Natchez Reads

08/22/2026

This month we’re reading “Whistler” by Ann Patchett, a story that moves between past and present to explore family, memory, loss, and a love that endures across decades. It’s also a story about a daughter and the father figure she lost, the possibility of reclaiming a relationship that mattered, and the healing and grace that can come with understanding the past.

Come get your copy today and then join us next Thursday for what is sure to be a thoughtful and engaging discussion!

08/22/2026

Happy Friday, all! Having started the series the wrong way round, I went back and read the first in M.J. Robotham’s engaging Cold War spy series, Mrs. Spy, and it was just as good as the second book. With a wardrobe full of disguises, forty-five year old Maggie Flynn is one of MI 5’s donkeys:…

08/22/2026

We're excited to reveal the official 2026 Mississippi Book Festival poster - "Capitol of Dreams" by Jackson artist Adrienne Domnick! 📚🖼️

Adrienne Domnick is a multidisciplinary artist, designer, and curator from Mississippi best known for her large-scale hard-edge portraits. Her work celebrates culture through storytelling, honoring the resilience and creativity of her heroes while safeguarding the voices, histories, and legacies of those who have shaped—and continue to shape—culture across storytelling, music, and art.

Commemorative posters, signed and numbered prints, and other merch featuring this year's artwork will be available at the festival merchandise tent on September 26.

08/20/2026

If you’re looking to get out of the heat, come join us for the next chapter of the Natchez Reads program, where we continue our survey of The Girl from Greenwich Street, by Lauren Willig. Jeff Mansell, historian with the Natchez National Historical Park will present a free illustrated lecture, “Connections: Natchez to New York” at Historic Natchez Foundation, 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, August 25. Mansell will look at Natchez’s long relationship with the city where the murder took place.

07/27/2026

🌟TOMORROW AT 5:30🌟
This month, we’re partnering with Natchez Reads to continue the exploration of “The Girl from Greenwich Street,” the fascinating story of America’s first murder trial - one with surprising ties to… you guessed it… Natchez!

Join us at 5:30 as Betty Jo Harris continues the conversation, exploring the people, history, and local connections that make this remarkable story even more compelling. We hope to see you there!

07/21/2026

How cool is this? On September 25th, 6:30pm, I'll be speaking about THE GIRL FROM GREENWICH STREET at the very house Levi Weeks designed in Natchez, Mississippi!

Do you think he'll put in an appearance?

I am so grateful to Natchez Reads for making THE GIRL FROM GREENWICH STREET this year's community read. You can learn more and see their other planned events (including a "Hamilton" showing!) here: https://natchez.org/education/historic-natchez/natchez-reads-2026

07/20/2026

This month, we’re partnering with Natchez Reads to continue the exploration of “The Girl from Greenwich Street,” the fascinating story of America’s first murder trial - one with surprising ties to… you guessed it… Natchez!

Join us at 5:30 as Betty Jo Harris continues the conversation, exploring the people, history, and local connections that make this remarkable story even more compelling. We hope to see you there!

07/16/2026

07/13/2026

Join us tomorrow, July 14, at the Historic Natchez Foundation for the second presentation in the 2026 Natchez Reads series. At 5:30 p.m., Dr. Edward Bond will present “Aaron Burr: The Duel and the Treason Trial.” This year’s selected book, The Girl from Greenwich Street by Lauren Willig, explores the relationship between Founding Fathers Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton before their infamous duel, when they successfully defended Levi Weeks against a murder charge in 1800 New York City. Weeks later moved to Natchez to escape his notoriety, and Burr also traveled to Adams County after killing Hamilton. Come learn “the rest of the story.”

07/03/2026

Celebrate Julyteenth! When Freedom Came to Natchez!