History:

Determination was probably the main factor which led to the formation of the Rankin County Historical Society, A group of people led by Sara Richardson were determined that the history of Rankin County should and would be preserved. Toward that end, the organizational meeting of the Rankin County Historical Society was held on May 27, 1978, at the courthouse in Brandon. Mrs. Richardson was elected temporary chairperson. She later would be elected the Society’s first president; Alice Gray Warren served as secretary/treasurer.

A number of projects were immediately undertaken. Chief among these was the surveying of cemeteries in the county, a project first begun by a committee of the American Association of Retired Persons. Work also was begun on church histories, oral history and genealogical research. Early in the history of the organization, steps were taken to incorporate and to obtain tax exempt status. The articles of incorporation were prepared by State Senator Mitch Childre, a charter member of the Society. The complicated tax forms were filed by Bobbie Jones Daughdrill, another member.