A MDAH Publication  |  Volume 43 No. 10  |  October 2001

Mississippi History Now Enters Second Year

The Mississippi Historical Society's educational Web site, Mississippi History Now, completed a successful first year at the end of July, publishing 18 articles and lesson plans and enjoying academic support as well as the support of generous sponsors. Editor Peggy Jeanes of Jackson reports thattopics scheduled for the second year will include "Women's Suffrage and the ERA in Mississippi," by Marjorie Spruill, University of Southern Mississippi; "The Chinese in Mississippi," by Charles Reagan Wilson, University of Mississippi; "Richard Wright," by Jerry W. Ward, Jr., Tougaloo; and "William Faulkner," by Jay Watson, University of Mississippi.
Hundreds gathered at the July 15 book-signing event for Mississippi Quilts. Left: Martha Ginn, Mississippi Quilting Assn.; Donna Dye, Old Capitol Museum director; and Mississippi Quilts author Mary Elizabeth Johnson.

"The Society is very proud of Peggy Jeanes's successful recruiting of scholars around the state to write these essays," Elbert R. Hilliard, MDAH director and MHS secretary-treasurer, said. "We are also appreciative of her work with the teachers who are preparing effective lesson plans for use by teachers and students statewide. The Department of Education has generously provided computer support and the staff time of Webmaster Robin Sutliff."

The Mississippi Hall of Fame opens Sunday, October 7, at the Old Capitol Museum of Mississippi History in Jackson. This exhibit of portraits and artifacts presents the history and purpose of our state's memorial to its most distinguished citizens, the Mississippi Hall of Fame. Visitors can learn how to participate in the Hall's selection process and can view history through the lives of the state's history makers.

The lives of eight members of the Hall of Fame are spotlighted, with personal items or artifacts associated with the individuals displayed: Medgar Wiley Evers, Laurence C. Jones, Greenwood Leflore, Stephen D. Lee, Andrew Marschalk, Garvin D. Shands, Nellie Nugent Somerville, and Ellen Woodward. The exhibit hangs through January 20, 2002. For more information, call 601/ 359-6920.

Big Doings Across the State! All Events Free; Public Invited

Historic Jefferson College/ Washington (601/442-2901)

Pioneer Skills for Kids
During Pioneer Days at Historic Jefferson College, Wednesday-Thursday, October 24-25, craftspeople will teach local and regional third-grade classes about pioneer skills and activities such as candle-making, weaving, and soap-making.

Spooky Tales
Gather at Historic Jefferson College Friday, October 26, for "Ghost Tales around the Campfire," told by local and regional storytellers. Bring lawn chairs, blankets, and picnic supper.

Vintage 1850s Baseball
Historic Jefferson College will present its annual vintage 1850s baseball games-using 1850s rules-Saturday,November 3, 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.

Victorian Crafts and Storytelling
At "Victorian Fall Festivities," Monday, October 29, 3:30 to 5 p.m., visitors of all ages can enjoy tales by renowned storyteller Diane Williams and create Victorian-era autumn crafts including leaf transparencies, potpourri sachets, and kaleidoscopes.

Music at the Mounds
Gospel, country, and jazz musicians will entertain at the annual Music at the Mounds on Saturday, October 27, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Winterville Mounds/ Greenville (662/334-4684)

MMAOpen House
In coordination with National Archaeology Month, an open house/membership drive for the Mississippi Archaeological Association will be held Saturday, October 13,6-9 p.m. Pottery Making Demonstration Well-known local craftsman Lee Stovall of Kent's Alley Pottery in Leland, Mississippi, will demonstrate his art on Friday, October 19, 3-7 p.m.


Native American Astronomy
Dr. David Craig, director of the Wiley Planetarium, Delta State University, will discuss Native American astronomy and lead participants in telescope observations on Thursday, October 25, 7:30-9 p.m.

Trick or Treat at the Mounds
Celebrate a safe Halloween 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday, October 31, with the staff of Winterville Moundsand enjoy cider, doughnuts, and candy treats! Paleo-Indians and Critters Dr. Marvin Jeter, Arkansas Archaeological Survey, will talk about the Paleo-Indians and the animals they encountered and hunted in North America on Tuesday, October 9, at 7 p.m.

Storytelling with Grayhawk Perkins
Hear Native American tales told by veteran Houma-Choctaw storyteller Grayhawk Perkins, 2-5 p.m. on November 4.

Nominations Due for Hall of Fame

For the Hall of Fame election being held this December, nominations must be submitted to MDAH by November 1, 2001. Only Mississippians, native or adopted, who have been deceased for at least five years are eligible. Nominations, not to exceed three double-spaced typewritten pages, must be carefully documented with footnotes and a bibliography. Each nomination should describe the unique contributions of the individual. Nominations for athletes will not be accepted since athletes are eligible for induction into the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame. Mail nomination to Hall of Fame Nomination, MDAH, P.O. Box 571, Jackson, MS 39205-0571.

Published by the Mississippi Department of Archives and History • Elbert R. Hilliard, director • Chrissy Wilson, editor
Please send correspondence to: MHN, P.O. Box 571, Jackson, MS 39205 or email to pubinfo@mdah.state.ms.us