JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – The Foundation for Mississippi History was awarded a $1 million grant to support the construction of the Margaret Ann Crigler Park in downtown Jackson.

The grant was from the Community Foundation for Mississippi’s John and Lucy Shackelford Fund.

Located adjacent to the Two Mississippi Museums, the park will feature native Mississippi foliage, a large open green space, an outdoor stage, and a play area for children. The park is a project of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History (MDAH) and will be a new anchor on the city’s Museum Trail. Perkins&Will, a national architecture firm, is the landscape architect on this project.

“We’re extremely grateful for this gift from the John and Lucy Shackelford Fund,” said MDAH Director Katie Blount. “When we began work on this project, we knew that to be successful, we would need the support of a broad range of partners from the public, private and philanthropic communities. Support from the Shackelford Fund elevated our fundraising efforts when we built the Two Mississippi Museums, and we are proud to continue our partnership with the Community Foundation.”

In 2024, MDAH acquired the former Eudora Welty Library property with plans to replace the building with a new public park and green space.

The first $1 million for the project was donated by retired businessman Noble T. Crigler, and the park will be named after his late wife, Margaret Ann Crigler. The Mississippi Legislature has provided $3 million for the project.