Frank and Erva Mae Fitzgerald, long-time residents of Inverness, began collecting soon after their marriage in 1931.
The couple prided themselves in rescuing many artifacts from the junk heap. The couple’s impressive collection was housed in a dedicated building constructed by Mr. Fitzgerald.
This original location in Inverness hosted scores of visitors from Mississippi, visitors from out of state, and even some international visitors. Guests were treated to viewing over 17,500 Native American artifacts, a unique arrangement of wrenches of every shape and size, and scores of flat irons. Also featured was a case containing over 7,000 pencils that was once cited in the Guinness Book of Records.
Visitors could also see a country store showcase with wind-up toys, a piggy bank and various other trinkets and treasures.
The centerpiece of this collection was the giant oak coffee table fashioned from one slice of a massive oak tree felled during a tornado.
As Mr. Fitzgerald aged, he grew concerned about the fate of his beloved collection. In an effort to preserve this jewel of history for future generations he donated the collection, in its entirety, to the Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum in Jackson. Before his death in 1991, Frank approved the plans for an exact replica building to be built on the grounds of the Ag Museum.
The building stands as a monument to one family’s vision and passion for history. The Fitzgerald Exhibit Building is open daily for visitors to enjoy as they tour the museum grounds.
The Ag Museum has received an Oral History Grant from the Mississippi Humanities Council to help guests hear the voices associated with the collections housed there.
The education team has chosen to focus on the Fitzgeralds and their collection. You are invited to share your stories with this project.
Personal stories are ones that should be treated with the same awe, respect, and reverence as any other collection artifact or item that is painstakingly preserved in the museum.
Through the sharing of stories and experiences the collections will be brought to life for future generations. Guests will have the opportunity to hear these stores from those who have been closest to the artifacts.
A personal voice helps to take the “stuff” they see around them and give it life.
To share your story, you may contact the museum education team via email: Amie Clark amie@mdac.ms.gov or Rachel Bone rachel@mdac.ms.gov or by calling 601-432-4500.
This program is financially assisted by the Mississippi Legislature through the Mississippi Department of Archives and History and the Mississippi Humanities Council.
The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of the Mississippi Humanities Council, the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Mississippi Department of Archives and History, or the University of Southern Mississippi.
