About
The mission of the Cotton Museum at the Memphis Cotton Exchange is to share the story of the cotton industry and its many influences on daily life, the arts, and the development of this region with students, residents, and visitors.
We accomplish this through interpretive exhibits, educational programs, and research archives on the floor of the historic Memphis Cotton Exchange — in the city that remains the epicenter of worldwide cotton trading.
At the Cotton Museum, we:
- Preserve the history of the cotton business in Memphis and the region, and make the research information available to the public.
- Collect, maintain, and preserve objects related to this story. Illustrate the history and importance of the Memphis Cotton Exchange by providing a ”you are there” experience.
- Offer educational opportunities to school children that meet their respective curricular goals structured around the subjects of social studies, history, economics, culture, the arts, geography, and technology.
- Recognize the contributions of innovators and leaders that moved the cotton industry forward.