The exhibit, Mississippi Boy. Marty Stuart. The Neshoba County Years, opened Thursday at the Philadelphia-Neshoba County Museum.

The exhibit features framed records, photos and other pieces of memorabilia from the country music legend’s life is displayed for visitors.

“Philadelphia native Marty Stuart plays a very important role in the promotion of Mississippi through his music and his life,” said Mississippi Development Authority Tourism Director D. Craig Ray. “Mississippi’s positive image is enhanced everyday by his example.”

The exhibit was unveiled during “Marty Stuart Day” festivities on Thursday that included a highway sign dedication and performance Thursday night featuring Stuart and his wife, the legendary country music singer Connie Smith, at the Choctaw Indian Fair.

A road marker designates Marty Stuart Drive off Mississippi 19 near land Stuart owns in the Arlington Community. The marker was designed by Philadelphia artist Kyle Stribling.

“This exhibit at the museum is quite an undertaking for the city of Philadelphia and we are very excited about it finally being here,” said Alice Rowe of the Museum Council.

Mark Hooper, a carpenter and museum curator from Nashville, was hired to fabricate the room, which includes custom shelving, spotlights and a television that will play a biographical video about Stuart.

Karen and Peter Cronin of Cronin Creative in Nashville came to Philadelphia early last week to begin designing and decorating the exhibit which includes a trumpet Stuart played in the Philadelphia High School marching band and one of his first guitars.

Other items in the exhibit are concert outfits, photos of Stuart at the Neshoba County Fair and a contract from his performance with Lester Flatt and the Nashville Grass for a payment of $1,000. Visitors can enjoy audio and video of Stuart describing his early days in Neshoba County.

The museum is open Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. or by appointment.