Museum Director Charles Knight Retires
MDWFP announced today that Charles Knight, Director of the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science, has retired after 31 years of service!
The MMNS Foundation staff and Board of Directors are thankful for the successful partnership we’ve had with Charles over the past three decades. We’ll miss him and we wish him all the best!
Retirement Celebration
The Foundation and the Museum staff celebrated Charles on June 27 with a retirement party!
Sam Beibers drew a fantastic caricature of Charles which was filled with heart-felt messages from Charles’ colleagues.
The Museum’s band, “The Brown Bag Pickers”, played throughout the party including an original song in Charles’ honor and the Museum’s staff wrote a second song in his honor, presenting him with the framed lyrics.
Many of Charles’ family, his friends, and his past and present colleagues attended to recognize his achievements, share memories, and wish him well in retirement!
RETIREMENT PARTY PHOTOS
MDWFP NEWS RELEASE - July 3, 2024
Jackson, MS - The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) announced today that Charles Knight, Director of MDWFP’s Mississippi Museum of Natural Science, has retired after 31 years of service. Knight's leadership has significantly contributed to the museum’s success and its impact on conservation, education, and tourism in Mississippi!
“Charles has been instrumental in growing the museum into an award-winning attraction and research facility,” said MDWFP Executive Director Lynn Posey. “Charles’ dedication to creating engaging exhibits and his commitment to wildlife conservation have left an indelible mark. We thank him for his decades of service, congratulate him on his distinguished career, and wish him well in his new adventure!”
Knight’s journey with the museum began long before his official tenure. "As a kid in the 1970s, I visited the Museum in its old downtown Jackson location and felt like it was built just for me. About 20 years later, after earning my degrees in biology and gaining experience with scientific museum collections, I jumped at the chance to work here, first as Research Coordinator, then Assistant Director, and finally as Director. Leading this incredible team has been the highlight of my career," said Knight.
Under Knight’s guidance, the museum has reached several milestones including earning the prestigious American Alliance of Museums accreditation, winning the Travel Attraction of the Year award from the Southeast Tourism Society, and, most recently, being named the “2024 Best Museum” by the readers of Mississippi Magazine.
STAFF SPOTLIGHT
See Charles’ Staff Spotlight here.
Photos over the years
