Heritage Museum Sees Visitor Count Soar in Starkville
STARKVILLE – Exciting things are happening at the Oktibbeha County Heritage Museum, with visitor numbers skyrocketing over the past year. The museum is focused on maintaining this momentum in 2024, with thrilling plans ahead.
Doubling Down on Engagement
The museum’s executive director stated they are not just aiming to keep the numbers up but to double their hours and host several popular events again. In 2022, the museum barely welcomed over 200 visitors, but after new leadership and programming were introduced, that number exploded to 813 in the last year.
So far in 2023, the museum has recorded at least 433 visitors, and with expanded hours from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Wednesday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursdays, it is looking good for more visitors to come. This increase in accessible hours is made possible thanks to a dedicated team of 14 volunteers, each contributing three hours one day a month.
Exciting Events Ahead
In the coming year, the museum plans to host various events to engage the community. Kicking off in January will be the Mississippi Quilts Exhibit, showcasing the works of 11 artists from the Southern Fiber Artists organization. One piece to look out for is a massive quilt tapestry that spans 16 feet and spells out “Mississippi.”
February will focus on Black History Month, with an exhibit centered around the Needmore Community, an important neighborhood for African Americans in Mississippi. Visitors will see newly acquired artifacts, including World War II memorabilia, a bust of the legendary baseball player Cool “Papa” Bell, and unique Choctaw Indian baskets donated by the Mississippi Department of Archives and History.
Fundraising Fun and Community Support
The Friends of the Oktibbeha County Heritage Museum is gearing up for their second annual Festival of Trees, featuring a two-day auction where locals can bid on beautifully decorated trees donated by local businesses. Last year’s event raised over $5,000 and was a hit with everyone.
Additionally, the museum will hold its annual Museum Miles 5K Race on February 22, encouraging health and community involvement. Both the city and county have included funding for the museum in their annual budgets, illustrating their investment in the preservation of local history.
A Bright Future
With such a busy calendar ahead and a growing visitor base, the Oktibbeha County Heritage Museum continues to make its mark in Starkville. Whether one is a history buff, art lover, or just looking for a fun outing, this museum has something for everyone.
The community’s support for the museum’s efforts showcases the local engagement thriving, contributing to a promising future.
