70 Years On: Mississippi Museum Acquires Emmett Till’s Murder Weapon

A weapon of injustice, forever linked to one of the most heinous crimes in American history, has found a permanent home. Seventy years after the murder of Emmett Till, the Mississippi Department of Archives and History (MDAH) has acquired the .45-caliber pistol believed to be the murder weapon. On August 28, 2025, the MDAH announced that the gun, along with its holster, is now on display at the Two Mississippi Museums in Jackson, Mississippi. This acquisition marks a pivotal moment in preserving and confronting the painful realities of the past, offering a stark reminder of the racial violence that fueled the Civil Rights Movement.

Acquisition and Authentication

The acquisition of the pistol was facilitated by the Foundation for Mississippi History, which obtained the items through donation from an anonymous Mississippi family with no connection to the Till case. The pistol’s holster bears the initials “JM,” identifying it as belonging to J.W. Milam, one of the two white men who confessed to Till’s murder in a magazine interview following their acquittal in 1955. According to MDAH, the gun’s serial number was authenticated by matching it to FBI reports related to the Till murder investigation, solidifying its connection to the crime.

Emmett Till: A Catalyst for Change

Emmett Till’s story is a tragic but crucial chapter in American history. In August 1955, the 14-year-old from Chicago was visiting relatives in the Mississippi Delta when he was accused of whistling at Carolyn Bryant, a white woman, in a grocery store. As stated by multiple news outlets, on August 28, 1955, Till was abducted from his great-uncle’s home, brutally tortured, and shot. His body was discovered three days later in the Tallahatchie River, weighted down by a cotton gin fan.

The decision by Till’s mother, Mamie Till Mobley, to hold an open-casket funeral in Chicago was a watershed moment. The images of Emmett’s disfigured body, widely circulated in the media, exposed the barbarity of racial violence in the Jim Crow South. This act of courage galvanized the burgeoning Civil Rights Movement, inspiring activists and sparking outrage across the nation.

A Museum’s Commitment to Truth

The Two Mississippi Museums, dedicated to preserving and interpreting the state’s history, recognize the profound significance of the newly acquired artifact. Michael Morris, Director of the museums, emphasized that the gun is a “central artifact in one of the most important stories in Mississippi history and American history.” This commitment to confronting difficult truths is central to the museum’s mission.

Nan Prince, director of collections for MDAH, shared her personal reaction to the artifact, noting, “I’ve been in this field for a long time, and I’ve never had an artifact affect me quite like this.” Her statement underscores the emotional weight and historical importance of the pistol. According to Morris, the museum aims to “tell the unvarnished truth about what happened in terms of the Civil Rights Movement here in Mississippi,” and displaying such objects serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of racial injustice. The pistol is displayed alongside other powerful exhibits, including the rifle used in the 1963 assassination of civil rights activist Medgar Evers.

Mixed Emotions and Perspectives

The decision to display the murder weapon has evoked a range of emotions from Till’s surviving family members. Deborah Watts, Till’s cousin and co-founder of the Emmett Till Legacy Foundation, expressed reservations, stating that associating a murder weapon with the 70th anniversary felt inappropriate and emotionally challenging for the family. Watts wants Till’s story preserved, but is concerned about the nature of this preservation.

In contrast, Wheeler Parker, Till’s cousin who witnessed his abduction, expressed gratitude. He believes the display could offer a sense of closure and hopes it might lead to the discovery of other related artifacts, such as Till’s ring and the cotton gin used to weigh down his body. Parker’s perspective highlights the complex and deeply personal nature of grappling with historical trauma.

Preserving Emmett Till’s Legacy

The display of the .45-caliber pistol at the Two Mississippi Museums is intended to deepen understanding of Till’s murder and its lasting impact. The exhibit aims to educate future generations about this pivotal era in American history and encourage reflection on how Till’s story continues to influence societal progress. By confronting the tangible evidence of racial violence, the museum seeks to foster dialogue and promote healing.

A Continuing Dialogue

The acquisition and display of Emmett Till’s murder weapon is not merely a historical act; it is an ongoing dialogue with the past. As reported by SuperTalk Mississippi and The Washington Post, the artifact serves as a potent symbol of the systemic racism and violence that plagued the Jim Crow South. It compels visitors to confront the uncomfortable truths of American history and to consider the ongoing struggle for racial justice.

The museum’s decision to showcase this grim artifact reflects a broader commitment to transparency and accountability. By providing a platform for these difficult conversations, the Two Mississippi Museums hope to contribute to a more just and equitable future. The display is a reminder that remembering the past is essential for building a better tomorrow.

Ultimately, the display of Emmett Till’s murder weapon serves as a powerful and unsettling reminder of the brutality of racial violence in America. It underscores the importance of preserving historical memory, confronting difficult truths, and continuing the fight for equality and justice. The Two Mississippi Museums, in acquiring and displaying this artifact, have taken a significant step towards fostering a more informed and just society, ensuring that Emmett Till’s legacy endures as a catalyst for change.