The Lauren Rogers Museum of Art (LRMA), in collaboration with the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, is proud to present “Picturing America's Pastime: Snapshots from the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum's Collection,” running through November 16, 2025. The exhibition will be housed in the Lower Level Galleries of LRMA, Mississippi's oldest art museum.

This unique exhibition traces the intertwined histories of baseball and photography, from early sepia-toned team portraits to iconic modern action shots, through roughly 150 years of the sport's evolution. Drawn from a collection of approximately 350,000 images maintained by the Hall of Fame, the exhibit features a curated selection of historic photographs, each enriched with context provided by quotes and stories from those who were there. 

Highlights include:

• Photographs capturing early baseball tours, such as an 1889 team in Egypt, and pioneering moments like a 1929 women's Bloomer Girls team, Roberto Clemente at Wrigley Field in 1964, and Ichiro Suzuki in his classic batting stance in 2006. (Sample images here)
• A visual timeline spanning from the mid-19th century to today, reflecting baseball's deep cultural and historical significance within American life. 

“Mississippians love their baseball, and we are excited to host this nationally touring exhibition of historic photographs from the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Archives in Cooperstown, New York,” said George Bassi, director of the LRMA. “We are always looking for ways to engage our audience with various art forms, and photography is an approachable medium that attracts visitors. Of course, baseball is big in our region, so this exhibit will appeal to a wide audience as they appreciate both the art of photography and the history of America's pastime. Many of our programs and art classes this fall will have a baseball theme, so there will be something for everyone.”

EXHIBIT FACTS:
Sponsored By
Morgan Stanley, Glenwood Group, Century Club, and Jean Chisholm Lindsey Fund  

About the Exhibit:
Developed by the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, Picturing America's Pastime showcases the intersection of America's national pastime with the evolution of visual storytelling. From early nineteenth-century imagery to dynamic modern photographs, the selection reflects dramatic changes in the sport, technology, and society. Each photograph is accompanied by commentary, bringing to life the stories behind the images 

Check out the LRMA exhibit feature on Visit Jones here. 

Visiting Information:

• Exhibit Dates: August 26 – November 16, 2025
• Museum Hours & Admission: For details on visiting hours, ticket pricing, group tours, and upcoming programs, please visit lrma.org.

Contact Information:
Lauren Rogers Museum of Art
Phone: 601-649-6374
Address: 565 North 5th Ave, Laurel, Miss. 39441
Website: lrma.org

About Laurel & Jones County:
Laurel is the second county seat of Jones County, Mississippi, and is home to the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art, the state's oldest art museum. The destination offers the “unexpected” whether visiting for a day or a week. From exploring the great outdoors to indulging in local cuisine at restaurants, there's no shortage of things to do. VisitJones.com is the go-to resource for planning the perfect getaway, with an interactive tool to map out attractions, events, dining, and more.

About LRMA:
The Lauren Rogers Museum of Art, founded in 1913, is renowned for its historic architecture and expansive collections of American, European, and Native American art. Through exhibitions, educational initiatives, and community programming, LRMA serves as a dynamic cultural anchor for Laurel and the Pine Belt region.

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