The Blues Highway Association

In the Fall of 2002, a small group of people who interpret cultural experiences to the general public met at Delta State University.  The group was originally composed of museum operators, writers, and academics, but it rapidly grew to include tourism officials, Chamber of Commerce representatives, Convention and Visitor's Bureaus, travel and magazine writers, and blues organizations. 

The Association has met fourteen times since formation, drawing between 25 and 100 people to each meeting.  Its members correspond regularly via email, and the distribution list for mail now exceeds 220 people and institutions.  Anyone desiring to be included should email The Delta Center for Culture and Learning (lbrown@deltastate.edu).

The Association has identified several issues that its members feel need addressing in the Mississippi Delta.  These include:

• development of maps and guides identifying blues and other heritage sites
• increasing signage in the region
• working with magazines and organizations that promote and interpret the blues, especially Living Blues Magazine
• furthering the promotion of the blues as an art form in the Delta and the rest of the world

The Association has sought to address these needs through continued discussions focused on the establishment of a Mississippi Delta National Heritage Area. This dialogue began with a special presentation by Robert Stanton, former Director of The National Park Service.  It continued with a Share Your Heritage Workshop, held at the Alluvian Hotel, and focused largely on the benefits and tactics of Heritage Areas.  It continued further with a visit by Brenda Barrett, Coordinator of Heritage Areas from the NPS and Dr. Carol Van West, Director of the Tennessee Civil War National Heritage Area on December 10th, 2003, followed by a site visit to Middle Tennessee State University.  The Association is the principle sponsor of a proposal to the National Endowment for the Humanities establishing The Mississippi Delta Blues Trail.  It is a partner with The Mississippi Blues Commission.

Click here for the most recent information concerning upcoming Blues Highway Association events and meetings.

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