Mississippi Museum of Natural Science Honored with Torchbearer Award

The museum's commitment to inclusion and accessibility recognized by state disability coalition.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The Mississippi Museum of Natural Science has been selected as a 2025 Torchbearer Award recipient by the Coalition for Citizens with Disabilities in Mississippi. The award honors the museum's outstanding efforts to make its exhibits, facilities, and programming welcoming and accessible for visitors of all abilities.

Why it matters

The Torchbearer Award highlights the museum's leadership in promoting inclusion and accessibility, which are crucial for ensuring people with disabilities can fully participate in and enjoy cultural institutions. The museum's initiatives, like the annual Born to Be WILD picnic and sensory-friendly resources, demonstrate a commitment to serving the diverse needs of the community.

The details

The Mississippi Museum of Natural Science has implemented a range of accessibility features, including 73 inclusive structures at the LeFleur's Bluff Playground, closed captioning on exhibit videos, and a hands-on tactile tour. The museum is also working to earn a Sensory Inclusive Certification and partners with local organizations to provide inclusive programming.

  • The Mississippi Museum of Natural Science was selected as a 2025 Torchbearer Award recipient.
  • The museum's annual Born to Be WILD picnic is an ongoing event held in partnership with the Mississippi Coalition for Citizens with Disabilities.

The players

Mississippi Museum of Natural Science

A museum operated by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks that focuses on the state's natural history and environment.

Coalition for Citizens with Disabilities

A nonprofit, state-wide cross-disability organization in Mississippi that works to expand opportunities and enhance the quality of life for people with disabilities.

Angel Rohnke

The director of the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science.

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What they’re saying

“Through these continued efforts, the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science remains committed to creating an environment where learning, exploration, and enjoyment are accessible to everyone.”

— Angel Rohnke, Museum Director (Darkhorse Press)

What’s next

The museum is currently working to earn a Sensory Inclusive Certification through KultureCity, which will further strengthen its ability to serve visitors with sensory processing differences, autism, PTSD, dementia, and other disabilities.

The takeaway

The Mississippi Museum of Natural Science's recognition as a Torchbearer Award recipient underscores its leadership in promoting accessibility and inclusion, ensuring that people of all abilities can fully engage with and enjoy the museum's exhibits, programs, and facilities.