The Written Word in Mississippi History

This presentation examines the role of letter writing in the political turmoil and strife which has often characterized the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries. Letter writing by ordinary people and by political figures leave a written a record that tell our history. However, a great shift has occurred in communication with the invention of the telephone and the growing using of electronic media, leading to what Byrd sees as the gradual decline of the written word. Byrd will explore the role of letter writing during key periods in Mississippi’ history, and how the shift away from writing is creating a void in the unofficial record we have traditionally used to help us understand the impact of events on citizens.

Speakers Expertise:

Katrina Byrd is a writer/playwright living in Jackson. She is a Millsaps College graduate with a bachelor of arts in history. She has an acting background, and has taught numerous workshops on drama and writing. She is a teaching artist on the Mississippi Arts Commission's Performing and Teaching Artists Roster.