Charlotte Capers was born on June 28, 1913, in Columbia, Tennessee, to Walter B. Capers and Louise Woldridge Capers.[1]
With the goal of becoming a journalist, Capers attended the University of Colorado and Millsaps College, receiving a BA degree in English from the University of Mississippi in 1934.[1][4]
In 1938, Capers joined the staff of MDAH as a stenographer. In 1943, when MDAH Director, William D. McCain was called to active duty in WWII,[5] Capers was promoted from her position as research and editorial assistant to Acting Director.[3] She served in that position until McCain returned from military service in 1945. In 1955, Capers was elected MDAH Director by the Board of Trustees.[3] Accomplishments during her tenure as Director included:[6]
- Planned and oversaw restoration of the Old Mississippi State Capitol.
- The State Historical Museum was organized and housed in the Old State Capitol.
- Plans were finalized and funding was secured for construction of a new Archives and History Building.
In 1969, Capers stepped down as MDAH Director and moved into a subordinate position as director of information and education at MDAH.[6] In 1972, she was appointed principal executive for restoration of the Governor's Mansion.[7] Charlotte Capers retired from MDAH on April 1, 1983.[8]
Charlotte Capers died December 23, 1996, aged 83, in Jackson, Mississippi, and was interred at Lakewood Memorial Park in Jackson, Mississippi. In 1983, the Mississippi Legislature authorized MDAH Board of Trustees to rename the Archives and History Building as the Charlotte Capers Building[9] in honor of her 45 years of dedicated service to MDAH.[8]
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