The Mississippi John Hurt Foundation
The Mississippi John Hurt Foundation was founded in 1997 by John Hurt’s granddaughter, Mary Frances Hurt, and is mainly supported by generous donations as well as proceeds from the annual Mississippi John Hurt Music Festival and the operation of the Mississippi John Hurt Museum.
The Foundation’s mission is to help preserve the musical legacy of Mississippi John Hurt. It achieves this goal by maintaining John Hurt’s home, which is now the Mississippi John Hurt Museum, as well as the St. James Church, which was John Hurt’s place of worship and also his school. Additionally, the Foundation helps maintain John Hurt’s grave in the historic St. James Cemetery.
For more information, please view MJH Foundation Website.
Mary Frances Hurt
Founder and President
Mary Frances Hurt, an educator and career teacher, is the granddaughter of Mississippi John Hurt, and she has dedicated her energy and resources to preserving the musical legacy of her grandfather.
As an educator, teaching people about her grandfather’s musical legacy is a primary goal. Additionally, Mary curates and hosts the Homecoming Festival, an annual event in Avalon, for fans of her grandfather’s music, and looks forward to greeting old and new friends each year.
Valerie Turner
Co-President
Valerie Turner is a former Systems Analyst and Software Engineer. These days, she is a tradition bearer of early blues music and, together with her husband Benedict Turner, comprises the Piedmont Blūz Acoustic Duo.
Valerie assists with the Foundation’s fundraising efforts as well as their presence on various social media. She is also the webmaster for the Foundation’s website.