Annual Sunflower Festival
August, 2021
Welcome to the land where blues began
Since it's creation, the Delta Blues Museum has preserved, interpreted and encouraged a deep interest in the story of the blues. Established in 1979 by the Carnegie Library Board of Trustees and re-organized as a stand-alone museum in 1999, the Delta Blues Museum is the state's oldest music museum. A five-member board appointed by the Mayor and Board of Commissioners of Clarksdale governs the museum. Through funding by the City of Clarksdale, admissions, memberships, gift shop revenue, granting agencies and donations, the museum uses these public and private funds to carry out it's mission of preserving and teaching the Blues.
As the Delta Blues Museum celebrates it's 42nd anniversary on January 20th and throughout 2021 you will discover the latest new exhibits and more exciting events to partake covering the Museum's 42 years of exploring the new and preserving the Blues of the past. We're excited to be here for you to visit us and explore the Blues!
Exhibits - Field Trips
The Blues & The Great Migration
Drawing from the Museum's current exhibits and existing Explore & Learn educational feature, The Blues & The Great Migration, this virtual field trip is dedicated to the Great Migration and its impact on the history of the blues. Produced by Mississippi filmmaker Joe York.
View the Field Trip
View All Field Trips
Muddy Waters - The Blues Legend
Produced by Mississippi filmmaker Joe York, the video field trip draws upon the Museum's existing educational feature "Follow Muddy". This feature expands our visitors' experience through new visuals of Stovall Farms can be viewed plus much more, featured on display in the Delta Blues Museum Muddy Waters Addition.
View the Field Trip
View All Field Trips
Exhibits - Virtual Tours
Christone "Kingfish" Ingram - Tour Guide
Learn about Clarksdale's own professional blues performer Christone "Kingfish" Ingram and his experiences and influences from varying blues artists on exhibit at the Delta Blues Museum.
View the Virtual Tour
View All Virtual Tours
Richard "Daddy Rich" Crisman - Artist
Learn what Clarksdale's local blues musicians have to say regarding their experiences and/or influences involving Richard "Daddy Rich" Crisman.
View the Virtual Tour
View All Virtual Tours
Holiday Observance
- November 25, 2021
The Museum will be CLOSED in observance of Thanksgiving on Thursday, November 25th. The Museum will re-open at it's normal time on Friday, November 26th. Have a Happy & Safe Holiday!
Shopping at the Museum
- November, 2021
Now is a great time to start shopping for the holidays. From coffee and mugs, to t-shirts, books and cd's - you are sure to find something at the museum gift shop! Don't have time to stop by the gift shop? No worries - you can order online.
Events in Clarksdale
- Fall/Winter, 2021
By this time, most major events and festivals have concluded for the year. However, there is still plenty to do in Clarksdale. Whether it's a night at Ground Zero Blues Club or other local venues, be sure to stop by the Museum! Online reservations are not required, however are helpful.
For additional information regarding local events, please check out our Festivals section and you can also visit www.cathead.biz which is a great source for information regarding Clarksdale's local blues scene.
Museum Announces Additional Virtual Tours
- May 05, 2021
May 05, 2021 - Delta Blues Museum is expanding its educational offerings online to include three new Virtual Tours, produced by Mississippi filmmaker Coop Cooper and available online later this month. These latest videos are being underwritten by the Mississippi Arts Commission (MAC) Rapid Response grant program. Read More
Museum Field Trips, Tours & More
- February, 2021
The Museum has been busy over the past few months creating Video Field Trips & Tours to further expand knowledge, preserve blues history and for your enjoyment. These videos feature different blues musicians and their experiences with various blues artists, as well as expanding upon our Explore & Learn series programs. Meanwhile, Clarksdale's very own Christone "Kingfish" Ingram has filmed a shout-out supporting the blues music genre. Watch Kingfish's Video
Need an Extra Tax Deduction?
Set up a year-end donation to The Delta Blues Museum before time runs out! Donations given through our General Fund and Deeper Roots campaigns are part of the Delta Blues Foundation (a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization) and are 100% tax deductible. To learn about other ways to give, please visit our Support Page. As always, the Delta Blues Museum appreciates your patronage and donations which help us to keep the blues alive!
DBM Field Trips & Tours
DBM Field Trip - Muddy Waters
Produced by Mississippi filmmaker Joe York, the video tour draws upon the Museum's existing Explore & Learn educational feature "Follow Muddy". Muddy Waters Field Trip
DBM Virtual Tours - Libby Rae Watson
Learn about Clarksdale's own professional blues performer Libby Rae Watson and her experiences and influences from varying blues artists on exhibit at the Delta Blues Museum. Libby Rae Tour Page
DBM Virtual Tours - Terry "Big T" Williams
Join Professional blues musician Terry "Big T" Willaims as he talks about his experiences and touring with different blues musicians while at the Delta Blues Museum. Terry "Big T" Tour Page
View ALL the DBM Field Trips & Tours
Our Field Trips and Virtual Tours are informative and educational videos with local artists about the blues, their experiences with blues artists, and exhibits on view at the Delta Blues Museum. Some of our local tour guides include Terry "Big T" Williams, Libby Rae Watson, and with field trips such as Muddy Waters. Click Here to view all of our Field Trips & Tours.
DBM Artist Spotlights
DBM Artist Spotlight - Little Walter
When asked which harp player he liked most, John Lee Hooker said, "Little Walter. I like his style...". Little Walter Spotlight
DBM Artist Spotlight - Johnny Winter
After carving out his own musical career, Johnny Winter became a producer for Muddy Waters - reproducing the sound and atmosphere of vintage Chess Records recordings. Johnny Winter Spotlight
DBM Artist Spotlight - Charlie Musselwhite
The Delta Blues Museum is proud to shine a light on the Mississippi bluesman and longtime DBM supporter known to some as "Memphis Charlie". Charlie Musselwhite Spotlight
DBM Artist Spotlight - John Lee Hooker
The Delta Blues Museum proudly hails "The King of the Boogie" - the one, the only and Clarksdale's own, John Lee Hooker. John Lee Hooker Spotlight
DBM Artist Spotlight - Muddy Waters
The Delta Blues Museum proudly pays tribute to McKinley Morganfield - better known as the legendary Muddy Waters - one of the most powerful forces behind American music. Muddy Waters Spotlight
DBM Artist Spotlight - Sam Cooke
Born in 1931 in Clarksdale to Annie Mae and Rev. Charles Cook. At the height of his fame, Sam was shot and killed in a tragic and still-controversial series of events on the night of December 11, 1964. Sam Cooke Spotlight
Read ALL the DBM Artist Spotlights
Our Artist Spotlights are informative articles that specifically target various Blues Artists and their careers. Click Here to read all of our Artist Spotlights.
DBM's 78s Record Collection
Since our founding in 1979, the Delta Blues Museum has generously been given donations of thousands of 78s in every conceivable genre. Thanks to a Preservation Grant from the Grammy Foundation, the Museum has been able to catalog and archive the 78s that belong in our Collection. We hope you enjoy our 78s Record Collection
Celebrate the Museum's 42nd year!
There's always something new to see, do, and even to buy at the Museum! So be sure to come on in while you're visiting Clarksdale!
Museum Hours
Summer Hours
(March-October)
Monday - Saturday
10 AM - 5 PM, until further notice
Winter Hours
(November - February)
Monday - Saturday
10 AM - 5 PM, until further notice
Address
1 Blues Alley
PO Box 459
Clarksdale, MS 38614
Phone
662-627-6820
For more information on the Delta Blues Museum, including exhibits, collections and driving directions, Click Here to download our brochure.
Delta Blues Museum Board of Trustees
Lera Kinnard, Secretary
Tom Jones
Ralph Simpson
Mary Williams
Dr. William Booker
Delta Blues Museum Board of Trustees Meeting
The Delta Blues Museum Board of Trustees meet the second Tuesday of each month. Meetings have resumed to the Museum Classroom, unless otherwise determined prior to. Please check the calendar page for the most relevant meeting information.
Muddy Waters Cabin from Stovall Farms
The remains of the cabin from Stovall Farms where Muddy Waters lived during his days as a sharecropper and tractor driver are displayed in the gallery. Read More
Festivals & More
- Fall/Winter, 2021
The 2021 festival season has officially concluded. It was great seeing you after a year of COVID postponements! Start making your plans now for 2022's festival season, which begins in January with the annual Clarksdale Film Festival.
There are usually other small events that occur throughout the winter, please be sure to regularly check our events page for updated information. We can't wait to see you at the Museum, so be sure to reserve your tickets today!
In the meantime, be sure to check out our "virtual tour visits" and shopping at our on-line gift shop for your latest acquisition of blues music, memorabilia, and much more! Be sure to check the Museum's events page regularly for potential upcoming events! Need some ideas for when to plan your next trip to Clarksdale? Just visit our Plan Your Visit pages for info of upcoming festivals, where to stay, local blues venues and more during your next trip.
Museum Highlights & News
MUSEUM FALL/WINTER HOURS
The Delta Blues Museum will observe Fall/Winter Hours and be open Monday through Saturday 10:00am to 5:00pm. These hours are subject to change.
Museum Holiday Observances
The Delta Blues Museum will be closed in observance of the following holidays: New Years Day, Martin Luther King Jr Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Delta Blues Museum Infectious Disease/Pandemic Policy
The Delta Blues Museum is committed to the health and safety of all our guests, staff, students and volunteers. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are reinforcing our public health practices and policies. Read More
Delta Blues Museum Named as Finalist for International Tourism Award
November 19, 2020 - Delta Blues Museum has been shortlisted by the British Guild of Travel Writers for 'The Armchair Award' for its Muddy Waters virtual tour in the 2020 BGTW International Tourism Awards. Read More
Delta Blues Museum Receives Mississipi Arts Commission Grant
October 08, 2020 - The Delta Blues Museum is announcing the creation of new virtual tours funded by Mississippi Arts Commission's "Rapid Response" grant. These tours feature Clarksdale musicians Lee Williams, Terry "Big T" Williams, and James "Super Chikan" Johnson as personal tour guides for visitors. Read More
The Votes Are In...
The Museum has been named the "Best Museum in Mississippi" by Budget Travel. The Museum was also nominated in three categories of River Travel's "Best of the River Road" in River Travel Magazine and were among the five finalists in all of them: #1 Best Roadside Attraction; #1 Best Education Center; and #5 Best Interpretive Center.
The Country Blues of John Lee Hooker
"John Lee Hooker's debut on Riverside Records is perhaps the truest to his Mississippi roots. Unaccompanied and playing acoustically instead of his usual amplified guitar, he turned in a wonderfully varied set of deep Delta blues, moans, boogies, one field holler, and even a bit of hokum. Some songs are autobiographical, others reworkings of blues standards-all stamped with the hauntingly personal Hooker touch. The audio for this 60th anniversary release is sourced from the original stereo tapes that were mastered on all analog by Kevin Gray at Coherent Audio. It was pressed on 180-gram vinyl at Memphis Record Pressing." - John Lee Hooker Estate Available in the Gift Shop
New Exhibits Added
During the Museum's 40th anniversary year, many new exhibits were added to our collection. Be sure to stop by and check out our new additions to the Museum!
DBM Band New CD
Our Arts & Education students have been busy working on a new CD. The recordings have been completed and we are currently working on the artwork and licensing. Stay tuned for the CD release date. This CD is made possible thanks to a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts.
Museum Receives MDNHA Grant
July 23 - 2020 Delta Blues Museum is the recipient of a $8,085 grant from the Mississippi Delta National Heritage Area. For a fifth year, MDNHA has awarded more than $200,000 in grants for 12 projects focused on cultural heritage development in communities across the Mississippi Delta. Read More
Museum Receives MAC Cares Emergency Grant
July 16, 2020 - Director Shelley Ritter announced today that Delta Blues Museum has been awarded a $11,100 MAC CARES Emergency Grant from the Mississippi Arts Commission. This grant is a portion of the approximately $441,100 in CARES Act COVID-19 recovery funding MAC received from the National Endowment for the Arts. The grant awarded to Delta Blues Museum will be used to support the immediate and necessary operational functions of the Museum. Read More
DBM Student Band Member Live Performance
May 17, 2020 - Christone "Kingfish" Ingram, a DBM Student Band member and Clarksdale native performed live May 16, 2019 in Philadelphia at the 2019 NON-COMMvention. Watch the video of Christone "Kingfish" Ingram at the Ground Zero Blues Club during the 2015 Juke Joint Festival. Watch Video
DBM Wins in USA Today's 10 Best Readers' Choice Travel Awards
February 28, 2020 - Mississippi's First Music Museum recognized as one of the Best Music Museums in U.S. Museum Director Shelley Ritter appreciates the distinction, offering, "Delta Blues Museum is honored to be a part of this select group of museums. Thank you to everyone who voted for us. This list is a great roadmap to plan spring and summer travels." Read More
Kingfish Grammy Nomination
January 27, 2020 - The Delta Blues Museum is proud of Christone "Kingfish" Ingram Grammy nomination for "Best Traditional Blues Album" at this years Grammy Awards. Christone manifests the mission of Delta Blues Museum and embodies the future of the Blues, and we could not be more proud of his accomplishments.
Museum Awarded MAC Grant
September 04, 2019 - Delta Blues Museum has been awarded a $23,100 grant from the Mississippi Arts Commission (MAC) for general operating support for the 2020 fiscal year. This grant is a portion of the nearly $1.4 million in funding to artists and arts programs across the state for FY2020 Press Release
DELTA BLUES MUSEUM HIGHLIGHTS
Exhibits, Events and More!
Delta Blues Museum Events & Features
Music & Festivals
There are many festivals held every year in Clarksdale and surrounding areas. The Museum is happy to list out a few of the festivals to further enhance your enjoyment of the blues. As always, be sure to stop by the Museum when you're in town! We look forward to seeing you soon! Let the Museum help Plan Your Visit to Clarksdale today!
Clarksdale Film Festival
- January 28 - 30, 2022
Perserving the blues through film, every January brings forth the Clarksdale Film Festival. For more information, please visit: www.clarksdalefilmfestival.com
Juke Joint Festival
- April 21 - 24, 2022
April signifies that festival season is upon us here in Clarksdale, with our very own Juke Joint Festival. Always a crowd pleaser and a great start to the season! For more information, please visit: www.jukejointfestival.com
Sunflower River Blues & Gospel Festival
- August 12 - 14, 2022
Almost as old as the Museum, the Sunflower River Blues & Gospel Festival is held at the start of every August right here in Clarksdale. This festival is so legendary, the Museum has it's own special exhibit area dedicated to the Sunflower Festival as well as a Sunflower Festival Chronology on the Museum's website. For more information about the festival, please visit: www.sunflowerfest.org
Mississippi Delta Blues & Heritage Festival
- September, 2022
Greensville, MS during September, you can find the Mississippi Delta Blues & Heritage Festival. Be sure to stop by the Delta Blues Museum on way there or back! For more information, please visit: www.deltabluesms.org
Mighty Roots Music Festival
- October, 2022
New Mighty Roots Music Festival at Stovall Farm. For more information, please visit: www.mightyrootsmusicfestival.com
King Biscuit Festival
- October 05 - 08, 2022
2021 Festival Postponed due to COVID
Held at the start of October in Helena, Arkansas, the King Biscuit Festival is always a favorite. The DBM Band is usually performing and the Museum hosts special hours during this exiting weekend in Helena.
For more information, please visit:
www.kingbiscuitfestival.com
Clarksdale Super Blues Sunday
- October 09, 2022
Clarksdale's very own post-King Biscuit mini-festival offering up blues, food, and entertainment throughout downtown Clarksdale. For more information, please visit: www.cathead.biz
Deep Blues Festival
- October 13 - 16, 2022
The Deep Blues Festival is held mid-October in Clarksdale. For more information, please visit: www.deepbluesfest.com
Tennessee Williams Festival
- October 14 - 15, 2022
Hosted by Coahoma Community College, the Tennessee Williams Festival is held in and around Clarksdale during the month of October. For more information, please visit: www.coahomacc.edu or www.mshumanities.org To learn more about the festival please visit: www.deltawilliamsfestival.com
Hambone Festival
- October 27 - 30, 2022
The Hambone Festival can be found in Clarksdale near the end of October each year. For more information, please visit: www.hambonefestival.com
Cruz'n the Crossroads Car & Truck Show
- October 28 - 29, 2022
Cruz'n the Crossroads is a traveling car and truck show, which usually finds it's way to Clarksdale during September or October. For more information and to confirm travel dates, please visit: cruznthecrossroads
Museum Features
The Delta Blues Museum has garnered prestigious awards over the years, and have been featured in books and travel articles. Additionally, the Museum is home to it's very own student band (DBM Band) which has released cd's over the years and can be found performing at festivals, special events, and in holiday parades.
DBM Band cd's
The Museum's very own student band has released two cd's over the years. "From Clarksdale to Kansas City" Volumes 1 and 2 can be purchased in the Museum Gift Shop. Check out samples from Volume 1 on our podcast page
Blues Trail Marker
The Delta Blues Museum was greatly honored by becoming part of the now legendary Mississippi Blues Marker Trail. The Museum's Blues Trail Marker was unveiled during a ceremony on April 11, 2013, which featured a reception and performance by the DBM Band. To follow the Blues Trail, please visit: www.msbluestrail.org
National Medal for Museum and Library Service
In a ceremony at the White House, Museum Director Shelley Ritter and community member Travis Calvin accepted the 2013 National Medal for Museum and Library Service. This award is our nation's highest honor conferred on museums and libraries. Read More
Delta Best Award
For outstanding contributions to Tourism in the Delta, The Mississippi Delta Strategic Compact awarded the Delta Blues Museum with the "Delta Best" award. Museum Director Shelley Ritter accepted the award on behalf of the Museum at the 2012 "Future of the Delta Conference". Read More
National Arts & Humanities Youth Programs Award
Once again, the Museum has been honored with another of our nation's prestigious awards. Museum Director Shelley Ritter and Christone "Kingfish" Ingram accepted the 2014 National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award in a ceremony at the White House. As an extra bonus, the DBM Band performed during the ceremony. Read More
1,000 Places to See Before you Die
Authored by Patricia Schultz, "1,000 Places to See Before you Die" features the Delta Blues Museum in the "Blues Highway, Clarksdale, MS" chapter. For more information, please visit:
Five Innovative Museums
In recognition of receiving the 2013 National Medal of Honor, Linda Zavoral of mercurynews.com compiled a listing of the top 5 museums honored. Read More
Museum Website "Gold" Certified
www.deltabluesmuseum.org, was awarded a "gold" certification in the Corporate Design, small budget, multimedia category, by the Southeastern Museums Conference at their 2009 annual meeting, held in Charleston, West Virginia. The current site was designed by Quimby Vance of E.Q. Design, with site mapping, copywriting and editing, and research by John Howell of Greenland Inc. Site building was performed by the design team at Verity Internet.
Museum Gift Shop
The Delta Blues Museum has garnered prestigious awards over the years, and have been featured in books and travel articles. Additionally, the Museum is home to it's very own student band (DBM Band) which has released cd's over the years and can be found performing at festivals, special events, and in holiday parades.
Gift Shopping at the Delta Blues Museum
Don't forget to check out the Museum's on-line store for gifts that can be given in celebration of any occassion! We have something for everyone that loves Blues Music, the Delta, and the Museum. So stop by our Gift Shop for CD's, Posters, DVD's, Clothing and more.
Available in the Gift Shop - Get your Blues Souvenirs from the Crossroads!
You can find a wide assortment of books, music, signs, magnets, posters and much more in the Delta Blues Museum Gift Shop.
We have blues items related to various artists such as Muddy Waters, Robert Johnson, John Lee Hooker and others. Or maybe you just want to have a keepsake of your trip to the Museum and the Crossroads with a fridge magnet, signs, or even a coffee mug. No matter the reason, our gift shop has a little something for just about everyone!
Can't make it to the museum? No problem - you can visit our Gift Shop online.
Visit Gift Shop
DELTA BLUES MUSEUM PROGRAMS: EXPLORE AND LEARN
Follow the Blues masters and their travels.
Museum Affiliations
The Delta Blues Museum is a partnered place with the National Trust for Historic Preservation headquartered in Washington DC. National Trust members to receive discounts when visiting the Museum. www.savingplaces.org
The Great River Road Mississippi River Parkway Commission Learn More
The Delta Blues Museum is a regular participant in the Blue Star Museum Program benefiting active duty military families. Each year, the program begins in May and continues through Labor Day. For more information, please visit: www.arts.gov
The Delta Blues Museum is proud to announce their recognition as an official partner in the Year of the Creative Economy: Mississippi Homecoming. Read More
The Museum is 42!
The Delta Blues Museum is 42 years old! Not only does the Museum reflect Blues History through exhibits, events and education - we also have a full history of our own. So, throughout the year when you happen to be in town, whether it be just a quick visit, or for local events, be sure to add the Museum as a stop during your travels. We installed a number of new exhibits during our 40th year and we can't wait for you to indulge your Blues!
Be sure to check our plan your visit for more details and other upcoming festivals and events.
Delta Blues Museum Awarded National Endowment for the Humanities Grant
Delta Blues Museum is a recipient of a Public Humanities Implementation grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), awarding $460,000 in outright funds to the Museum for implementation of forthcoming exhibit expansions, as the Museum approached its 40th anniversary year. The NEH award also includes funding for a two-year staff position in Public Humanities. Museum Press Release
Kingfish Ingram
Don Wilcock interview young Blues sensation Christone "Kingfish" Ingram for Blues Blast Magazine. bluesblastmagazine.com
Rare Evening of Extraordinary Music
A rare evening of extraordinary music took place over the weekend at Red's Blues Club in Clarksdale when young guitar phenom Christon "Kingfish" Ingram and his band were joined by... Read More
Interview: Shelley Ritter with Josephine Reed of the National Endowment for the Arts
Interview between Shelley Ritter, Director of the Delta Blues Museum and Josephine Reed of the National Endowment for the Arts. Read the Transcript
The Delta Blues Museum is proud to announce have been awarded the 2015 Certificate of Excellence by TripAdvisor.com. Reviews of the Museum can be read at TripAdvisor.com
Other Regional Museums
We've put together a list of music museums and others outside of Clarksdale that you may want to add to your itinerary as you plan your visit to Clarksdale. See Them Now!
NorthStar News & Analysis - The Voice of Today's Black Man www.northstarnews.com
Sign Up to Receive the Museum's Newsletter
"Keeping the Beat" the Delta Blues Museum's Newsletter
Receive news about the museum and Clarksdale, plus be among the first to receive e-vites for special events. Click Here to Join
Muddy Waters Guitar
Made from a plank of wood from Muddy Waters' Cabin and used on tour by ZZ Top.
On view at the Delta Blues Museum
Custom Engraved Blues Bricks Order Yours Today!
Show your support of the Delta Blues Museum by purchasing a custom engraved blues brick which will be used to complete the new Muddy Waters Addition.
Learn More
Download Flyer
Send us your Sunflower Festival Experiences
By adding your pictures and comments to our Sunflower Chronology page you can help us celebrate over 30 years of great music and fun. Learn More Sunflower Chronology
Malaco Exhibit
The Museum and Malaco Records have unveiled a special summer exhibit in celebration of Malaco Music Group's 50th anniversary.
Be sure to stop by the Museum and check out this latest exhibit!
Check out the Museum's YouTube Channel
This site made possible through the support of Mississippi Arts Commission, National Endowment for the Humanities and the Rock River Foundation.
Welcome to the land where blues began
All About the Blues
All through the Delta Blues Museum and it's website, there is plenty of room to explore and learn about the Blues. From Artist Spotlights, Blues Music Festivals, and Museum Events to our Blues Education Programs, our many Exhibits, and Newsletters - there is always something new to expand your knowledge and participate in with the Blues.
Not sure when to schedule a visit? Check our Music & Festivals page or Events page to see what's playing at the Museum or locally in and around Clarksdale. We proudly participate in the Blue Star Museum program dedicated to our nation's service men and women.
This site made possible through the support of Mississippi Arts Commission, National Endowment for the Humanities and the Rock River Foundation.
Support for the Delta Blues Foudation, Inc has been provided by explore.org, a direct charitable activity of the Annenberg Foundation.
Museum Links
Museum Contact information
Clarksdale, MS 38614
Phone: 662-627-6820
Email: info@deltabluesmuseum.org
