The Old Courthouse Museum in Iuka is set to celebrate Heritage Day on Saturday, August 31, 2024. This event aims to provide visitors with an immersive experience of the past by showcasing the museum’s historical artifacts, offering guided tours and hosting various displays and activities. The museum will charge $5.00 entry fee for adults, which will contribute to the preservation and maintenance of the museum’s extensive collection.

One of the highlights is a guided tour of the historic 1870’s courthouse, artifacts and history of Eastport, Iuka and all Tishomingo County. Display and presentations will include Iuka baseball legend Tommy Dean, Hockaday brooms made on original, authentic equipment, chair caning and basket making, a civil war informational table, as well as personnel in traditional costume, an authentic full size cannon display, a beautiful historic car and truck, corn shuck doll making, homemade soaps, woodcrafts, and homemade treasures. Available food items include fried pies and bakery goods, sodas and water.

The Old Courthouse was known as the “Marriage Capital of the South” back in the day when there was no waiting period or blood test requirements. Over 44,000 marriage certificates were issued before the courthouse became inactive in 1971. As a way to honor this aspect of the county’s history, there will be a wedding arch decorated by Just A Kind Word florist - perfect for picture making. Another photo opportunity is with the 1958 Buick Century or 1940’s pickup.

The event runs from 9:00 – 2:00. The museum staff would like to thank the following sponsors that make it possible to host the “Living History” event: Tri State Educational Foundation, Segar’s Clinic, Renasant Bank, B & B Concrete of Iuka, O’Claires , State Farm –Harold Lomenick, Sparks CPA Firm, Lee Welch, Brooks Grocery, Iuka Discount Drugs, Farm Bureau, Kirk Milligan, Harwell Auto Supply, Ludlam Funeral Services, Coke of Corinth, Piggly Wiggly, Cutshall Funeral Home, Alfa Insurance, Triple D’s Hardware, Cornerstone Insurance & Financial, Hollie, Milligan, E M Storage Units, Beth Davis, Franklin Financial, Encore/River Rags , Pepsi, Brenda Irvin, Sid’s Trading, and Ralph Farr.

A special thanks to the Old Courthouse Museum board and the Tishomingo County Board of Supervisors for their ongoing support.