John and Lucy Shackelford’s legacy of giving continues to be seen throughout the capital city, particularly centered in downtown Jackson. Throughout the years it was a place they visited during their courtship, window-shopping and dreaming together along Capitol Street. John Shackelford, who made his fortune in trees and lumber, recognized that the Community Foundation for Mississippi was a place with deep roots in the community and represented an opportunity to grow their impact for years to come. After Lucy’s death in 2015, CFM received a bequest — half of their remaining estate — valued at $8.8 million. Since that time, the John F. and Lucy Shackelford Fund at the Community Foundation for Mississippi has made a transformative impact on the streets of Jackson they knew and loved. Click the tabs below to learn about projects touched by their incredible gift.
John F. and Lucy Shackelford Fund: Grantee Sites
- Museum of Mississippi History
- Margaret Ann Crigler Park
- Planetarium
- Museum Trail
- Keith Haring Fitness Court
- Mississippi Book Festival
- Hal St. Paddy's Day Parade
- Mississippi Museum of Art
- Oaks House Museum
- Pascagoula Street Tunnel
- Welcome to Jackson Mural
- Capitol Street Improvement and Lighting
- Greenwood Cemetery
- Smith Park
- Arts Center of Mississippi
- Thalia Mara Hall
- International Ballet Competition
- Capital Arts District
- Operation Shoestring
- Refill Jackson Initiative
- MSU Design Camp
- International Museum of Muslim Cultures
222 North Street
In 2017, to support the creation of the Museum of Mississippi History alongside its sister Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, the Community Foundation made a generous $750,000 grant to support this monumental addition to downtown Jackson, which included naming rights as the Community Foundation for Mississippi Gallery. CFM has continued its support of the Museum of Mississippi History through the Shackelford Fund with its support of “History is Lunch,” a weekly lecture series focused on different historical topics, held at the museums. Shackelford Funds also supports the “Speaking of Mississippi” podcast, bringing this exploration of stories to new audiences during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mississippi and State streets
One of its newer investments, the Community Foundation for Mississippi awarded a $1 million grant through the John F. and Lucy Shackelford Fund to support the development of Margaret Ann Crigler Park in downtown Jackson. This green space, on the former site of the Eudora Welty Library, is designed to serve as a contemplative and vibrant public gathering area adjacent to the Two Mississippi Museums. The park will feature an outdoor stage for performances, a children’s play area and places for individuals and families to gather.
By transforming a vacant property into a welcoming green space, Crigler Park will build upon CFM’s investments at the Two Mississippi Museums and connect other investments, such as Jackson’s Museum Trail, bringing enhanced livability to downtown. Learn more about the project here.
201 E. Pascagoula Street
Jackson’s Planetarium has been a mainstay of downtown for several decades, but it’s time for a completely new chapter for the Planetarium. A full reimagining of the planetarium is underway with a total redesign of every space and a brand new atrium addition to tie it all together. Staff are working with exhibit designers who have created award-winning exhibits for NASA Kennedy Space Center and beyond to create a fun and interactive educational experience like none ever seen before in Mississippi. With a match provided by Kane Ditto, CFM gifts have supported both the planning and renovation stages of the project. Learn more here.
The Friends of the Planetarium at the Community Foundation also helps support the ongoing work of the space. Support their progress here.
Museum Drive to Mississippi Farmer’s Market and Downtown Jackson
Through the John F. and Lucy Shackelford Fund, CFM has been a pivotal supporter of the Museum Trail, Jackson’s first multi-use path connecting downtown Jackson to the LeFleur Museum District, an area just north of downtown that includes the Mississippi Children’s Museum, Mississippi Museum of Natural Science, LeFluer’s Bluff State Park and other significant markers along the way. The Museum Trail has been a consistent investment made by CFM, including a grant to finalize its initial construction, as well as continued funding for subsequent phases, including both its northern extension and its extension further into downtown. CFM has built upon this investment through its funding of the Keith Haring Fitness court and opening up ADA accessibility connecting the two projects.
Belhaven Heights Park
In 2024, the Community Foundation for Mississippi played a pivotal role in bringing the Keith Haring Fitness Court to life in Belhaven Heights Park. This unique outdoor gym, adorned with the iconic artwork of Keith Haring, offers residents and visitors a vibrant space to improve their health. As one of only ten such installations nationwide, it stands as a testament to Jackson’s commitment to integrating art, health, and community engagement. Strategically located along the Museum Trail, the fitness court enhances the connectivity and appeal of downtown Jackson. By supporting this project, the Community Foundation for Mississippi underscores its dedication to enriching public spaces, promoting wellness, and fostering a sense of community pride.
400 High Street
The Community Foundation for Mississippi has been instrumental in the growth and success of the Mississippi Book Festival since its inception in 2015. Serving as the festival’s fiscal sponsor, CFM manages financial operations, including processing donations, handling bookkeeping, and ensuring compliance, allowing festival organizers to focus on programming and outreach. This partnership has been pivotal in transforming the festival from a startup event into a major cultural attraction in downtown Jackson.
Sponsorship from the John F. and Lucy Shackelford Fund has enabled the festival to remain free and open to the public, welcoming over 1,000 authors and more than 50,000 attendees annually on the grounds of the Capitol. Through its ongoing commitment, the Community Foundation for Mississippi continues to champion literacy, culture, and community engagement in the heart of the capital city.
Did you know the Mississippi Book Festival also has a fund at CFM? You can support the festival here.
Since 2020, the Community Foundation for Mississippi has played a foundational role in sustaining Hal’s St. Paddy’s Parade & Festival by establishing the Hal’s St. Paddy’s Parade Fund at CFM. Much like the Mississippi Book Festival, CFM serves as its lead sponsor through a John F. and Lucy Shackelford Fund grant, while also managing its back office through a fiscal sponsorship fund.
The Hal’s St. Paddy’s Day Parade is one of the most significant cultural and tourism drivers in the city, annually bringing close to 100,000 people downtown.
380 S. Lamar Street
The Art Alley and Gallery Garden at the Mississippi Museum of Art, the result of an imaginative renovation of the pedestrian walkway that connects the museum’s main (north) entrance and The Art Garden to the Museum’s West Street (east) entrance, is a 288-foot path behind Thalia Mara Hall. Not only is this alley an entry way to the Mississippi Museum of Art from The Westin Hotel, but it is also a backstage entrance for those performing at Thalia Mara Hall. The public art improvements create a safe, well-lit, and tranquil path. Gifts from the Community Foundation for Mississippi, the National Endowment for the Arts, Mississippi Arts Commission and Betsy and Kane Ditto made this project possible.
Throughout the years, the Shackelford Fund has invested in the Mississippi Museum of Art including funding to refurbish and refresh its public spaces prior to the April 2022 exhibition of “The Great Migration.” The Shackelford’s support was instrumental in the initial transformation of a parking lot into what is now a thriving Art Garden, drawing locals and tourists alike to experience public spaces like no-other in downtown Jackson. The Shackelford’s have truly left a legacy with these investments.
With support from the Shackelford Fund, the Mississippi Museum of Art launched a feasibility study to explore the downtown expansion of their campus in 2024. This effort directly benefits downtown Jackson in its assessments of the potential for a multi-organization visual and performing arts facility and cultural block that expands public access, education space, and creative collaboration.
823 N. Jefferson Street
The Oaks House Museum is a Greek Revival-style cottage built in 1853 on four acres of land located near the center of Mississippi’s capital city. A Mississippi Landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, The Oaks House is one of Jackson’s oldest dwellings.
In 2018, CFM’s gift of $40,000 assisted the museum with HVAC and foundation repairs. In 2019, CFM provided additional funds to repair a brick walkway and add hand rails. In 2020, CFM funds were used to begin a long-range plan for the museum.
Pascagoula Street between State and Jefferson streets
As part of CFM’s commitment to beautification and revitalization in downtown Jackson, funds from the Shackelford Fund assisted Downtown Jackson Partners to improve the appearance and condition of the Pascagoula Tunnel in November 2024. While often overlooked, this highly visible tunnel serves as a key connector to downtown. The walls, ceiling, and interior were cleaned, sealed, and repainted—transforming a neglected space into a cleaner, more welcoming part of the downtown landscape.
Pearl and State streets
After seven years, the iconic Welcome to Jackson mural (Pearl and State streets) was refreshed in November 2024, along with some brickwork and a protective coating to prevent fading. A bulk of the work was completed just in time for the National Folk Festival kick-off event on November 16, 2024.
Capitol Street
Capitol Street is the primary entry point to downtown and was particularly meaningful to the Shackelfords as they walked the street together in their early courtship, window-shopping and dreaming together. The Community Foundation for Mississippi has contributed to Capitol Street construction improvements, including efforts to install new trees, electrical systems and lighting. The entire improvement project included replacing sidewalks, installing new parking meter poles and making important street repairs. These improvements have greatly improved the block of Capitol Street and CFM, in collaboration with other funds, are making a strategic impact on the streets of downtown Jackson.
West and Lamar streets
Greenwood Cemetery is unique in its role as Jackson’s oldest historic landmark and its original graveyard during Jackson’s very beginnings. So much more than a cemetery, strolls through the grounds will leads visitors to the graves of Eudora Welty, numerous governors, public officials, confederate soldiers and a diverse group of historically significant contributors to the city of Jackson.
The Community Foundation of Mississippi has granted funds to maintain and sustain the cemetery, including re-paving the central road that leads through the grounds. “The Shackelford’s extraordinary gift and the vision of beautification of downtown Jackson have been a game-changer,” said Cecile Wardlaw, president of the Greenwood Cemetery Association. “Funding for historic cemeteries is very hard to find. Donations to the Greenwood Cemetery Fund at the Community Foundation for Mississippi will ensure that improvements made now will be maintained in the future.”
302 Amite Street
Smith Park is now illuminated thanks to a lighting project funded in partnership with Downtown Jackson Partners and the Community Foundation for Mississippi.
Over the years, DJP has worked to modernize Smith Park according to the Smith Park Master Plan and create a space that is safe and enjoyable for downtown residents, visitors and employees. Since the edition of the 1,200 LED bistro lights, Smith Park has seen an increase in park visitors and positive experiences have been reported by downtown residents.
201 E. Pascagoula Street
In 2018, the Greater Jackson Arts Council and the City of Jackson announced major aesthetic renovations to the Arts Center of Mississippi. Flooring, customizable lighting, wall coverings and other improvements were planned, including honoring two of Jackson’s greatest patrons of the arts.
The primary goal of the renovation is to bring the building’s dramatic public spaces a new life and includes replacing all of the interior finishes — vinyl flooring, ceiling systems, and a fresh coat of paint. The $250,000 grant from the John F. and Lucy Shackelford Fund helped to jumpstart fundraising for the effort.
255 E. Pascagoula Street
Jackson’s city auditorium has a history of brilliant and breathtaking performances spanning more than five decades. But Thalia Mara Hall, the home of the USA International Ballet Competition, among many other organizations, got a little down-at-the-heels. A facelift to make sure the space where artistic stars shine was just as stellar lead a group of private and public sector stakeholders to launch an ambitious renovation project.
CFM’s support contributed to the renovations of this downtown treasure including a commitment to supply funds to repair the iconic fountains located in front of Thalia Mara Hall.
Did you know you can support Friends of Thalia Mara Hall for future improvements through CFM? Give here.
255 E. Pascagoula Street
A global welcome means a local bonus with the USA International Ballet Competition in Jackson, and not just in the thrill of world-class dance. For the 2018 USA IBC event, held in Jackson, CFM’s grant supported the IBC International Village Plaza – a hub for activity between the new Westin Jackson (the IBC’s official hotel), Thalia Mara Hall, the Arts Center of Mississippi and Jackson Convention Complex.
Plaza features included a sculpture, flags, banners, plantings and more. The biggest change — and most lasting one for Jacksonian’s — came to the concrete courtyard between the Arts Center and Pascagoula Street. The long-neglected spot has been spiffed up for the IBC and beyond. Primary funding for improvements came from the Community Foundation for Mississippi with additional financial and in-kind support.
201 E. Pascagoula Street
The Community Foundation for Mississippi furthers its commitment to not only the present but the future of downtown Jackson. In 2021, $72,00 was committed to support a comprehensive plan for creating an Arts District encompassing the Convention Center, Museum of Art, Arts Center, Thalia Mara Hall and the parking areas surrounding them and the hotels in the area. This project is supported by multiple organizations and community stakeholders in conjunction with the City of Jackson, CDFL Architecture firm and consultant, Carbon Office.
1711 Bailey Avenue
Founded in 1968 in response to the social struggles of the civil rights era, Operation Shoestring was born out of a desire by faith-based leaders to put their faith into action by uplifting children and families in our central Jackson service community, especially in the areas of education, health and economic self-sufficiency. Since then, Operation Shoestring has been at the forefront of efforts to improve the lives of the children and families they serve through after-school and summer programs for kids, services and support for their parents, and more. In 2018, CFM awarded $150,000 to seed an endowment fund for Operation Shoestring.
136 S. Adams Street
The Refill Jackson Initiative, also know as “Refill Cafe” is a nonprofit on a mission to equip young adults with workforce training, mentorship and a better future. They are dedicated to a holistic approach including providing classroom learning alongside on-the-job training, budgeting, business and life skills.
The Community Foundation for Mississippi believes in supporting new opportunities that contribute to better quality of life for young people in Mississippi. CFM’s gift contributed to the parking lot renovation needed to open the doors of the Refill Cafe.
509 E. Capitol Street
The Community Foundation for Mississippi supports a five-day summer experience at Mississippi State University, School of Architecture’s downtown Jackson campus with the goal of helping students develop their interests in architecture, art, community development, design, engineering, social justice and related professional fields. At the camp, CFM contributed to the effort that supported students with the opportunity to learn about design tools and media through workshops on design, sketching, photography, model building, sculpture and construction.
CFM supported efforts by the International Museum of Muslim Cultures to develop artist renderings and conceptual designs for the fundraising and development of downtown’s former Thrash and Thrash Building.
These efforts laid the groundwork to reimagine the site as a world-class museum and anchor for community engagement, tourism, and investment in the city’s urban core.