For Immediate Release

April 3, 2013

For more information, contact:

Elise Dillingham

Sullivan Branding

(901) 526-6220

Tunica RiverPark Exhibits to Focus on African American History in the Mississippi Delta and the Region’s Artists

TUNICA, Mississippi, April 3, 2013 – The Tunica RiverPark and Museum will unveil three new exhibits during the month of April. These exhibits will explore the history of the oldest independent all-black community in the heart of the Delta, introduce the new traveling exhibits gallery and offer a new experience for children.

“When we commissioned these new exhibits, we thought about the Mississippi Delta and its unique culture as a whole,” said Webster Franklin, president and CEO of the Tunica Convention and Visitors Bureau. “After the 2011 flood, we created a restoration plan for the RiverPark and decided we should use the facility primarily to tell the stories of the Mississippi River. With our upcoming exhibits, we’re going to tell one of the untold stories of the region’s history and some of the more recent ones.”

From Plantation to Prosperity: A Black Family History in the Mississippi Delta

Beginning April 16 at the RiverPark’s Mississippi River Museum, “From Plantation to Prosperity: A Black Family History in the Mississippi Delta” will tell the little-known story of opportunity, cooperation and success in the Delta towns of Davis Bend (now known as Davis Island) and Mound Bayou, Miss. During the Civil War, African American slaves enjoyed an uncommon amount of freedom while living in Davis Bend. After the war, residents moved to another area of the Mississippi Delta and founded Mound Bayou. The exhibits explore the founders, builders, lifestyle, hardships and successes of the oldest independent all-black communities in the Delta.

“One of the lesser-known histories in the Mid-South region is about African Americans in the Delta during the 19th century,” said Franklin. “There are a lot of organizations doing a great job of telling the civil rights movement story, but there is little information about African American communities in our region.”

The Tunica RiverPark and Design 500, Inc. of Memphis, Tenn. worked with the head of African American studies at the University of Memphis to develop this exhibit. Beverly Bond, associate professor of history and director of interdisciplinary programs in African American studies, and Malcolm Frierson, a Ph.D candidate with the university, wrote the story of the two towns after more than three months of research, including visits to Mound Bayou. “From Plantation to Prosperity” is the first exhibit at the Mississippi River Museum to focus on African American history.

“The communities of Davis Bend and Mound Bayou are particularly important because they require us to reconsider traditional narratives of slavery and Reconstruction,” said Frierson. “The successful cooperation established between blacks and whites at the Bend during slavery is rather fascinating, and the founding of Mound Bayou by formerly enslaved Africans is nothing short of remarkable. The prevailing thought among many whites in the late 19th century was that people of African descent lacked intelligence, industriousness and morality. The leadership of enslaved Africans at Davis Bend and their later organization of the prosperous city of Mound Bayou demonstrate the absurdity of these ideas. Residents of the Mississippi Delta and other areas should take pride in the rich heritage, purpose and meaning behind this incredible story.”

Delta Artists

Following the opening of “Plantation to Prosperity,” the changing exhibits area will be unveiled. This space will allow the Mississippi River Museum to offer a new experience to its visitors every six months. On April 25, “Delta Artists” will open as its inaugural exhibit. Through two and three-dimensional art, artists from throughout the Delta will show the rich diversity of the region. Pieces will be sold for an under $1,000 price point.

“Delta Artists” will be curated by the T Clifton Art gallery in Memphis. The exhibit’s curators selected a diverse style of pieces and mediums from artists living near the Delta. The work of 25 artists will explore on the area’s features and personality, plus reflections on the 2011 flood.

Other Exhibits

An exhibit of particular interest to children will be the bat exhibit, which will open April 1 and will be on display at the museum throughout the month. This exhibit is designed to give children who come to the museum with their families and school groups a more interactive way to experience the history of the Mississippi Delta and the wildlife found within. The exhibit is a complement to the aquarium and two recently-opened exhibits designed for children: “Mound Builder Interactive” and “Wildlife Spotting and Photography Interactive.”

The final exhibit of the 2013 series will reflect on the 2011 Mississippi Delta flood. The opening date for this exhibit will be announced in the upcoming months. In addition to the exhibits inside the Mississippi River Museum, the Tunica RiverPark also offers cruises on the Tunica Queen and walking tours along its EcoTrail.

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About Tunica

Located 30 minutes south of Memphis, Tunica is The South’s Casino Capital. Live It Up Just Down the Road at the nine world-class casinos, 6,000 luxurious hotel rooms, fine dining restaurants and buffets, headline entertainers, championship golf and tennis, award-winning museums, lavish spas, and outlet/antique shopping. Come see why everyone is saying, “Live It Up Just Down the Road in Tunica!” Call 1-888-4TUNICA to request a value-packed Winner’s Guide, or visit www.tunicatravel.com for travel information.

About the Tunica RiverPark

Perfect for family outings or a romantic sunset walk, the Tunica RiverPark allows you to interact up close with the awe-inspiring beauty of the Mississippi River. The grounds are rich with native wildlife and flora, and the stunning architectural features of the RiverPark Overlook provide breathtaking views of America’s river. The Tunica RiverPark, which was named a 2011 Rand McNally Best of the Road winner, features the Mississippi River Museum, riverboat cruises, nature trail, 48-foot river overlook and gift shop. For more information, visit www.tunicariverpark.com.

About Design 500 Inc.

Design 500 Inc. is a museum planning and exhibit design firm based in Memphis, Tenn. Their clients include Elvis Presley Birthplace, Gateway to the Blues Museum, Tunica RiverPark and the Blues Foundation.

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