From Childhood Curiosity to Retirement: A Tribute to Charles Knight, Director of Mississippi Museum of Natural Science

Charles Knight, the director of the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science, has officially retired after 31 years of dedicated service. Knight’s connection to the museum began in his childhood when he visited the museum’s old downtown Jackson location in the 1970s. He felt a personal connection to the museum and its exhibits, which led him to pursue a career in biology and scientific museum collections.

Throughout his tenure, Knight has overseen many significant achievements for the museum. Under his leadership, the museum earned the prestigious American Alliance of Museums accreditation, won the Travel Attraction of the Year award from the Southeast Tourism Society, and most recently was named the “2024 Best Museum” by the readers of Mississippi Magazine. This success has solidified the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science as an award-winning attraction and research facility in the state.

Lynn Posey, executive director of the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks (MDWFP), praised Knight for his instrumental role in the museum’s growth and success. Posey acknowledged Knight’s dedication to creating engaging exhibits and commitment to wildlife conservation as key factors that have made the museum a standout in Mississippi. As Knight embarks on his new adventure in retirement, the MDWFP expressed gratitude for his decades of service, congratulated him on his distinguished career, and wished him well in his future endeavors.