The opening of two history museums in Mississippi later this week will attract plenty of attention and perhaps some controversy.

The side-by-side museums include The Museum of Mississippi History and The Mississippi Civil Rights Museum. The history museum focuses on the state from Stone Age to modern times, while the civil rights museum focuses on 1945 to 1976.

Some will argue that one history museum encompassing all is all that’s needed but a focus on the Civil Rights era is critical to the state’s history, considering Mississippi was an epicenter for the movement. As Mississippi turns 200 years-old, it is important that we have both of these museums as educational and informative guides in our future.

But the museums won’t open without controversy. President Donald Trump is scheduled to make an appearance Saturday at the opening ceremony, according to a report from the AP. Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant invited Trump, who is said to have accepted the invitation.

Some groups will want the invitation rescinded.

The President of the United States should be welcome at any state event, however, and the opening of these museums is no exception.

We hope that Saturday will be a proud moment for Mississippi, serving as a gateway to education about Mississippi’s 200-year history that includes a worthy focus on Civil Rights.