Browsing: History

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.

Today is February 29 and it’s Leap Day. As you know, this day comes around about every four years (more on this later). It’s been associated with a variety of ancient customs, folklore, superstitions and traditions. But other than having an extra day to your year, how much do you know about Leap Day and Leap Year?  Here are some facts about this day.

There’s no doubt that Mississippi is full of incredible gems, beautiful stories, and a rich history. One of the lesser talked about gems in our state is the Rosalie Mansion. 

When Dixie Wilkerson found a hand-hewn wooden shingle labeled “George County Library”, she knew the rumor must have some truth to it.
Mrs. Wilkerson and her husband, Bill, live in a circa 1914 house whose study is lined with floor to ceiling bookshelves. Descendents of the home’s original owner claim the shelves once stored books that were loaned to the public making it possibly the county’s first library of sorts.

With backgrounds in Christian and ancient Roman traditions, the history of Valentine’s Day—its origins and tradition—is often shrouded in mystery. Just exactly who was St. Valentine, the patron saint who is acknowledged for bringing about this special day of love to the month of February

Off the beaten path, you’ll find Doe’s Eat Place in The Mississippi Delta. This award-winning bucket list destination attracts locals, foodies, out-of-towners, U.S. Presidents, and movie stars alike! Known for its out-of-this-world steaks and famous tamales, the family-owned restaurant has been at the heart of the Delta for nearly a century.