Awards
Travel Attraction of the Year
The Museum was recognized in February 2009 at the Governor’s Conference on Tourism as the state’s “Travel Attraction of the Year”, for demonstrating results in bringing tourists and visitors to Jackson.
In June 2009, the Museum was awarded the coveted "Attraction of the Year" SUMITT Award (Superlative Merit in Travel & Tourism) by the Jackson Convention & Visitors Bureau for the seventh time. This honor is especially cherished as it is a vote of confidence from our peers: the volunteers, employees and organizations of the tourism industry.
Contests
Capture an Award-winning Moment
Our 1st annual “Back to Nature” photography contest begins May 1, 2009 and ends on February 1, 2010. This photography contest is designed to encourage Museum visitors to venture out and capture the natural beauty of the wildlife and habitats seen on the grounds of the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science and along the trails of LeFleur’s Bluff State Park. Contestants are also allowed to enter photos that have been taken inside the Museum.
Winning contestants will receive awards and their photographs will be exhibited for all Museum visitors to see. For more details, call 601-354-7303 or download the official guidelines and entry form here.
New & Seasonal Programs
Growing Up WILD
The Mississippi Museum of Natural Science will serve as the state’s primary sponsor of Growing Up WILD, a national early childhood education and training program for educators and caregivers of children ages 3-7 which provides educators with tools to connect young children to nature.
Click here for details.
Girl Scout / Cub Scout Programs
The Museum can help your scout group earn badges naturally! Call and book your group program today. Reservations required two weeks in advance. For more information, download the Girl Scout and Cub Scout flyer.
WILD about GIRL SCOUTS Leader Workshop
November 21, 2009 • 9am until 3:30pm (bring a bag lunch)
For more details, download the registration form.
Teacher Resources & Workshops
Updated Teacher's Guide Available
Check out the Museum’s updated “Teacher's Guide” to museum features, services and procedures for planning field trips and making use of learning materials available for loan. Click here for details.
Upcoming Teacher Workshops
The Museum offers environmental education programs, “Project WILD”, “Project WET” and “Growing UP WILD”, with CEU credits available. For details, contact Angel Rohnke or
Rebecca Jones
at 601-354-7303.
November 13, 2009: “WILD about ART” at MMNS — FULL
November 14, 2009: “Growing Up WILD” at MMNS — FULL
November 21, 2009: “WILD about Scouts” at MMNS
November 24, 2009: “Project WET!” at MMNS
December 19, 2009: “Project WILD” at Crosby Arboretum
February 20, 2010: “Growing UP WILD” at MMNS
Volunteer Milestones
Museum Volunteers Reach 3,000 Hour Milestone
John Davis and Joy Rushing have each given over 3000 hours of service to date at the Museum alone, contributing to our scientific collections, assisting in our research library, participting in on-going research work, and excelling in public education. As former classroom teachers,
John and Joy are able to generate a lasting inspiration in others that delights staff and visitors alike. Click here for full story.
Exhibit Updates
Two Headed Snake Exhibit Renovated
A new home for the popular Two Headed Snake was designed and built by the Museum’s Exhibit Team with special habitat and security considerations. Be sure to visit us and check it out!
Nature Trail Improvements
The Museum’s trail system received considerable attention during the last year. Improvements along the trails came in the form of volunteer projects by students, scouts and adults and via additions funded by grant money from the Recreational Trails Program. Click here for full story.
New Exhibit Guides Available
The Museum’s Indoor Guide and Outdoor Guide have been updated. Click here to visit our online interactive guides!
Endowment Fund
The Mississippi Museum Museum of Natural Science Foundation has joined forces with the Community Foundation of Greater Jackson to establish an endowment fund account designated for the Museum. The goal of the Community Foundation of Greater Jackson is to create plans that honor the wishes of its donors. A CFGJ endowment fund directs your gift to a designated charity or purpose. You identify the Museum as the recipient to benefit through your gift and CFGJ makes the annual distribution.
This agreement will augment future donations through investments, collectively managed to yield annual earnings for the Museum and to go back into the principle to help it grow even more.