The Mississippi Digital Humanities Hub at the University of Southern Mississippi provides essential tools, training, and funding to support the preservation of historical and culturally significant documents for the people of Mississippi. Through innovative digital strategies, the Hub ensures that these materials are accessible to the public and preserved for future generations.
Congressional Support and Mission
The Hub operates with funding from a three-year congressional grant administered by the National Historical Publications and Records Commission, part of the National Archives. Its primary goal is to make Mississippi’s cultural and historical resources more accessible, interactive, and digitally preserved.
Dr. Andrew Haley, associate professor and director of the Hub, explains:
“Digital humanities span blogging, podcasts, interactive games, digital exhibits, archives, and documentaries. These technologies connect our online world to lived experiences. At the Hub, we explore how digital tools enable experts and the public to preserve, study, and interpret information in ways that would be impossible without technology.”
Recent Initiatives and Programs
New Digital Tools and Community Support
In the past year, the Hub has:
- Launched a website offering tools to transcribe even the most illegible handwritten documents.
- Opened a chat room to help Mississippians with their digital humanities projects.
Summer Residency Program
In June, the Hub hosted its first two-week summer residency on the Southern Miss Hattiesburg campus. Participants included faculty, librarians, and museum staff from across Mississippi. Training topics covered:
- Document digitization and preservation
- Data management and organization
- Website development and TEI markup
- Audio recording, podcasting, and video interviewing
- Photogrammetry and grant writing
Dr. Haley highlighted the interdisciplinary approach:
“Experts from library science, geography, oral history, computer science, and the humanities collaborated to tell the story of Mississippians effectively. This cross-institutional collaboration is the core of what we do at the Hub.”
Grant Opportunities for Digital Preservation
For the fall 2025 semester, the Hub plans to distribute over $250,000 in grants to support statewide digitization efforts. Grants of up to $40,000 are available to public institutions and nonprofits to:
- Digitize materials
- Purchase equipment
- Hire temporary staff
The Hub also provides guidance to ensure digital collections are accessible to researchers, students, and the public.
Expert-Led Workshops and Knowledge Sharing
More than 10 experts contributed to the Hub’s programs, including:
- Adrian Wisniski, University of Nebraska-Lincoln – on digital preservation
- Elizabeth La Beaud, Mississippi Digital Library – on preserving fragile books and audio tapes
- Kayla Stan, Southern Miss – on mapping and data visualization
Workshops inspired new digital humanities projects across Mississippi. Participants came from:
- Millsaps College
- Jackson State University
- Mississippi State University
- Tougaloo College
- Mississippi Valley State University
- Cultural institutions such as the Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art and the Ground Zero Hurricane Museum
Dr. Jose Martinez, assistant professor at Southern Miss, stated:
“The summer residency provided tools and solutions that will empower attendees to become more effective digital humanists.”
Impact on Mississippi Institutions
Several participants have already applied their skills:
- Dr. Detrice Roberts of Jackson State University began developing the Africana Digital Humanities Lab.
- K.C. New, digital humanities librarian at Mississippi State University, is integrating skills into classroom projects.
- Casey Sullivan, collections manager at Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art, is implementing digital project management strategies.
Erica Kennedy, Southern Miss Associate VP for Research, emphasized funding:
“Humanities scholars have impactful stories to tell. Digital humanities initiatives deserve robust support, just like STEM programs.”
Conclusion
The Mississippi Digital Humanities Hub is transforming the preservation and accessibility of historical and cultural materials throughout the state. By combining digital tools, expert guidance, and grant funding, the Hub empowers educators, librarians, and cultural institutions to tell Mississippi’s stories effectively. With innovative workshops, residencies, and statewide grants, the Hub ensures that both present and future generations can engage with Mississippi’s rich cultural heritage.
FAQs
What is the main purpose of the Mississippi Digital Humanities Hub?
The Hub focuses on preserving and digitizing historical and cultural materials, providing training, tools, and funding to ensure these resources are accessible to the public.
Who can apply for the Hub’s grants?
Public institutions and nonprofits in Mississippi can apply for grants of up to $40,000 to digitize and make collections accessible online.
What types of training does the Hub provide?
Training includes document preservation, digitization, data management, TEI markup, podcasting, video interviewing, photogrammetry, website development, and grant writing.
