The Mississippi Museum of Natural Science in Jackson educates the public about the state’s wildlife and habitats through indoor and outdoor exhibits and programs. Founded in 1932 by Fannye Cook, the museum houses a collection of her research and offers resources for educators and youth. Located in LeFleur’s Bluff State Park, the complex includes over 70,000 square feet of space and 300 acres of land, with outdoor features like hiking trails and a greenhouse. Special exhibits rotate through the museum, and there are interactive exhibits and games for children.
The Mississippi Museum of Natural Science is an educational and exhibition center located in Jackson that seeks to educate the public about the state’s wildlife and habitats through various exhibits, programs, and by preserving a collection of related research work. Francis (Fannye) Cook was a strong advocate for the museum’s creation in conjunction with the Mississippi Game and Fish Commission. LeFleur’s Bluff State Park is home to the large complex, where expansive outdoor features allow patrons to experience the landscape firsthand along with indoor exhibits, both permanent and rotating. This museum also offers a variety of educational programs and resources.
Biological researcher Fannye Cook founded the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science in 1932 as part of the Game and Fish Commission. The commission’s activities focused on traveling and educational exhibitions. Cook then became the museum’s first director during this period and used the skills she learned at the Smithsonian to train museum workers across the state to gather information about Mississippi’s natural life and habitats.
Seeking to continue this type of research and preserve Mississippi’s natural landscape, the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science houses a collection of Cook’s research dating back to the early 1930s. Most of Cook’s completed plant and animal investigation research centers and satellite museums that he managed between 1936 and 1941. In 2011, he was a member of both the American Museum Association and the Association of Science Technology Centers.
This Jackson, Mississippi museum is located in LeFleur’s Bluff State Park. The complex measures over 70,000 square feet (approximately 6,503 square meters) and 300 acres of land. Outdoor features include over 2 miles (about 3.22 kilometers) of hiking trails and “the swamp,” a large greenhouse. The museum also boasts an amphitheater.
The Mississippi Museum of Natural Science hosts both indoor and outdoor permanent exhibits. Indoor exhibits feature Mississippi’s various animals and landscapes, with space dedicated to its aquatic habitats, extinct species, and swamps, among others. The open-air exhibits allow patrons to experience the museum’s work in action and include nature walks, a labyrinth and several gardens, as well as ponds, streams and a grove. Special exhibits rotate through the museum and focus on specific animals or present an in-depth look at a certain habitat.
As part of its mission to educate the public about the state’s natural resources, the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science offers a variety of resources for educators and youth. A nursery room offers children the opportunity to climb small trees, play with puppets, and listen to stories about nature. Older students can enjoy interactive exhibits and games in the kids’ club. Field trip programs and presentations include hands-on demonstrations of specific content and classes, as well as teacher planning guidance.
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