Shape Up Mississippi (Catfish Row Museum)

The Catfish Row Museum (CRM) will partner with the Mound Bayou Museum (MBM) to develop and expand public programs and exhibitions. Project activities include the creation of a short film, and two permanent timeline exhibits that highlight the contributions of Vicksburg and Mound Bayou during significant historical phases, such as the cotton plantation era, slavery, the Civil War, Reconstruction, and the Civil Rights Movement. These exhibits will showcase community resilience and the shared history of both museums, emphasizing the narrative of cooperation that led to the founding of Mound Bayou by formerly enslaved people. Professional development workshops aimed at enhancing museum operations and management will be facilitated by experienced museum professionals in collaboration with local Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), specifically Jackson State University and Tougaloo College. This initiative aims to empower both museums, ensuring they effectively serve their communities while promoting a deeper understanding of their shared cultural heritage.