HISTORICAL SOCIETY NAMED MOST OUTSTANDING IN MISSISSIPPI

The Mississippi Historical Society (MHS), founded in 1858 and headquartered in Jackson, MS, has recognized the Walthall County Historical Society (WCHS) as Most Outstanding Local Historical Society in the state of Mississippi for 2026. The award was presented to Dr. Cathy Chance Harvey, President, WCHS, by Roscoe Barnes, III, President, MHS, during the MHS annual meeting, March 5-6, 2026, in Meridian, MS. In addition to a framed document signed by President Barnes and Secretary Brother Rogers, the award came with a $300 cash prize.

The Awards Luncheon took place in Meridian's Mississippi State University Riley Center for Education and Performing Arts. In accepting the award, Dr. Harvey thanked the MHS for applauding the Walthall County Historical Society's efforts to celebrate and preserve the rich history of Walthall County and the state of Mississippi.

In her remarks, Dr. Harvey mentioned one of the Society's many successful projects over the past two years, the June 2025 acquisition of a state historical marker for historic Walthall County Courthouse and Jail, obtained through a partnership with the Walthall County Board of Supervisors. (The markers are provided by the Mississippi Department of Archives and History [MDAH], which has placed over 1,000 such markers throughout the state.)

As a photo of the iconic green sign situated between the Courthouse and Jail loomed overhead on a giant screen, Dr. Harvey addressed, in particular, historian William "Brother" Rogers, who was in the audience. Dr. Harvey thanked Brother Rogers for his visit to WCHS in September 2024 when he gave an animated talk on MDAH markers, inspiring the Society to pursue acquiring the Courthouse and Jail state marker.

The Walthall County Historical Society, which meets quarterly in Tylertown, welcomes new members. For information, please follow WCHS on Facebook and in The Tylertown Times. Also, email chanceharvey@gmail.com or text 228-223-3984. Donations may be sent by check made out to Walthall County Historical Society and mailed to Cathy C. Harvey, P.O. Box 405, Tylertown MS 39667.