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The Folk Museum of African American History The museum is open to the public. Purpose The Bessie Jones House is historically owned by Black families. The goal of the Holly Springs Federated Improvement Club is to preserve and restore the Bessie Jones House as an African-American Historical Museum for the city of Holly Springs, the State of Mississippi, and the Nation. Heritage The Holly Springs Federated Improvement Club, Incorporated, has purchased the Bessie Jones House, built in 1895, on Randolph Street, Holly Springs, MS. This two-story, frame house, with multi-gabled on-hip roof and wrap-around porch, is one of the best surviving examples of Queen Anne Style Residential Architecture in Holly Springs. The house also exhibits Victorian Gothic influences in the details of the gables and porch entrance. The home was a residential show place, rich in African-American history and family ownership. Beside the 12-room house, there was a large barn, carriage house, and other out buildings. Mrs. Bessie Jones converted the barn, carriage house, and surrounding buildings to living quarters. The house later became a boarding house for the Mississippi Industrial College and Rust College students; the headquarters for Universal Life Insurance Company for North Mississippi; and a temporary men's dormitory for Rust College after the old one burned in 1940. After the Jones family moved to Chicago in the 1960s, all of the property was sold, except for the house. Plan The Bessie Jones House is to be restored for the establishment of an African-American Museum. This project is sponsored by the Holly Springs Federated Improvement Club. This restoration project consists of four phases: Phase I: Purchase Phase II: Architectural Study Phase III: Restoration Phase IV: Furbishing How you can help the restoration project!! Join the Holly Springs Federated Improvement Club. As a member you will become associated with the local, district, regional, state, and National Association of Colored Women Club, Inc. Your contribution will ensure continued progress for the club and museum. Membership Fees $10.00 - student $40.00 - adult $20.00 - associate $100.00 - Family History $_____ - Special gifts are always appreciated by the Federated Improvement Club. Make checks payable to the Holly Springs Federal Club and send to 260 N. Randolph, Holly Springs, MS 38635. If you would like to share the story of the struggles and achievements of African Americans in your area and provide support for the museum activities, please call: Ms. Bennie Freeman - (601) 252-2579 Ms. Leona Harris - (601) 252-5348
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The Folk Museum of African American History

The museum is open to the public.

Purpose
The Bessie Jones House is historically owned by Black families. The goal of the Holly Springs Federated Improvement Club is to preserve and restore the Bessie Jones House as an African-American Historical Museum for the city of Holly Springs, the State of Mississippi, and the Nation.

Heritage

The Holly Springs Federated Improvement Club, Incorporated, has purchased the Bessie Jones House, built in 1895, on Randolph Street, Holly Springs, MS. This two-story, frame house, with multi-gabled on-hip roof and wrap-around porch, is one of the best surviving examples of Queen Anne Style Residential Architecture in Holly Springs. The house also exhibits Victorian Gothic influences in the details of the gables and porch entrance.

The home was a residential show place, rich in African-American history and family ownership. Beside the 12-room house, there was a large barn, carriage house, and other out buildings. Mrs. Bessie Jones converted the barn, carriage house, and surrounding buildings to living quarters.

The house later became a boarding house for the Mississippi Industrial College and Rust College students; the headquarters for Universal Life Insurance Company for North Mississippi; and a temporary men's dormitory for Rust College after the old one burned in 1940. After the Jones family moved to Chicago in the 1960s, all of the property was sold, except for the house.

Plan
The Bessie Jones House is to be restored for the establishment of an African-American Museum. This project is sponsored by the Holly Springs Federated Improvement Club. This restoration project consists of four phases:

Phase I: Purchase
Phase II: Architectural Study
Phase III: Restoration
Phase IV: Furbishing

How you can help the restoration project!!

Join the Holly Springs Federated Improvement Club. As a member you will become associated with the local, district, regional, state, and National Association of Colored Women Club, Inc. Your contribution will ensure continued progress for the club and museum.

Membership Fees
$10.00 - student
$40.00 - adult
$20.00 - associate
$100.00 - Family History
$_____ - Special gifts are always appreciated by the Federated Improvement Club.

Make checks payable to the Holly Springs Federal Club and send to 260 N. Randolph, Holly Springs, MS 38635.

If you would like to share the story of the struggles and achievements of African Americans in your area and provide support for the museum activities, please call:

Ms. Bennie Freeman - (601) 252-2579

Ms. Leona Harris - (601) 252-5348

This Page Was Last Updated