Mississippi Magazine Celebrates 20 Years of Highlighting the State's People and Places

Mississippi Magazine, founded in 1982 with a mission of highlighting the rich culture and heritage of the state and presenting its people, places and events in a positive and uplifting manner," is celebrating its 20th anniversary with a special commemorative issue this fall. The September/October issue arrives on newsstands during the week of August 26.

Mississippi Magazine is celebrating its 20th anniversary this fall with a special commemorative issue. The September/October issue arrives on newsstands during the week of August 26.
   The magazine was founded in 1982 with a mission of highlighting the rich culture and heritage of the state and presenting its people, places and events in a positive and uplifting manner," according to the publishers letter featured in the premier issue. During the past 20 years, the bi-monthly regional lifestyle publication has featured everything from profiles of Mississippi-born celebrities to looks inside some of the states most beautiful homes to hands-on decorating tips, garden ideas and historical features.
   We have truly enjoyed promoting the positive aspects of our state over the last 20 years," said publisher Richard Roper. The people of Mississippi have embraced our magazine from the start, and we are grateful for their support."
   In the magazines first issue, published in September/October 1982, then-editor Nancy Cotten wrote, We have taken the best that we have found in the myriad magazines around the country and adapted these ideas to our own special needs. But we are definitely singing our own song." That first issue featured an article on a steamboat cruise down the Mississippi River, a photo essay on autumn in Mississippi and a fictional work entitled The River Story" by author Tom McHaney.
   Highlights of the magazines first 20 years have included profiles of Mississippi celebrities like John Grisham, Sela Ward, Eudora Welty and Morgan Freeman; a special interview with Englands Prince Edward; a re-telling of interesting stories from those who have lived and worked at the Governors Mansion; a feature on Mississippi-bred fashion designers; and inside looks at beautiful and unusual homes from Vicksburgs haunted McRaven to the Clinton home of N Syncs Lance Bass.
   The upcoming anniversary issue features a special 20th Anniversary section, including the results of a recent readers survey rating the states best in categories from downhome restaurant to day trip and musician to museum. 20 Things Every Mississippian Should Do" spotlights suggestions from readers and magazine staff on memorable activities no resident of our state should forego, like float down a river on an inner tube, visit Stennis Space Center during a rocket testing and learn to fry chicken and make sweet tea. Other highlights of the special section include 20 favorite recipes from the magazines archives and a look at what Mississippians were doing back in 1982.
   The September/October issue also features Mississippi Magazines annual Renovation Guide, with a look inside the beautifully restored 1859 John Clark house in Clarksdale. For the average homeowner, the guide also features ideas on renovating with an eye toward getting the most impact for the least money, along with quick tips for enhancing any room.
   Our anniversary issue is an example of Mississippi Magazines continued goal of looking back at our states great heritage while looking forward to its bright future," said managing editor Kelli Bozeman. Whether its history, travel or home decorating, we plan to keep giving our readers stories they will not only enjoy but be able to put to practical use in their daily lives."
   Mississippi Magazine is available at newsstands or by subscription at a rate of $18 per year. For more information, please call (601) 982-8418 or (800) 844-8418.

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