Mississippi transforms Historic Jefferson College into regional preservation education hub

The Mississippi Department of Archives and History (MDAH) and Mississippi State University (MSU) have signed a memorandum of understanding to transform Historic Jefferson College near Natchez into a regional hub for education, research, and workforce development focused on historic preservation trades. This partnership will utilize the unique historical resources of the 19th-century college and MSU's academic expertise to provide year-round programming, including field schools, workshops, and experiential learning opportunities. Students will gain hands-on training in historic preservation and construction technology, addressing a critical shortage of skilled labor in these fields. The initiative builds on the legacy of Jefferson College, Mississippi's first institution of higher learning and site of the state's first constitution signing. MSU will serve as the lead academic partner, collaborating with other institutions to expand the program's statewide impact. This effort aims to benefit both students and local communities by opening new educational pathways and supporting economic development.