Mississippi Centennial Exposition on Display at the Gulf Coast Library

The Historical Society of Gulfport has created a six-panel display designed to tell the story of the 1917 Mississippi Centennial Exposition. The Centennial Celebration, originally set for December of 1917, was first delayed and then finally canceled when the United States entered World War I. This display was made possible by a grant from the Mississippi Humanities Council through support from the Mississippi Development Authority. 

When the Mississippi Centennial Exposition was established by the legislature, an exciting promotional campaign was launched throughout the state and country. All available media available was used, including newspaper ads and articles and brochures. Mailings by merchants were imprinted with the exposition’s logo and message to show their support of the event and Centennial buttons were proudly worn.

As part of the grant, the Historical Society of Gulfport has also reproduced the original brochure, Mississippi Centennial Exposition 1917: The Time Piece of Southern Progress. Free copies are available at the exhibit.

The exhibit, located on the third floor of the Southern Miss Gulf Coast Library on the The University of Southern Mississippi’s Gulf Park Campus though February, will also continue to be displayed at libraries, community colleges and other venues throughout the area.

For more information, contact Betty Shaw at 228.214.3456 or , or visit the Historical Society of Gulfport by clicking here.