March 6, 2019. Madison, Mississippi. Museums.

The idea was clever, to build two new museums in the same location. They share a common parking lot and restaurant. and yet they are unique in their own way. The museums are new to Jackson last year. Finally I got to visit them. Keshina and I took our fourth expedition. Today our plan was to tour the State Capitol and visit the two new museums, Museum of Mississippi History and Mississippi Civil Rights Museum. When we arrived at the Capitol, we discovered that we could find no parking. Every parking slot was full. We asked a gentleman about parking and he said that the legislature was in session today so the place was jammed. He told us about a lot two blocks away but we decided to go on to the museums and return another day. We enjoyed our visit to the museums. First we walked the History Museum. 18,000 years of human life is covered in the museum. They have interesting displays and lots of videos and interactive activities. Lots of early artifacts from the two main tribes living in the area. And many from early settlers. Life was not easy in the 19th century in Mississippi.Ken always said of museums that the brain is unable to take in so many facts so quickly, so he hated guided tours. Fortunately, we wandered on our own. The Civil Rights Museum spans 40 years. Most of the displays were known to me but surprisingly, Kashina was not aware of the history, at least in not as much detail. The format is that there are 9 circles, one leading to the next until finally you hear the singing and the celebrations in the 8th circle. The 9th circle is about the future. The pictures are wonderful and the people who were instrumental in the success are well described. Between the two museums we ate lunch at the restaurant on site. We enjoyed the food and the break from walking. The lights in both museums are kept darker than I would have liked. But we enjoyed our day. Next time we will get into the capitol.