Upcoming Conference
2026 Mississippi Museums Association Conference
The Mississippi Museums Association (MMA) is thrilled to invite you to our 2026 Annual Conference, taking place September 17–18 in Jackson, Mississippi. This year’s conference will bring together museum professionals, students, and colleagues from across the state for two days of learning, collaboration, and connection.
The conference provides opportunities for professional development, engaging sessions, and networking with peers from across Mississippi’s museum community.
Thursday, September 17:
We’ll kick off the conference at the Two Mississippi Museums in Jackson with a welcome lunch, concurrent sessions, and opportunities to connect with colleagues from across the state. The afternoon will conclude with a Happy Hour from 4:00–6:00 p.m.
Two Mississippi Museums
222 North Street, Jackson, MississippiFriday, September 18:
We’ll return to the Two Mississippi Museums for a full morning of conference programming, including concurrent sessions and opportunities for professional development and conversation. The 2026 Annual Conference will conclude with our keynote presentation, MMA Annual Meeting, and lunch.
Two Mississippi Museums
222 North Street, Jackson, MississippiAdditional information about conference sessions, speakers, registration, and lodging can be found below.
The 2026 Annual Business Meeting of the Mississippi Museums Association will be held during the conference on Friday, September 18, as part of the Keynote, Annual Meeting & Lunch from 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
MMA members and those interested in joining are encouraged to attend. This is a great opportunity to meet the Board of Directors, hear updates from the organization, learn about scholarship and professional development opportunities, and take part in the business of MMA.
REGISTRATION
Registration is now live for the 2026 MMA Annual Conference! Please register by SEPTEMBER 9, 2026 so we can have an accurate count for meals and conference events. Registration fees will increase on August 28th.
MMA Members: $50
Non-Members: $70
Students: $25
Exhibitors: $100
MMA accepts personal and institutional checks and credit cards.
Click here to register for the 2026 Conference and pay online.
For check payments, click here to download the 2026 Conference Registration Form.
Schedule
Thursday, September 17
11:00 a.m.
Registration & Exhibitors
12:00–1:15 p.m.
Lunch & Welcome
1:30–2:30 p.m. | Concurrent Session 1
From Collections to Connections: The Stories Around the History
Explore how museums can use collections, archives, and local history to uncover meaningful stories and build stronger connections with audiences.
Presenters: Jessica Starks, Pontotoc County Library, and Jan Hillegas, FIS Library
Building Funder Relationships
Learn practical strategies for cultivating relationships with funders and developing compelling proposals that support museum programs and operations.
Presenters: Carol Andersen, Mississippi Humanities Council; John Spann, Mississippi Humanities Council;, George Bassi, Lauren Rogers Museum of Art; Linda Fondren, Catfish Row; and Timla Washington
The Power That Dare Not Be Named
Examine how white supremacy has shaped cultural institutions and explore strategies for creating more equitable and inclusive museum practices.
Presenter: Benjamen Douglas, The MAX
2:30–3:00 p.m.
Break & Exhibitors
3:00–4:00 p.m. | Concurrent Session 2
The Art of Storytelling in the Museum Store
Discover how mission-driven merchandise, local partnerships, and storytelling can strengthen the museum-store experience.
Presenters: Kimberlee Cooper, Mississippi Department of Archives & History and Ally Weatherly, Walt Anderson Museum of Art
Comment Cards
Learn how to collect, interpret, and use visitor feedback to strengthen museum research, outreach, evaluation, and decision-making.
Presenter: Molly Spencer, Mississippi Department of Archives & History
60th Anniversary of Margaret Walker’s Jubilee
Celebrate the enduring legacy of Margaret Walker’s landmark novel and learn about related collections, exhibitions, and anniversary programs.
Presenters: Dr. Robert Luckett, Angela D. Stewart, Anatasia Taylor, Garrad Lee, and Patricia Syner, Margaret Walker Center
5:00–7:00 p.m.
History Happy Hour
Enjoy an evening at the Two Mississippi Museums featuring comedian Rita Brent, music, and drinks.
Friday, September 18
9:30–10:30 a.m. | Concurrent Session 3
Exhibition Co-design by Student Curators at the Mississippi Museum of Art Panel
Hear student curators discuss developing a collaborative exhibition focused on Mississippi futurisms and their experiences as emerging museum professionals.
Presenters: Dr. Julia Hamilton, Mackenzie Armstrong, Hannah Brown, Aynecia Gardner, Sarah Perkins, and Savannah Claire Wilkerson, Mississippi Museum of Art
An Ounce of Prevention
Explore practical approaches to environmental monitoring and integrated pest management that can help protect museum collections.
Presenters: Katie Etre and Hong Li, Mississippi Department of Archives and History
Grandmama’nem Are the Archive
Explore how oral histories, family collections, cultural traditions, and community memories can preserve and elevate underrepresented histories.
Presenters: Dr. C. Sadie Turnipseed, KHAFRE, Inc.
10:30–11:00 a.m.
Break & Exhibitors
11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Keynote, Annual Business Meeting & Lunch
Keynote speaker and additional details coming soon.
Accommodations
A block of rooms has been reserved for the Mississippi Museums Association Conference, September 17–18, 2026 at the Homewood Suites by Hilton Jackson Fondren Medical District.
Call 833-306-5166 to make reservations by August 27, 2026 and receive the conference rate.
When booking online, please confirm your correct arrival and departure dates. The conference rate is available through the provided reservation link using Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, or Safari.
Reservations may be canceled up to 48 hours prior to arrival without penalty.
Group Block: MS Museum Association Conference
Vendor & Sponsorship Opportunities
Showcase your organization to museum professionals and history enthusiasts from across the state at the Mississippi Museums Association 2026 Annual Conference.
Exhibitor registration is $100 and includes one table and two chairs.
Deadline to register: SEPTEMBER, 9, 2026
Sponsorship Opportunities
Interested in supporting the 2026 MMA Annual Conference? Sponsorship opportunities are available for conference events and activities.
Would you like to sponsor one of the conference events? Reach out to Latoya Norman, lnorman@hattiesburg.org, for more information!
The Mississippi Museums Association gratefully recognizes the Mississippi Department of Archives and History and the Two Mississippi Museums as Presenting Sponsors of the 2026 Annual Conference.
Special thanks to the Hattiesburg Convention Commission and Sixth Street Museum District for sponsoring Friday’s luncheon.
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