Formation 1902 Purpose Archive Director Katherine Blount | Type State Agency Region served Mississippi | |
 | ||
Headquarters 200 North Street,
Jackson, Mississippi | ||
Mississippi Department of Archives and History (MDAH) is a State Agency in Mississippi. The agency has its headquarters in the William F. Winter Archives and History Building in Jackson.
Contents
History
MDAH developed from the Mississippi Historical Society in the interest of promoting and protecting "Southern Identity" through acquisition and preservation of historical records, especially those records pertaining to the American Civil War. Legislation authorizing creation of MDAH was signed by Mississippi Governor Andrew Longino on February 26, 1902. MDAH is the second oldest state department of archives and history in the United States.
In 1902, Dunbar Rowland, a Mississippi attorney and historian, was selected as the first Director of MDAH and served in that position until his death in 1937.
Mission
The purpose of MDAH is to "...collect, preserve, and provide access to the archival resources of the state, administer museums and historic sites, and oversee statewide programs for historic preservation, government records management, and publications."
Organizational structure and facilities
A director and nine-member board of trustees presides over the MDAH and its four divisions, which include:
Administrative offices, as well as archivist work areas and archive storage areas, are located in the William F. Winter Archives and History Building. Completed in 2003, the 6-story structure contains 146,000 sq ft (13,600 m2).
The Historic Preservation Division is housed in the Charlotte Capers Archives and History Building, located at 100 South State Street, Jackson. This division administers Historical Markers in Mississippi, Mississippi Landmarks, and National Register of Historic Places in Mississippi.
The Museum Division provides administrative oversight for the following facilities and locations: