Browsing: History

This Friday, July 26, marks the 249th anniversary of our nation’s postal service. Beginning in 1775 in the American colonies, the postal service served as a cornerstone for communities.

For millions of fans worldwide, Kermit the Frog stars in some of their earliest memories. Whether playing the banjo in the swamp or flailing with excitement to introduce “The Muppet Show,” Kermit is a beloved cultural icon.

Fourth of July. July the Fourth. July 4th. Independence Day. So many names but one holiday that we ensure to commemorate, celebrate, and honor. To some, it’s simply another day. To others, it’s a Fallout Boy song (which happens to be one of my favorite songs). However, to many Americans, this holiday is a testament of our country’s resilience. Resilience is one of America’s greatest strengths, and it has transcended throughout the generations of this nation. 

The state of Mississippi has so much to offer, from its beautiful landscapes, unmatched hospitality, and so much more. Still, one of the Magnolia State’s most impressive attributes is its remarkable history.

In reference to Mississippi’s John C. Stennis Space Center, it has been said that “You cannot go to the m” without first stopping in Mississippi.” Mississippi has been “at the forefront of numerous significant achievements, paving the way for progress in various fields. Here are 12 remarkable facts about The Magnolia State that you may not be aware of:

Maybe it’s because we celebrated Memorial Day just a few weeks ago.

Maybe it’s because we recently observed the 80th anniversary of D-Day.

Maybe it’s because I just completed the striking novel, The Women, by Kristen Hannah. (More on that later.)

Maybe it’s because the Fourth of July is upon us.

June 14 is Flag Day. It’s an annual observance of the Second Continental Congress’ official adoption of the American Flag in 1777, which at that time had only 13 stars. The holiday was officially established in 1916 by President Woodrow Wilson and in 1949 Congress declared June 14 a national holiday.

The O’Keefe family archive, located in The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) University Libraries Special Collections, shares this prominent Mississippi Gulf Coast family’s stories through both physical and digital items that include awards, scrapbooks, family history, business, and political content from various members of the family who have held prominent roles in business, civic, and political life across successive generations.

“We’re Not Married” was not filmed in Mississippi; however, the storyline did take place in The Hospitality State.This 1952 anthology romantic comedy stars the iconic Marilyn Monroe as Annabel Jones, whose character is crowned Miss Mississippi in the film.

Memorial Day is an American holiday observed on the last Monday of May, honoring the men and women who died while serving in the US military.

A three-day weekend is on the horizon, and while we anticipate a welcomed day off work, let’s not forget to recognize the meaning behind Memorial Day.

A few years ago, Scott Hunter sent me a photograph of him and a young girl during their youth dressed in their finest for Lucedale’s May Day Celebration.

The old saying “if these walls could talk” certainly applies to this beautiful home that has seen love, loss, and tragedy, and burned to the ground and been rebuilt again, not to mention it is built on top of a ceremonial Indian mound. It’s no wonder it is also said to be a hot spot for paranormal activity.

“If all of history’s musicians formed a band, Mississippi bluesmen would play lead guitar.” It’s no secret that the Magnolia State is filled with talent, but it seems to have more than its fair share of musical genius. 

To see some of the amazing talents that have hailed from Mississippi and from around the country, you’ve got to visit America at the Crossroads: The Guitar and a Changing Nation, presented by the National GUITAR Museum at the Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Experience (The MAX) in historic downtown Meridian. 

For Mississippians, the Natchez Trace Parkway is such an ever-present part of our world that we often forget just how unique it really is.

Moss Point, MS – Singing River Library is excited to announce the arrival of the Stone Smith Collection in our archives. The collection is a valuable addition to our library’s resources and will be available for public viewing starting April 2, 2024.