Some Hair, a Chew Toy, and a Grocery Cart Walk Into a Bar: Stories Told by Artifacts in Special Collections

Researchers come to Special Collections at Southern Miss to explore the collections on a variety of topics. Ranging from children’s literature to civil rights to Mississippi culinary history, these patrons sift through books, letters, diaries and photographs, piecing together a story with help from primary sources. Artifacts are often omitted from this research process because it can be more difficult to extract a story or meaning from the items.

Some Hair, a Chew Toy, and a Grocery Cart Walk Into a Bar: Stories Told by Artifacts in Special Collections features examples of these artifacts that are often forgotten by researchers. The exhibit, curated by Jennifer Brannock, includes an interesting selection of items including an Abraham Lincoln life mask, board games, vintage children’s toys and even a grocery cart decorated for Mardi Gras.

Some Hair, a Chew Toy, and a Grocery Cart Walk Into a Bar: Stories Told by Artifacts in Special Collections will be on display on the third floor of McCain Library and Archives through February 15, 2017. If you have questions about the exhibit or the collections, contact Jennifer Brannock at  or 601.266.4347.