CANTON, Miss. — In a ceremony at its Canton plant on Monday, Nissan announced it donated $500 thousand to the Mississippi Department of Archives and History.
According to its website, the money will be used to support the construction of future exhibits at the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum and the Museum of Mississippi History.
Both are slated to open in December 2017 in Jackson.
Nissan said the donation will be used to build a gallery at the Civil Rights Museum that showcases pictures and audiovisuals that will bring Mississippi’s history to life.
“This project seeks to tell the full story of Mississippi’s past while also magnifying hopes for the future,” said Jeffrey Webster, director of Diversity and Inclusion for Nissan North America. “This contribution continues Nissan’s commitment to diversity, education and service in our community.”
“In making this extremely generous gift, Nissan recognized that our ability to plan for the future rests in our ability to understand the past,” said Judge Reuben Anderson, former Mississippi Supreme Court Justice and member of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History Board of Trustees. “Nissan’s gift will be celebrated by many generations of future Mississippians. It connects a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility with two state-of-the-art museums. It is a good day for all Mississippians.”
Both museums will feature rare state artifacts and documents including the front grille from a Mississippi-built 2015 Nissan Murano.
Officials said it’s to recognize the Canton plant’s contribution to local organizations within the state since its opening in 2003.
Nissan made state history when it opened that plant, becoming the first automaker to open a car manufacturing facility in the state.
It employs more than 6 thousand workers and has given more $11 million to charities to date.