The Delta Blues Museum is marking the June birthday of Howlin’ Wolf with a series of online and on-site highlights focused on his life and work, alongside educational resources and programming tied to his legacy.
Born Chester Arthur Burnett on June 10, 1910, Howlin’ Wolf’s recordings continue to surface in contemporary culture, including the Oscar-winning film Sinners, where the characters Smoke and Stack take their names from “Smokestack Lightning.” To coincide with his birthday month, the museum is highlighting a visual biography of the artist through its Explore and Learn section.
The museum also continues to participate in the Blue Star Museums program, offering free admission to active-duty military personnel and their families through Labor Day. Wolf served in the U.S. Army before his recording career.
In other museum news, the Delta Blues Museum has received a $1,000 mini grant from the Mississippi Arts Commission to support professional development for staff. Museum Director Shelley Ritter said the funding will allow staff to attend conferences hosted by the Museum Store Association and the American Alliance of Museums.
Ritter said the grant supports the museum’s strategic goal of expanding educational opportunities and will help staff develop new approaches to merchandising, marketing, operations, and tourism outreach.
The Mississippi Arts Commission supports artists and arts organizations across the state through grants and initiatives designed to strengthen Mississippi’s cultural heritage.
