MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1999 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) Posey, Ferris, Hall

A RESOLUTION TO COMMEND THE MUSEUM OF SOUTHERN JEWISH EXPERIENCE OF UTICA, MISSISSIPPI, AS A RECIPIENT OF THE GOVERNOR'S AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN THE ARTS.

WHEREAS, the Museum of Southern Jewish Experience of Utica, Mississippi, mounted a special exhibit entitled "Alsace to America" in Jackson; and

WHEREAS, the Alsace to America exhibit treated thousands of visitors to a new understanding of the rich tradition of Jewish life in Mississippi and the South through this artistic presentation of cultural artifacts; and

WHEREAS, the private museum in Utica, which interprets, documents and preserves the long history of Jewish culture in the South, brought to life the struggles and triumphs of Jews who sought freedom in the American South; and

WHEREAS, these pioneers from France and Germany, who helped settle towns along the Mississippi River from New Orleans to Memphis, were social, political and cultural leaders in their communities; and

WHEREAS, through an extensive collection of artifacts, this exhibit chronicled the life of these prosperous communities during the early 1900's; and

WHEREAS, a gradual exodus from these rural communities to urban settings left a dwindling Jewish population in these areas; and

WHEREAS, under the guidance of Macy B. Hart, executive director of the museum, the vision for preservation was expressed when he said: "The story of Southern Jews is the story of rural America. We have a rich legacy, like all small-town folks, and it's important to protect our history."; and

WHEREAS, superior historical research and exhibit design coupled with the sensitive portrayal of Jewish heritage, artistry, and culture established the Alsace to America exhibit as an enduring legacy of Jewish communities in the South; and

WHEREAS, the museum is entirely worthy of the honor bestowed as the recipient of the Heritage Award in the Governor's Excellence in the Arts program:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MISSISSIPPI STATE SENATE, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the Museum of Southern Jewish Experience of Utica, Mississippi, upon the occasion of its receipt of the Governor's Award for Excellence in the Arts Heritage Award for the Alsace to America exhibit.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be presented to Macy B. Hart, executive director of the museum.