering place for Mississippians for the past 180 years. It is the only remaining green space from the original city plan designed and implemented by Peter Van Dorn in 1822.

The Old Capitol, Jackson's oldest building, is a National Historic Landmark. Located on State Street at Capitol, the museum's regular hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, free of charge. The Old Capitol is a museum of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History. For more information call 601-576-6920.

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