Sunday, January 30, 2011

Smith Robertson Museum


The Smith Robertson Museum was originally a school. It was the first public school built for African Americans in Jackson, MS in 1894. One of the most famous graduates was author, Richard Wright in 1925. The school went through a lot because it was burned, erected and later refurbished. After so much the school was abandon because of integration but concerned citizens wanted to save the school from being torn down. Dr. Jessie B. Mosley along with others reopened to school as a museum and she was their first director.
The museum is the home to many important artifacts pertaining to the African American culture. When you tour it, it is almost as if you are taking a journey through the times of the African American as they progressed throughout the years. One thing that will surely stick out to any of the visitors is the statues of the slaves. They may be working in the fields, caring for their young or either singing amongst themselves. Although you were not there during those times, the meaning and stories behind the sculptures can play out a movie in your head.
Aside from the art, there are items such as wash pans, tubs, and even beds that give much more insight into the lives of slaves. It makes you thing of how easy things are now when we do not have to heat our irons up on a wood burning stove or even wash our clothes by hand. Advances in technology and the freedom of slaves should make us thankful for all we have. I encourage any tourist to stop by when in Jackson because it surely exhibit’s the come up of a culture that many of us had no idea about.