The Old Courthouse Museum in Iuka is set to join in the celebration of Heritage Day on Saturday, September 2, 2023, by presenting a unique event called “Living History”. This event aims to provide visitors with an immersive experience of the past by showcasing historical artifacts, offering guided tours, and hosting various interactive activities. The museum will charge a donation fee of $5.00 for entry, which will contribute to the preservation and maintenance of the museum’s collections.

One of the highlights of the event is the historical tour of museum artifacts. This tour will allow visitors to learn about the history and significance of the pieces on display. Another aspect of the event is the display of many handmade quilts and textiles which have been collected from across the region and aprons from our local Apron Museum. In addition, Jack Martin from Hockaday Handmade Brooms and Glen Rikkard will be on-hand demonstrating broom making, basket weaving, and chair caning.

The Old Courthouse Museum was known as the “Marriage Capital of the South” back when there was no three-day waiting period or blood test required to get married. Over 44,000 marriage certificates were issued in the Old Courthouse. As a way to honor this aspect of our county’s history, we will also be hosting mock weddings complete with a “preacher” and “wedding license” for lovebirds to keep as a memory of getting “married” at the Marriage Capital of the South. You may use your phone to take a photo of your wedding. Just a Kind Word Florist will have an outdoor wedding venue decorated for all participants. * If any adults would like to be married that day, please feel free to bring your minister/judge. Where else can you have a unique wedding for $5.00?

Below is an itinerary of events for the day:

• Museum opens: 9:00 a.m.
• Tours, quilt display, textiles, and aprons: 9:00 a.m. — 2:00 p.m.
• Meet and Greet with Cherokee Deer Clan: 10:30 a.m. — 11:00 a.m.
• Guest speaker on antique quilts: 11:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. and again at 1:30 p.m. — 2:00 p.m.
• Outside: Refreshment Tent with cold drinks, lemonade, water, and chips: $1.00 each
• Mock Wedding: $5.00
• Photo Prompt: $5.00 use your own phone or camera

On display will be a 1938 Buick Century. This prop will be ideal for family, wedding, class, or senior photos.

If you purchase a Museum Tour ticket for $5.00, you will be entered for a door prize drawing. There will be a drawing every hour from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.

We would like to thank our sponsors that made it possible to host the “Living History” event. Segars Clinic, Harold Lomenick (State Farm Insurance), Friendly Florist, B B’s Cakes, Hometown Pizza, Harwell Auto Parts, Cornerstone Insurance & Financial, Tishomingo Tourism, Clark Law Firm, E M Storage (Milligan) Southeast Auto, Pepsi, Just a Kind Word Florist, Coke, Piggly Wiggly, and Brooks.