Exploring the Filming Locations of The Help in Mississippi

“The Help,” a critically acclaimed film based on the novel by Kathryn Stockett, takes viewers back to the early 1960s in Mississippi, where African American maids worked in white households. Filming for this captivating movie primarily took place in the cities of Greenwood and Jackson, with additional scenes shot in Clarksdale and Greenville. Today, visitors have the opportunity to visit these filming locations and immerse themselves in the world depicted in both the movie and the novel.

Greenwood: A Gateway to the Past

Greenwood, located approximately 90 miles northwest of Jackson, stands as a historic Delta town with significant ties to cotton and the blues. In “The Help,” Greenwood portrays 1960s-era Jackson. While most of the filming sites in Greenwood are on private property, visitors can still recognize city scenes, buildings, exteriors, and landscapes that have retained their frozen-in-time appearance. Noteworthy locations include:

• Skeeter Phelan’s home, filmed at Whittington Farm (exterior) and the Franklin Residence (interior).
• Hilly Holbrook’s house, known as the Johnson residence.
• The Leefolt Home, filmed at the Perkins residence.
• Aibileen Clark’s House, filmed at the Tims residence.
• Minny Jackson’s House and Bus Stop, located in Baptist Town at the corner of Stephens Avenue and McCain Street.
• Jackson Bus Stop, situated at Little Red Park, East Adams and Poplar streets.
• Constantine Jefferson’s Home, found at 1080 County Road 150.

Moreover, Greenwood holds a significant place in civil rights history, being the birthplace of the White Citizens’ Council, which fought against desegregation. Visitors can explore the town’s civil rights sites, including the Bryant’s Grocery and Meat Market in nearby Money, which played a role in the tragic murder of Emmett Till.

Jackson: Embracing Its Role in “The Help”

As the capital city of Mississippi, Jackson plays an integral part in “The Help.” While only a few scenes were filmed in Jackson, the city has embraced its connection to the movie. Visitors can embark on a detailed driving tour of the Bellhaven neighborhood, where many of the sites mentioned in the novel can be found.

Jackson also offers significant civil rights sites to explore. The Mississippi Civil Rights Museum stands as a comprehensive and stirring tribute to the struggle for civil rights. This modern and interactive museum features exhibits narrated by Oprah Winfrey and offers a profound experience that can easily occupy several hours of exploration.

Another important civil rights location in Jackson is the site of Medgar Evers’ assassination. Medgar Evers, a prominent civil rights activist, was shot in his driveway in 1963. This tragic event unfolded just hours after President John F. Kennedy’s speech supporting integration. The impact of Evers’ murder reverberated throughout the nation and is mentioned in “The Help.”

Conclusion

“The Help” transports viewers to a significant period in Mississippi’s history, shedding light on the experiences of African American maids during the 1960s. Filming locations in Greenwood and Jackson allow visitors to step into the world of the movie and explore the places depicted in both the film and the novel. By visiting these sites, individuals can gain a deeper understanding of the societal dynamics and civil rights struggles that shaped Mississippi during that era.

Sources:

• The Help filming locations to visit in Greenwood and Jackson, Mississippi – Civil Rights Travel (https://civilrightstravel.com/the-help-filming-locations/)
• Help! | Film Locations (https://movie-locations.com/movies/h/Help-1965.php)
• Where was Help! filmed (https://giggster.com/guide/movie-location/where-was-help-filmed)

FAQs

Where was “The Help” filmed?

“The Help” was primarily filmed in the cities of Greenwood and Jackson, Mississippi. Additional scenes were shot in Clarksdale and Greenville.

Can visitors still visit the filming locations in Mississippi?

Yes, visitors can still explore the filming locations in Mississippi and immerse themselves in the world depicted in both the movie and the novel.

What is the premise of “The Help”?

“The Help” is based on the novel of the same name by Kathryn Stockett. It tells the story of African American maids working in white households during the early 1960s in Mississippi. The movie follows the journey of Skeeter Phelan, a white Ole Miss graduate who collaborates on a secret writing project with the Black women who work as maids.

Which cities in Mississippi represent the main locations in the movie?

Greenwood and Jackson are the main cities in Mississippi that serve as the primary filming locations for “The Help.” Greenwood portrays 1960s-era Jackson in the movie.

Are the filming locations in Greenwood accessible to the public?

While most of the filming sites in Greenwood are on private property, visitors can still recognize city scenes, buildings, exteriors, and landscapes that have retained their frozen-in-time appearance. There are guided tours and maps available to help visitors navigate the filming locations.

What other significant sites can be explored in Greenwood?

Greenwood also holds a significant place in civil rights history. Visitors can explore the town’s civil rights sites, including the Bryant’s Grocery and Meat Market in nearby Money, which played a role in the tragic murder of Emmett Till.

What can visitors expect to see in Jackson, Mississippi?

While only a few scenes were filmed in Jackson, the city has embraced its connection to “The Help.” Visitors can embark on a detailed driving tour of the Bellhaven neighborhood, where many of the sites mentioned in the novel can be found. Additionally, Jackson offers significant civil rights sites to explore, such as the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum and the site of Medgar Evers’ assassination.

How can visitors learn more about the civil rights history in Mississippi?

Visitors interested in learning more about the civil rights history of Mississippi can visit the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum in Jackson. This modern and interactive museum features exhibits that provide a comprehensive understanding of the struggle for civil rights in the state.