Mississippi John Hurt Foundation Music Inc.

The music community suffered a devastating loss on February 21, 2024, when the Mississippi John Hurt Museum was destroyed by fire. Hurt, a legendary blues and folk musician, left an indelible mark on American music with his soulful and captivating performances in 1928 and again in the 1960s when he was rediscovered. His influence now spans the globe and can be felt in the work of countless artists today.

Our pain is great, but our vision is greater! We are committed to restoring Mississippi John Hurt's legacy and ensuring that future generations will learn from and be inspired by his kind spirit, life story, and work. Because the artifacts and other materials lost in the museum fire are irreplaceable, Hurt's legacy will need to take a new form. Part of this will include educational programs and events that honor Hurt's legacy and introduce his music to new audiences of all ages. As our concept evolves, we will share those details here.

This tragedy has accelerated our zeal and desire to preserve Hurt's legacy, and funds raised will go towards this effort. We invite you to join us in honoring the memory of Mississippi John Hurt and his contributions to music history. Your support will help ensure that his impact continues to be felt for years to come. And as his loyal fans, your opinions matter to us. Please leave a comment and share your vision of how you would rebuild Mississippi John Hurt's legacy. We look forward to considering your suggestions as we navigate our new normal.

Thank you for helping us restore and celebrate the legacy of this music icon.

July 2022 marks the Silver Anniversary of the Mississippi John Hurt Foundation! So much has been done during the past 25 years. The relocation and restoration of John Hurt's home to Foundation property in Avalon was no easy task. Gathering artifacts to turn that structure into a charming museum (an ongoing process!) helped set the scene for the first Homecoming festival in 2003 - a much anticipated annual event for John Hurt fans worldwide. Fast forward to 2018 when the historic St. James Church, John Hurt's place of worship and his schoolhouse, was relocated and rededicated near the Mississippi John Hurt Museum!

These milestones are just a few of the achievements attributed to this humble 501(c)(3) non-profit organization over the years, its twists and turns matching those of the old wagon road leading to the quaint Avalon property. Friends and fans have been a huge part of the Foundation's success, and I thank you for all you have done. On this, our 25th Anniversary, I am reaching out to ask for your help with our latest endeavor - a collaboration with the talented Draft film crew to produce Hurt - A Mississippi Inspiration, a documentary film about the life and times of Mississippi John Hurt. This film is unique in that it will tell the legendary musician's story from his family's perspective and include truths that have never been released! Unfortunately, travel and other expenses related to the film production are mounting, and the Foundation now seeks to raise funds to help defray these and other operating expenses. That's where you come in...

Please help this documentary become a reality and donate if you can. All contributions are greatly appreciated, and no amount is too small. You can still help by sharing this fundraiser and spreading the word if you cannot contribute. I appreciate your consideration!