I made history this week, history in my world, that is. You see I had a hankering for a set of pantaloons. You might ask why? Let me tell you all about it.

As you know, I am an over-the-top Mississippi historian. I mean I really get into it – costumes with stories, stories and more stories. Each story I dedicate to uplifting Mississippi’s glorious history. Oops, some of it, perhaps, is not totally glorious, but each story has a lesson to be learned.

So as 2017 rocked into my life, I began to book storytelling gigs. Although we are only to the 10th day of February, I have already had two needs for pantaloons. Yes, I lead a weird-sort of life, but I have discovered the extreme value of a set of pantaloons, especially when donning hooped skirts. Yes, when the North winds bluster or a dog sniffs up one’s dress, then pantaloons is the answer.

But as I planned my 2017 calendar, I had more than those two needs. That’s when I made history.

Was it the Greek philosopher, Plato, who said, “Necessity is the mother of invention?” Well, I definitely had a necessity (remember the North winds and the pup?). But how should I acquire these fancy-long-legged pants? I mean I don’t sew, not even too good with a glue gun. It seemed hopeless.

Amazon! Can you believe it? Luckily I am a tiny bit nifty with my computer, so I went online and researched, “Pantaloons.” Good-gosh-almighty – there they were pictures and all. I was thrilled. That’s when I grabbed by Visa card and tapped in an order. The delivery is due today.

Some of you may not have a clue in regard to my wonderful, soon to be in my possession, set of pantaloons. Like when did women have a real need to wear gear such as these? Oh my, there have been books written about this subject, but I shall give you the short version.

Pantaloons, pants, bloomers, under garments, drawers and/or knickers are all first cousins and versions of them have been around for centuries. In American, it was the mid to early 1800s when the garments not only were made available for a core function (Remember the North wind and, well, you know.), but, yes, as a fashion statement as well.

“Yeppers,” little ole gals might flounce their billowing skirts to daringly show just a bit of the laced garment, however, just a few years later, kickers or pantaloons were thought to be a symbol of women’s rights.

I admit I’m not that deep of a thinker. I mean I have all of the rights I need, Praise God. As I entitled this column, (Have pantaloons, will travel), I have a need for traveling pantaloons and as I make my stops, town to town across the State, I might, maybe, could, perhaps flounce by skirt. Maybe …

So what is this all about? Mississippi will celebrate a big birthday this year. Yes, come December 10th, Mississippi will be 200 years old. And I as a storyteller, who has dedicated 98% of my storytelling material to the history of Mississippi, shall tell these stories. Library to library, school to school, historical societies, civic clubs, town halls, museums and/or festivals, “Have pantaloons will travel,” will be my plan of the day.

I must say I am very excited about these fab opportunities. For many years, as you well know, I have declared, “If we as Mississippians do not uplift our State, who will?” I have already booked events in New Albany, Carthage, Bruce and DeKalb with others just waiting for the dates to be established.

“Have pantaloons will travel” or as my granny would have said, “Put your traveling britches on.” Either way, it is a wonderful time to be alive in Mississippi. As I have discussed celebration plans with communities and towns across the State, I am not surprised to hear the pride and love our people have for the Magnolia State.

Come along with me, my friends, and let us celebrate Big-Time – it is really not necessary to wear pantaloons, but more importantly, expect a time like no other, loving our State. Mississippi deserves it.

Anne McKee is a Mississippi historian, writer and storyteller. She is listed on the Mississippi Humanities Speakers Bureau and Mississippi Arts Commission’s Artist Roster. See her website: www.annmckeestoryteller.com.