The Most Southern Place on Earth: Music, History, and Culture of the Mississippi Delta

FAIN: BH-250794-16

Delta State University (Cleveland, MS 38733-0001)
Rolando Herts (Project Director: February 2016 to December 2019)

Two one-week workshops for seventy-two schoolteachers on the history and culture of the Mississippi Delta, with music as a focus.

The Most Southern Place on Earth: Music, History, and Culture of the Mississippi Delta was presented with NEH support in June and July of 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015. The Most Southern Place on Earth addresses all four of the goals of the Landmarks program. It informs participants of the important role that the Mississippi Delta has played in American history, a role that is very often ignored or overlooked. Since the Delta is a place of “mean poverty and garish opulence” (according to Will Campbell), intellectual exploration of its heritage requires building a community of civility. Our approach is highly experiential and tells heritage stories at the places where they happened.