ServiceSpring • 2015Your

Museum Celebrates Black History Month

During Black History Month 2015, the African American Military History Museum in Downtown Hattiesburg honored female veterans who are currently serving or who have honorably served in the United States Armed Forces.

All February long, the Museum hosted events to inspire and educate, beginning on January 29 with a Kick-Off event. The Kick-Off took place from 1 pm-3 pm and was free to all who attended. Later in the month, guests enjoyed events such as a Friday Film Series and Valentines for Veterans.

New exhibit and special events during February

In this issue - • Black History

Month

• Birthday Bash

• Branson on the Road

• Mississippi Tourism Day at the Capitol

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@ H a t t i e s b u r g C o n v e n t i o n C o m m i s s i o n

Mary Agnes BellUnited States Army (WAC)

For the 2015 celebration, the Museum presented a special new exhibit, honoring women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Over the past several months, the Museum has collected information from African American military women in the area, helping to create the unique exhibit, “Continuing the Legacy: African American Women United in Military Service.”

As February concludes, the celebration of our female soldiers will continue during Women’s History Month in March. The Museum would like to encourage everyone to show their appreciation for these brave women!

One year ago, the Museum celebrated its grand reopening following the damage of the 2013 tornado. Events held during 2014’s Black History Month highlighted the support from the Pine Belt community in rebuilding and restoring the Museum, and since that time, the Museum has hosted over 3,000 visitors from across the country.

is the official newsletter of the Hattiesburg Convention Commission.

To update your contact information or to share comments, please contact us at:

One Convention Center PlazaHattiesburg, MS 39401

601.268.3220

HattiesburgConventionCommission.com

Andy StetelmanChair

Charles J. BrownSecretary/Treasurer

Bud KirkpatrickCommissioner

Charlie V. JonesCommissioner

Lewis MyrickVice-Chair

Clyde BryantCommissioner

Dr. Aubrey LucasCommissioner

Carey VarnadoLegal Counsel

Hattiesburg Convention Commission

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H a t t i e s b u r g C o n v e n t i o n C o m m i s s i o n2

For details on Black History Month events, call 601.450.1942 or visit HattiesburgUSO.com.

Richard TaylorExecutive Director

[ African American Military History Museum ]

[ Hattiesburg Zoo ]

On April 11, 2015, the Hattiesburg Zoo will celebrate its 65th birthday with the Annual Birthday Bash! This year, attendees are sure to “bug out” when the Zoo unveils its latest attraction: the Bug Hub Playground.

The nature-themed playground is sponsored by Havard Pest Control and encourages hands-on play. Featuring pathways that follow the travel patterns of insects and arachnids, resin logs for crawling, and stumps for jumping, the Bug Hub is the newest fun and educational area within the Zoo. The Bug Hub will also boast a sliding “ant hill” and life-sized spider web. Parents will enjoy the shaded seating areas while watching their children play.

The Birthday Bash is always an exciting day at the Zoo. Thousands of guests attend to enjoy train rides, snack on delicious specialty food, meet their favorite animals at one of many animal encounters, or watch a lively animal show. There’s no shortage of things to do at the Hattiesburg Zoo!

From 10 am-4 pm, guests at the event will enjoy all the Zoo has to offer for just $10 admission. A full day of fun is guaranteed for all.

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Buggin’ Out at Birthday BashHattiesburg Zoo to unveil Bug Hub playground

For information on tickets, Annual Passes and Zoo programs, call 601.545.4576 or visit

HattiesburgZoo.com.

A Tribute to Johnny Cash, the Carter Family and the roots of country music

H a t t i e s b u r g C o n v e n t i o n C o m m i s s i o n4

[ Historic Saenger Theater ]

By popular demand, Branson on the Road returns to Hattiesburg’s Historic Saenger Theater on Saturday, March 14 for their only Mississippi performance. Since making their Hattiesburg debut in 2012, Branson on the Road has returned each year with a show-stopping, knee-slapping act, guaranteeing a night of wholesome family entertainment reminiscent of the Grand Ole Opry.

This spring, Branson on the Road will present a Carter Family/Johnny Cash Tribute show. The first half of the performance highlights the Carter Family’s contributions to country music and includes classics such as “Wabash Cannonball” and “Keep on the Sunny Side.” Audiences will love learning more about the roots of country music and Carter Family connections to the hit songs of more modern country artists.

The second half of the show is a Johnny Cash Tribute which shares the life story of Cash intermingled with his music. Branson on the Road’s Debbie Horton is the only woman to have played lead guitar for Johnny Cash, having known the legend for over 20 years. The performance will feature some of Cash’s best-loved songs and even offers audience members the chance to request their personal favorites.

Branson on the Road’s three talented performers, Debbie Horton, Donnie Wright, and Brian Capps, boast more than 20 years of performance experience, and have been touring the country as Branson on the Road since 2004. The group prides themselves on offering a genuine and family-friendly musical affair for listeners.

The Historic Saenger Theater, recognized as the premier performance venue in Hattiesburg, is delighted to offer such a fantastic show for patrons.

Branson on the Road Returns to the Saenger

For a full list of Saenger events or to purchase tickets, call the Saenger Theater Box Office at 601.584.4888 or

visit HattiesburgSaenger.com.

H a t t i e s b u r g C o n v e n t i o n C o m m i s s i o n

[ Lake Terrace Convention Center ]

Hattiesburg represents tourism in Jackson

On Wednesday, January 21, employees of Lake Terrace Convention Center traveled to Jackson to attend a Day at the Capitol designed to promote Mississippi’s tourism industry. MTA Day at the Capitol, sponsored by the Mississippi Tourism Association and its partners, offered industry leaders from across the state a chance to advocate increased awareness of and support for tourism. In addition to the representatives from Lake Terrace, other Convention Commission facilities were represented at the Capitol, including the Saenger Theater, African American Military History Museum, Hattiesburg Visitors Center and Hattiesburg Zoo.

Annually, tourism adds nearly $625 million per year to Mississippi’s economy. The industry also creates approximately 85,000 jobs across the state, making it a lucrative industry with even more potential for growth. Lake Terrace Convention Center serves as the premier venue in Mississippi for conferences, family gatherings, and company events.

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Mississippi Tourism Association Day at the Capitol

For information on the Lake Terrace ConventionCenter, call 601.268.3220 or visit LakeTerrace.com.

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theSaenger theUSO

theZoo

[ Event Calendar ]

MARCH14 Branson on the Road

APRIL10 & 11 Shrek Jr.

MAY7-10 HCLO Presents: Jesus Christ

Superstar

MARCH2 Zoomobile reveal9-13 Spring Break activities

APRIL11 Birthday Bash

FEBRUARY20, 27 Friday Film Series21 ”Continuing the Legacy:

African American Women United in Military Service” exhibit opening

MARCH1-30 Women’s History Month

MAY22 Museum Anniversary25 Memorial Day