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display are items which help visitors understand the different cultural
influences on the Mississippi Delta. From a 600 year-old dugout
canoe, to replicas of delicate wooden, native American tools, European
firearms and relics of the conquistadors and the Catholic Church
of Spain, everything is carefully arranged to entertain and educate.
Particular emphasis is placed on the role of the conquistadors and
their effect on indigenous peoples. "We're not trying to sugar-coat
history here," said McNutt. "We tell it like it is."
Some of the more modern displays include a recreation of an early
diving bell used to salvage steamboats from the Mississippi River's
bottom. A sophisticated video display makes it seem as if visitors
are actually in a diving bell as it is lowered from a boat deck
into the muddy river. Another popular display is a full-sized, interactive
Coast Guard rescue simulator that allows visitors to race full-throttle
to a river rescue ‹ if they have the skill. "People just
love that," said RiverPark Director Jerlene Rhodes. "So
far, we've been getting nothing but rave reviews on the museum,
but they really like that simulator."Rhodes is a career educator
who plans on using the $26 Million RiverPark as an educational tool
for Delta students, as well as visitors. "This Interpretive
Center is already a success, because people from several different
countries have been here and told me it has helped them understand
things about the river that they just didn't realize before."
Many of the artifacts on display are on loan from other museums
or agencies. "So many have been so generous ‹ the Pink
Palace Museum, the Yazoo-Mississippi Delta Levee Board, the Corps
of Engineers, and the Vicksburg National Military Park, just to
name a few," said McNutt.
The RiverPark Museum is open seven days a week, from 9 a.m. until
7 p.m, although ticket sales end at 5 p.m. Ticket prices range from
$5 for adults and $4 for children and senior citizens. Group rates
are available. For more information, call 866-51River (866-517-8437).
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