To understand America
you need to experience…Mississippi.
Mississippi’s under-told Black Heritage story spans from enslavement and civil war through emancipation
to the fight for equality—playing a crucial role in the civil rights movement.
Our tours follow the footsteps of heroes while informing, entertaining, and highlighting the many African American accomplishments that shaped Mississippi and continue to inspire future generations.
Historical Roots
In the southeastern U.S., Mississippi is bordered by the “Mighty” Mississippi River to the west and the Gulf of Mexico to the south. Originally populated by Native American tribes like the Natchez, Choctaw, and Chickasaw, its 19th-century economy thrived on cotton, relying heavily on enslaved African labor. This economic foundation led to the Civil War, emancipation, reconstruction, and an ongoing quest for civil rights.
Cultural Resilience
Until now, Black Mississippi’s story was eclipsed by the romanticized white columned plantations of the Old South. Today, we also recognize these as symbols of resilience and the irreplaceable contributions of African Americans to music, food, education, and the arts. The state’s cultural heritage now honors influences from Native Americans, Africans, Creoles, Europeans, and Asians, underscoring its vital role in American history.
Civil Rights Legacy
Mississippi’s pivotal role in Civil Rights produced notable leaders like Medgar Evers and Fannie Lou Hamer and prior to that, national icons such as Hiram R. Revels, John R. Lynch, and many others. Landmarks, such as “The Forks of the Road” slave market in Natchez, Vicksburg National Military Park, the Mississippi Delta—the birthplace of the blues—and the Jackson Civil Rights Museum highlight the state’s complex past and achievements.
Explore Our Tours
The Mississippi Heritage Tours are dedicated to showcasing the rich tapestry of African American culture, history, and heritage throughout the state of Mississippi. Our mission is to educate and inspire through immersive experiences that highlight the significant contributions of Black individuals and communities to the fabric of Mississippi’s identity.
Through our thoughtfully curated tours, we traverse the diverse landscapes of Mississippi. Our journeys encompass key historical sites and cultural landmarks, teaching the importance of Black history and culture in shaping the state’s legacy. Together, we honor the past while empowering future generations to appreciate and celebrate the profound impact of African American heritage in Mississippi.
The Mississippi Heritage Experience
6 day – 5 night • Statewide tour
This immersive cultural and historical tour celebrates the rich legacy of African Americans in Mississippi. Explore significant landmarks such as the Medgar Evers Home, Emmett Till Memorial, and the B.B. King Museum. Through engaging storytelling and curated exhibitions, we honor the impactful contributions of black communities to Mississippi’s heritage, fostering a deeper understanding of their narratives and struggles.
For Us The Living: 100 Years of Medgar Evers (TBA)
2 day – 1 night • Civil rights Mississippi tour
This journey includes key landmarks and guided discussions that provide insights into the life of Medgar Evers, the NAACP field secretary assassinated in 1963. Visit historic cities like Vicksburg, Jackson, Meridian, and Mound Bayou. Explore sites that shaped the civil rights movement while honoring the legacies of Medgar and his wife, Myrlie. This tour seeks to educate and inspire, deepening understanding of the pivotal moments in Black history.
From the Delta to the Bayou
4 day – 3 night • Memphis to New Orleans
This journey showcases the region’s cultural heritage and vibrant experiences. This tour blends music, cultural history, and culinary experiences, into a rich memorable journey through the heart of the South.
Regional Heritage Experiences
2 Day • 1 Night
The Mississippi Regional Heritage Experiences feature unique perspectives each area of our diverse state.
• Northwest – The Delta & The Blues
• Northeast – The Hill Country Heritage
• Southwest – The Capital Area & Mighty River Road
• South – The Gulf Coast Influences
• Southeast – The Pine Belt Story
Tour Highlights & Services
Discover the vibrant culture and rich history of the Magnolia Bayou Heritage Company, where we invite you to immerse yourself in a multitude of experiences that celebrate the heart and soul of our region.
Whether you’re looking for engaging step-on guides and unforgettable bus tours, exquisite dining experiences, or captivating entertainment through blues and gospel performances, we have it all.
Join us for lively festivals and insightful summits, and enjoy comfortable lodging for your stay. We cater to families and class reunions, as well as offering curriculum-based field trips that inspire and educate. Explore our museums and historic sites, and let us help you craft customized itineraries for both single and multi-day adventures.
With a wealth of historic sites and attractions at your fingertips, plus opportunities for enriching speaking engagements, Magnolia Bayou Heritage Company provides a unique gateway to explore and cherish the treasures of our heritage.
Contact us today to start planning your unforgettable journey!
Featured Attractions
Memphis, Tennessee
• National Civil Rights Museum
civilrightsmuseum.org
Holly Springs, Mississippi
• Ida B. Wells-Barnett Museum
idabwellsmuseum.org
Indianola, Mississippi
• B.B. King Museum
bbkingmuseum.org
Mound Bayou Mississippi
• Mound Bayou Museum of African American Culture and History
moundbayoumuseum.org
Jackson, Mississippi
• Two Mississippi Museums
2mm.mdah.ms.gov
Jackson, Mississippi
• Medgar & Myrlie Evers Home
National Monument
nps.gov
Natchez Mississippi
• Natchez Museum of African
American History and Culture
visitnapac.net
New Orleans Louisiana
• 2nd Line Tours
2ndline.tours
Meet Your Guide
Jeremy Houston is a historian, writer, storyteller, musician, and U.S. Marine Corps veteran dedicated to highlighting African American heritage.
As an author and tour guide, he offers unique experiences celebrating heroes and history. His five-volume series, “Straight Outta Natchez,” explores prominent individuals from Natchez, Mississippi, the oldest continuous settlement along the Mississippi River. Before founding Magnolia Bayou Heritage Company, he established the Miss-Lou Heritage Group and Tours in 2016, setting the foundation for his mission.
Speaking Engagements:
Presentations are available for your meeting or event. There is so much more to share!
