Oseola McCarty House Museum Depicting Life and Legacy of Former Washerwoman and Nationally Renowned Philanthropist Now Open to the Public

Sat, 03/07/2026 - 11:14am | By: Lisa S. Conn

Though the skies were overcast, that didn’t dampen the spirit of those who showed up to officially mark the opening and tour the much-anticipated Oseola McCarty House – home – turned museum, of former washerwoman and nationally recognized philanthropist Oseola McCarty. 

In December 2016, at the encouragement of William E. “Bud” Kirkpatrick, then Hattiesburg Convention Commissioner and former Director of Public Relations for The University of Southern Mississippi, the Commission purchased the home of Ms. Oseola McCarty, noting its importance in preserving a historic piece of her story.  The house was the center of her business.  It was the center of her life.  It was her home.  It was an important artifact of Ms. McCarty’s story that reflected her work ethic, frugality and faith.  Her home needed to be preserved so that future generations would know of this humble woman who reminded a nation of the importance of investing in future generations.   

Ms. McCarty lived a simple life and saved more than she spent.  Paul Laughlin, Retired Sr. Vice President & Trust Officer of Trustmark National Bank shared with those gathered for the opening of the museum his interactions and conversations with Ms. McCarty. - - “In the summer of 1995, a gentle, soft-spoken woman named Oseola McCarty walked into my office at Trustmark Bank.  She had been a bank customer for many years.  She had no family nearby and she needed help paying bills and managing her savings.  Nothing about that visit seemed unusual.  Yet, that simple meeting would reveal a generous spirit that would one day capture hearts around the globe.  One of my most vivid memories came at the very beginning.  She was eighty-seven then – wise, humble and clear-headed.  She said she wanted to leave her money to her church, three favorite cousins and that college out there on Hardy Street – The University of Southern Mississippi. 

I gathered ten dimes and asked her to show me how she wanted me to divide her savings represented by one dollar.  We spread out index cards with the names of her beneficiaries.  Her hands, slowed by arthritis, placed the first dime on the card marked, Friendship Baptist Church and then one on each cousin’s card.  She then looked up and said, “My arthritis won’t let me lift the rest, you put them there.”

I placed the remaining dimes on the university’s card – sixty percent of her life’s savings – so that her scholarships could give others the educational opportunities she never had herself.  Out of that simple act – a handful of dimes – grew a legacy of hope!”

That legacy is depicted in the Oseola McCarty House, which tells the story of her humble beginnings, her lifetime of hard work, her unbending faith, her simple living and her giving spirit.  Through storyboards, dioramas, holograms, photographs, mementos, videos and cast sculptures, guests will have the opportunity to learn about the life of Ms. McCarty.  

“The preservation and presentation of Ms. Oseola’s house, life and legacy has been the work of numerous professionals,” said Rick Taylor, Executive Director of the Hattiesburg Convention Commission which managed and directed the acquisition, preservation and transformation of the Oseola McCarty House.  “These individuals brought specialized talents to make today a reality, but, more importantly, they brought an understanding of the meaning of Ms. Oseola’s gift and a passion to present that to generations that will not have the honor of meeting Ms. Oseola in person.”   

Stephanie Bullock Ferguson, the first Oseola McCarty Scholar at The University of Southern Mississippi spoke about the impact Ms. McCarty had on her life and the lives of other McCarty Scholars.  “She always thought about the future and what the children needed,” said Ferguson.  “She wanted students to have an opportunity she was not afforded, and now there are hundreds of proud McCarty Scholars.”

The Oseola McCarty Scholarship Endowment at The University of Southern Mississippi has now benefited 142 students.  In March of 2025, the USM Foundation announced a significant milestone in the legacy of Oseola McCarty: the scholarship endowment reached a $1 million corpus, which will allow 20 Oseola McCarty Scholars to receive $2,000 annually toward their education. 

Taylor announced that The University of Southern Mississippi is the presenting sponsor of the Oseola McCarty House.  “This museum is more than just a tribute to Miss McCarty’s life—it is recognition of the values we hold dear as a University: belief in the dignity of every individual, the power of higher education, and the enduring impact of generosity,” said Dr. Joe Paul, President of The University of Southern Mississippi.  “Southern Miss is honored to have been asked by the Hattiesburg Convention Commission to be the presenting sponsor for this important museum where visitors will learn about her life and hopefully be inspired by her example to make a difference in their own communities.”

The Oseola McCarty House is open to the public for tours Wednesday – Friday from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.  Reservations are required and can be made by calling 601-450-1942 or submitting a request online through the Oseola McCarty House website  Oseola House - Oseola House.  “She was one powerful lady, and I hope people will come visit her home – this museum - to try and feel the joy and pride she took in her work and lifestyle,” said Ferguson.