Mississippi Children’s Museum-Meridian celebrates America’s 250th with Storytelling Festival

Published 5:31 am Thursday, January 15, 2026

Families are invited to experience the power of storytelling at the Mississippi Children’s Museum – Meridian  during the annual Storytelling Festival on Saturday. This year’s festival, which runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., celebrates both 250 years of America and MCM’s ongoing Literacy Initiative.

The 2026 Storytelling Festival holds special significance as the museum commemorates America’s 250th birthday by honoring the stories that shape the nation. From tales passed down through generations to personal journeys that reflect the diverse American experience, this festival’s theme, “Telling America’s Stories,” celebrates the role that storytelling plays in preserving history and building community.

Beginning at 2 p.m., guests can watch Meridian’s history come to life through engaging reenactors, including Lewis Ragsdale, the Key Brothers, Susie Glover and the Lady of the Grand Opera House, bringing local stories off the page and into the present.

Throughout the day, visitors will enjoy performances and special programming that celebrate Mississippi’s rich storytelling traditions and storytellers past and present.

Visiting Artists include Alana Broughton, who will demonstrate storytelling through songwriting, and Jerry Jenkins, who uses drumming to tell stories of history and culture.

MCM-Meridian is also launching its new Stamp Book program at the Storytelling Festival. Children will earn their first stamp simply by attending the festival and can continue collecting stamps at future museum events to earn fun rewards.

This event is included with $10 general admission and free with museum membership. Visit mcmmeridian.org for more information.