Jefferson Davis Presidential Library and Museum

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The Jefferson Davis Presidential Library and Museum is the presidential library of Jefferson Finis Davis, President of the Confederate States from 1861 to 1865.

The presidential library has the stated purpose of preserving, housing and making available the official papers, records, artifacts and other historical materials of Jefferson Davis. Despite the name, it is not administered by the National Archives and Records Administration, as Jefferson Davis was never president of the United States. It is, however, supported by the State of Mississippi, as is described on a plaque at the library entrance. The library is managed by the Mississippi Division, S.C.V., and features continually changing temporary exhibits and a permanent exhibit covering Jefferson Davis's life.

On August 29, 2005, the first Jefferson Davis presidential library suffered heavy damage from the fierce wind and water of Hurricane Katrina. The library pavilion, the Hayes Cottage, the Soldiers Home barracks replica, the Confederate Soldiers Museum, the gift shop, and director's home were totally destroyed. Artifacts were photographed, inventoried, boxed and placed in environmental storage while conservation of the items and Beauvoir Historic Site were under way. On January 9, 2007, a bid of $4.1 million was taken to rebuild the library and museum. The newly rebuilt library was rededicated and opened to the public on June 3, 2013.