Jackson Free Press

H.T. Holmes has been selected to serve as the new director of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History (MDAH). Holmes will succeed Elbert R. Hilliard, who is retiring on January 1, 2005, after thirty-one years at the position. The search for Hilliard's successor began last year with the formation of a special committee of the board of trustees of the Department of Archives and History. The committee conducted an extensive search process before making its recommendation.

Holmes, director of the department's Archives and Library division
since
1988, began his association with MDAH in 1969 as a college intern. He
went on to serve as oral historian, archivist, records analyst,
manuscript curator, map curator, and head of the special collections
section. A native of Winona, Holmes earned his B.A. in English from
Millsaps College in 1973 and a master's degree in library science from
the University of Southern Mississippi in 1982.

"I cannot think of a more appropriate choice for director than Hank
Holmes," said William F. Winter, president of the board of trustees of
the Department of Archives and History, who announced the search
committee's recommendation Tuesday, August 24. "I know that under Hank
the department will continue to meet the high standards set by Elbert
Hilliard during his decades of leadership."

"Hank will do a splendid job as director," said Hilliard. "He is
uniquely qualified both to guide the department in its mission and work
closely with the Legislature. I look forward to working with him in
this
transition to a new administration."

"I am honored to have been selected by the search committee for this
position," said Holmes. "The number of projects the department is
involved with continues to grow. I am excited by these opportunities,
but it will be a tremendous task to maintain the levels of
professionalism and service established by Mr. Hilliard."

The Board of Trustees will formally ratify the decision at their
meeting
in Greenwood on October 22. For more information call (601) 576-6855.

Established in 1902, the Mississippi Department of Archives and History
is the second-oldest state department of archives and history in the
United States. The department collects, preserves, and provides access
to the archival resources of the state. In addition, the department
administers various museums and historic sites, and oversees statewide
programs for historic preservation, state and local government records
management, and publications.

On the Web:
Mississippi Department of Archives and History: http://www.mdah.state.ms.us