Dr. Roscoe Barnes III, cultural heritage tourism manager for Visit Natchez, was recently named vice president of the Mississippi Historical Society. He was elected Thursday, Feb. 22, during the society’s annual meeting in Oxford.

Barnes will serve with the new president, Dr. Rebecca Tuuri, associate professor of history at University of Southern Mississippi. She fills the position previously held by Will Bowlin, instructor at Northeast Mississippi Community College, who completed his term in office.

“Roscoe Barnes III has been active in the work of the Mississippi Historical Society and cares deeply about the history of our state,” said Brother Rogers, secretary-treasurer of the organization. “We look forward to benefiting from his leadership.”

Barnes said he has enjoyed serving with the society and that the new appointment is an honor.

“I’m fortunate to be able to work with so many scholars, historians, and students of Mississippi History,” he said. “Thanks to the Mississippi Historical Society, I’m connecting with people throughout the state who love Mississippi. These are people who are helping to preserve our history while using multiple channels and resources to share this history with the public.”

Barnes joined the society’s board of directors in 2022. In 2023, he was named chairman of the Awards Committee.

New board members announced during the society’s 2024 meeting include Tony Bounds, Tougaloo College; Kasey Daugherty, The Max; Heather Denné, Jackson State University; Kristi DiClemente, Mississippi University for Women; Linda Fondren, Catfish Row Museum; and Malika Polk-Lee, BB King Museum.