Documentary Notes Anniversary of Atomic Testing in Mississippi

Very few Mississippians, and even less people outside the state, realize that this year marks an important scientific anniversary. Fifty years ago,  the U.S. government conducted two underground nuclear tests in Lamar County near Baxterville--the only atomic tests ever conducted east of the Mississippi River.

The tests provided valuable scientific data and helped ease tensions at the height of the Cold War, but they were also controversial. To this day, residents of the area say they were not fully informed as to the dangers of the tests, and many have complained of increased incidents of cancer.

The Meek School of Journalism has produced a documentary that looks back at this important event called "Atomic, Mississippi: 50 Years Later." You can watch the documentary below:

Rose Goettemoeller

The documentary won a state Associated Press Award for best student documentary and a Lagniappe Award from the Crossroads Film Festival in Jackson.

It also prompted a visit from the U.S. Undersecretary of State for Arms Control and International Security, Rose Goettemoeller. Goettemoeller spoke with Ole Miss students about arms control at the Overby Center on February 25. 

The documentary was produced by six students in JOUR 578, a television documentary class. It also aired on Mississippi Public Television in June.