Museum Director Charles Knight Retires after 31 Years of Service

The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) announces 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.

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. 

“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!”

ABOUT THE MUSEUM: MDWFP’s Mississippi Museum of Natural Science is located at 2148 Riverside Drive in Jackson, MS in LeFleur’s Bluff State Park. Museum admission: $8 adults, $6 youth ages 3-18, $7 senior citizens ages 60 and up. Visitors can plan their Museum adventure by calling 601-576-6000 or at www.mdwfp.com/museum. Connect with the Museum at: www.facebook.com/msnaturalscience, www.instagram.com/MSScienceMuseum, and www.twitter.com/MSScienceMuseum.