Jefferson Davis Presidential Library
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Main façade of the Library and Museum
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| Location | Beauvoir Historic Site, 2244 Beach Boulevard, Biloxi, Mississippi, U.S. |
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| Dedicated | May 30, 1998 |
| Rededicated | June 3, 2013 |
| Named for | Jefferson Davis |
| Architect | Larry Albert |
| Size | 24,000 square feet (2,200 m2) |
| Cost | $11.5 million |
| Management | Mississippi Division, S.C.V. |
| Website | beauvoir |
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The Jefferson Davis Presidential Library and Museum is the presidential library of Jefferson Finis Davis, President of the Confederate States from 1861 to 1865. Designed by Larry Albert of Albert & Associates Architects, the library is located in Biloxi, Mississippi, about 80 miles (130 km) northeast of New Orleans, Louisiana and 65 miles (105 km) southwest of Mobile, Alabama.[1][2]
Facilities
The presidential library has the stated purpose of preserving, housing and making available the official papers, records, artifacts and other historical materials of Jefferson Davis. Despite the name, it is not administered by the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), as Davis was never a president of the United States. It is, however, supported by the State of Mississippi, as decscribed on a plaque at the library entrance. The museum features continually changing temporary exhibits and a permanent exhibit covering President Davis' life.[1]
On August 29, 2005, the original Jefferson Davis presidential library suffered heavy damage from the fierce wind and water of Hurricane Katrina. The library pavilion, the Hayes cottage, Soldiers Home Barracks replica, Confederate Soldiers Museum, gift shop, and the director's home were totally destroyed. Artifacts were photographed, inventoried, boxed and placed in environmental storage while conservation of the items and Beauvoir Historic Site were under way. On January 9, 2007, a bid of $4.1 million was taken to rebuild the library and museum. Because of hurricane damage, renovation of the original Jefferson Davis presidential library was deemed impossible; consequently, the newly rebuilt library was rededicated and opened to the public on June 3, 2013.[2] The Federal Emergency Management Agency paid $4 million to repair Beauvoir and an additional $10 million to construct the new library.[3] The William Beckwith statue of President Davis that once graced the rotunda of the library now stands near the entrance, along with a statue by Civil War artist Gary Casteel that was added in 2009.
See also
References
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- 1998 establishments in Mississippi
- Biographical museums in Mississippi
- Buildings and structures in Biloxi, Mississippi
- Libraries in Mississippi
- Library buildings completed in 2013
- Museums in Harrison County, Mississippi
- Presidential museums in the United States
