The old Tishomingo County Courthouse is now home to the Tishomingo County Archives and History Museum and also houses the Tishomingo County Historical & Genealogical Society. Cindy Nelson has been named Director of Operations. Besides have a large permanent collection of historical records of Tishomingo County, people will readily see that the courthouse has a well rounded inventory of artifacts appealing to everyone's interests. Throughout the museum store there are exciting exhibits as you make your way to the Indian Artifact room and the Civil War room. The souvenir shop offers a unique collection of items for sale, such as Christian gifts, Tishomingo County historical books and booklets, Civil War souvenirs, home decor, collectibles for adults and children, handcrafted items, and more. Tishomingo County Historical & Genealogical Society members receive 10% off everything except consignments and sale items. (You must present proof of membership to receive your discounts.) The Research Library has a large collection of Tishomingo County books and other resources, business, church, county, family and school files and photographs, as well as a growing collection of resources from other neighboring states. There are also various subject files available to assist people with research reports and family history search. Brenda Whitfield, research chairman, does limited research for TCHGS members. Extensive research is also available on a fee basis. A volunteer will be available to assist researchers during their visit. The Reference Room is where the old courthouse records are located. Here volunteers are duplicating records and making them available in the library for researchers to use, while protecting and preserving the originals. Staff will assist those who wish to make photocopies or use the microfilm-fische reader and printer. A computer will be available soon for use in retrieving files from the soon to be named John Marshall Stone Research Center. Like any archives, we want to protect our items here and strict rules apply toward utilizing our research areas. Only paper and pencil will be allowed in either of the research areas. There are no exceptions. Nelson added “we want to make these rooms available to the public everyday, but until we get enough volunteers to support these rooms, they will be open for research on Thursday and Friday.” Additional hours will be offered as we gain additional volunteers. Deep, rich hues of the well-worn wood floor guide you on the second floor of the courthouse where the courtroom is located, which will be reactivated in the future for programs, re-enactments and special events. The rooms adjoining the courtroom are used for special exhibits. The general store has a small collection of household items, and other features of daily pioneer life. Murray says, “everyday is like Christmas around here, you never know what Cindy is bringing in”. The staff hopes to expound on collections for this room. The one room school serves also as church room and exhibits books, photographs and artifacts significant to the county schools and churches. The medical room displays the tools used by a local doctor, who would have also served as a dentist. Medicine bottles, prescriptions, and other medical items are on display in this room. Medical photographs and a cot are items that are needed for this display. Next door to the medical office you will visit the homeplace, which exhibits items used for daily living. This room speaks of a simple life and of family value. A police officer is planted in the courtroom to keep order. Throughout the courthouse visitors will reflect on the photographic display of those people who served the county courthouse during its historical period. The original courthouse which was built in 1870 at a cost of $5,000, burned in 1886. The current structure was erected in 1889. The old courthouse was vacated in 1971, when a new county structure was built. The Tishomingo County Development Foundation was using the facility until December of last year. The courthouse will be open 9-5 during the week and from 10-2 on Saturday. Admission is free, however, a donation of $2.00 is recommended. Open house will be Saturday, March 6th, from 10-2. Be sure to check our website for additional information: http://www.rootsweb.com/~mstchgs/index.htm ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Remember Friends - JESUS is the reason for the season! Outgoing mail from Cindy is checked for viruses by Norton System Works