VIDEO: Presidential Library Opens Its Doors

MISSISSIPPI STATE, Miss. (WCBI) – The Ulysses S. Grant Presidential Library at Mississippi State is now open.

It took 2 years, $10 million, and the collection of 30,000 historical artifacts, but at long last the exhibit is open.

This is the largest collection of Grant memorabilia, and now Mississippi State is one of only five universities with a presidential library.

The applause was well deserved at the opening ceremony, as people can now tour the Ulysses S. Grant Presidential Library.

Those who attended range from university alumni to the nation’s top librarian, Carla Hayden.

The reaction is all-the-same.

“These two exhibits and really monuments to two great men, who worked together, knew each other, and were part of American history together, represent something that this universtiy can be so proud of,” said the 14th Librarian of Congress.

The Archivist for the United State, David Ferriero, toured the first library five years ago.

Coming back to a new 21,000 square foot expansion has him in awe.

“Visiting today is an opportunity to really appreciate the jaw-dropping job that they’ve done to create this wonderful, wonderful facility,” said Ferriero.

In the opening ceremony, Mississippi State President, Dr. Mark Keenum talked about the original confusion in bringing Grant’s library to a southern state.

Keenum’s response to the questions was that no state helped bolster Grant’s credibility as a general more than Mississippi.

His strategy in the Vicksburg campaign led to his promotion in the Army, which propelled his political career.

“To have this representation here, in Mississippi, that brings together so many of the elements,” said Hayden. “I think we’ll keep the dialogue going, and it’s an important part of what we can do in the future.”

The exhibit is complete with interactive touch screens, first edition memoirs and books, and audio biographies narrated by Mississippi Native, James Earl Jones.