In addition to its permanent and rotating exhibits, the museum sponsors special programs and events to increase awareness and understanding of Starkville’s and Oktibbeha County’s history and culture.
Salute to World War II Veterans
In 2010, World War II veterans were honored at several events that were cosponsored by the museum in celebration of the 65th anniversary of the end of the war. Museum trustees Joan Wilson and Bill Poe organized these events. Joan and Bill received the Greater Starkville Development Partnership’s Service to Military Award in 2010 for their leadership efforts in planning and implementing the following events.
- A series of coffees at the National Guard Armory
- A dinner at the Starkville Café
- A recognition ceremony for 46 veterans
This ceremony attracted 300 people and included U.S. Senator Thad Cochran as the keynote speaker. Each of the veterans in attendance received a large, metal medallion specially made by Gulf States Manufacturing, a NUCOR company.
Children and Youth Activities
- Annual valentine-making session with children, with materials funded by the Kiwanis Club
- Scheduled tours for Scout and 4-H groups
- Scavenger hunts or tours for older students — Starkville High School’s Mississippi Studies class; MSU history class for international students; MSU graduate history seminar
Donation Ceremony for Exhibit
Members of the Evans family attended from many states for the donation of Evans Shine Parlor mementos.
Open House for Exhibit
An open house celebrated the addition of the Jones Shoe Shop exhibit, which now shares space with the Evans Shine Parlor exhibit.
Special Saturday Programs
- “Fossils Roadshow,” presented by George Phillips of the Mississippi Natural History Museum, Jackson
- Archaeology artifacts-identification sessions, presented by Mississippi State University faculty members Evan Peacock and Janet Rafferty
- Veterans Day observances
- The Flames, a renowned local blues band, performed at the museum’s pavilion following the open house for the Jones Shoe Shop exhibit. The band is featured on the Mississippi Blues Trail marker next to the pavilion.
- The Oktibbeha County Barn Quilt Trail kicked off at the museum during the open house for the Jones Shoe Shop exhibit.
