May 2011 Archives
Symposium.
The event will be held June 15-16 2011 in Wilmington, DE. Please help us get the word out. As the date nears room blocks are filling up. We are looking for governments, historic preservationists, green building experts, Architects, community planners, and environmental and community activists to join us. We have a very impressive set of speakers that will help facilitate exciting conversations and exercises to share best practices and ideas on greening historic communities.
We hope you will also join us. Your participation is especially important to help guide future policy discussions. Please forward this to appropriate lists and individuals you think would be interested in this topic. See you there.
The event will be held June 15-16 2011 in Wilmington, DE. Please help us get the word out. As the date nears room blocks are filling up. We are looking for governments, historic preservationists, green building experts, Architects, community planners, and environmental and community activists to join us. We have a very impressive set of speakers that will help facilitate exciting conversations and exercises to share best practices and ideas on greening historic communities.
We hope you will also join us. Your participation is especially important to help guide future policy discussions. Please forward this to appropriate lists and individuals you think would be interested in this topic. See you there.
Some 27 towns across Alabama will be on display during Saturday mornings in June as part of the Alabama Tourism Department's June Walking Tours. A variety of community leaders will lead the free tours through the historic districts or courthouse square areas of their hometowns. The hour-long tours will start at 10 a.m. on June 4, 11, 18, and 25.
Towns and starting places for the June Walking Tours are: Abbeville, Abbeville Welcome Center; Ashland, High Points Coffee & Books; Athens, Athens Visitor Center; Atmore, Heritage Park; Birmingham, Birmingham Civil Rights Institute; Butler, Jackson's Jewelry & Gifts; Courtland, Park on the Square; Cullman, Cullman County Museum; Decatur, Old State Bank; Enterprise, Rawls Hotel; Eufaula, Chamber of Commerce; Fairhope, Fairhope Welcome Center; Gadsden, Pitman Theater; Hartselle, Historic Depot; Huntsville, Constitution Village (June 4 & 11 only); Madison, Madison Roundhouse (June 18 & 25 only); Mobile, Fort Conde Welcome Center; Monroeville, Old Courthouse Museum; Montevallo, Chamber of Commerce; Montgomery; Montgomery Visitor Center; Prattville, Autauga County Heritage Center; Selma, Dallas County Public Library; Sheffield, Sheffield City Hall; Sylacauga, B.B. Comer Memorial Library; Tallassee, Mt. Vernon Theatre; Tuscumbia, ColdWater Bookstore; Wetumpka, Chamber of Commerce.
The tours are being coordinated by Brian Jones with the Alabama Tourism Department. "Alabama is the only state in the nation to hold statewide, simultaneous walking tours. The beauty of the June Walking Tours is that any community, whether big or small, can do this. We have done more than 1,200 walking tours since the beginning of the program eight years ago and they keep increasing in popularity every year," Jones said. More information about the June Walking Tours is available by going online at www.alabama.travel or by calling 1-800-ALABAMA.
Towns and starting places for the June Walking Tours are: Abbeville, Abbeville Welcome Center; Ashland, High Points Coffee & Books; Athens, Athens Visitor Center; Atmore, Heritage Park; Birmingham, Birmingham Civil Rights Institute; Butler, Jackson's Jewelry & Gifts; Courtland, Park on the Square; Cullman, Cullman County Museum; Decatur, Old State Bank; Enterprise, Rawls Hotel; Eufaula, Chamber of Commerce; Fairhope, Fairhope Welcome Center; Gadsden, Pitman Theater; Hartselle, Historic Depot; Huntsville, Constitution Village (June 4 & 11 only); Madison, Madison Roundhouse (June 18 & 25 only); Mobile, Fort Conde Welcome Center; Monroeville, Old Courthouse Museum; Montevallo, Chamber of Commerce; Montgomery; Montgomery Visitor Center; Prattville, Autauga County Heritage Center; Selma, Dallas County Public Library; Sheffield, Sheffield City Hall; Sylacauga, B.B. Comer Memorial Library; Tallassee, Mt. Vernon Theatre; Tuscumbia, ColdWater Bookstore; Wetumpka, Chamber of Commerce.
The tours are being coordinated by Brian Jones with the Alabama Tourism Department. "Alabama is the only state in the nation to hold statewide, simultaneous walking tours. The beauty of the June Walking Tours is that any community, whether big or small, can do this. We have done more than 1,200 walking tours since the beginning of the program eight years ago and they keep increasing in popularity every year," Jones said. More information about the June Walking Tours is available by going online at www.alabama.travel or by calling 1-800-ALABAMA.
Preservation e-Newsletter
Distributed monthly. Do you have news to share about preservation events or happenings in June occuring in your town. Send the date, time, name of event, location, time and a one line description to the alabamatrust@uwa.edu
Deadline for June issue of the ATHP Preservation e-Newsletter: Friday, May 20.
ATHP Trustee newsletter
Published quarterly. Submit articles of 250 words or less, announcements, information about events and jpeg photographs for the summer issue of the Trustee to the alabamatrust@uwa.edu
Deadline for summer issue of the ATHP quarterly newsletter: Wednesday, June 1
Distributed monthly. Do you have news to share about preservation events or happenings in June occuring in your town. Send the date, time, name of event, location, time and a one line description to the alabamatrust@uwa.edu
Deadline for June issue of the ATHP Preservation e-Newsletter: Friday, May 20.
ATHP Trustee newsletter
Published quarterly. Submit articles of 250 words or less, announcements, information about events and jpeg photographs for the summer issue of the Trustee to the alabamatrust@uwa.edu
Deadline for summer issue of the ATHP quarterly newsletter: Wednesday, June 1
Montgomery is commemorating the 50th anniversary of the 1961 freedom rides with the opening of a new museum. On May 20, 1961, a group of black and white students got off a bus at Montgomery's Greyhound Station. Their non-violent response to a waiting mob helped end racial segregation in interstate travel. The events that day turned this ordinary building into a landmark that stands as a monument to the power of nonviolent protest to end unjust laws. The Alabama Historical Commission will open the Freedom Rides Museum at the station with the exhibition Road to Equality - the 1961 Freedom Rides. Road to Equality features artworks created by 15 regional artists for the year-long exhibit. The existing exterior panels tell the Freedom Rides story with participants' words and images. The artworks add another way to explore this history. The museum also includes a story quilt by Nora Ezell and a "Share Your Story" video kiosk. Places in the building show how it was designed for racial segregation.
The three-day commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Freedom Rides begins on Thursday, May 19 at noon with with Dr. J. Mills Thornton's lecture The Freedom Riders Come to Alabama at the Alabama Department of Archives & History. On Friday, May 20 at 10:00 a.m., Governor Robert Bentley will speak at the opening of the Freedom Rides Museum. Lee Sentell, state tourism director and board member of the Alabama Historical Commission, will introduce the governor. Freedom Riders John Lewis and Jim Zwerg will be part of the opening ceremony. The museum opens at 10:45 and book signings are from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. At 11:30 a.m., visitors can attend thededication of the Judge Frank M. Johnson, Jr. Collection at the federal courthouse, at the corner of Lee and Church streets (photo ID required). Also on Friday is a special downtown Civil Rights sites trolley tour, which runs 12:00-4:00 p.m. Concluding the day is the 1961 Mass Meeting Commemoration at First Baptist Church, 347 N. Ripley Street, beginning at 6:00 p.m.
On Saturday, May 21, the museum is open 11:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m., and the downtown Civil Rights sites trolley tour will run from 11:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m.The museum is located just south of the intersection of South Court Street and Adams Avenue. Court Street will be closed to through traffic on Friday.
For more details please see www.montgomerybusstation.org.
The three-day commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Freedom Rides begins on Thursday, May 19 at noon with with Dr. J. Mills Thornton's lecture The Freedom Riders Come to Alabama at the Alabama Department of Archives & History. On Friday, May 20 at 10:00 a.m., Governor Robert Bentley will speak at the opening of the Freedom Rides Museum. Lee Sentell, state tourism director and board member of the Alabama Historical Commission, will introduce the governor. Freedom Riders John Lewis and Jim Zwerg will be part of the opening ceremony. The museum opens at 10:45 and book signings are from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. At 11:30 a.m., visitors can attend thededication of the Judge Frank M. Johnson, Jr. Collection at the federal courthouse, at the corner of Lee and Church streets (photo ID required). Also on Friday is a special downtown Civil Rights sites trolley tour, which runs 12:00-4:00 p.m. Concluding the day is the 1961 Mass Meeting Commemoration at First Baptist Church, 347 N. Ripley Street, beginning at 6:00 p.m.
On Saturday, May 21, the museum is open 11:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m., and the downtown Civil Rights sites trolley tour will run from 11:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m.The museum is located just south of the intersection of South Court Street and Adams Avenue. Court Street will be closed to through traffic on Friday.
For more details please see www.montgomerybusstation.org.
Five of the six Alabama State Parks that were closed due to storm damage have reopened. Those parks include Buck's Pocket, Cathedral Caverns, DeSoto, Monte Sano and Rickwood Caverns. The most heavily damaged park, Lake Guntersville State Park in Marshall County, remains closed until utilities are restored. The park's lodge, convention center, restaurant and many hotel rooms received only minor damage and are tentatively scheduled to reopen by Memorial Day or the first week in June. The campground will reopen once all storm recovery work is completed. According to Patty Tucker, Lake Guntersville Sales and Marketing Director, some lodge room reservations for May and June at the park are in the process of being canceled or rescheduled. All camping and cabin reservations are being canceled until those facilities are restored. Chalet reservations are currently being honored as the chalets sustained limited damage.
Guests with plans to stay at Guntersville State Park in May or June are encouraged to check the status of their reservation by calling the park at (256) 506-9842, or by emailing Patty Tucker at patty@guntersvillestatepark.com. "We are working closely with our customers and our sister parks to accommodate everyone," Tucker said. "The work crews are moving quickly to restore the park. Please be patient with us while work through this." Tucker says the cancelations are a temporary inconvenience and the park should be ready to start taking new reservations starting in June. For those guests with canceled reservations, Alabama State Parks offers a wide variety of accommodations within a short drive from Guntersville. For more information please see www.alapark.com.
Guests with plans to stay at Guntersville State Park in May or June are encouraged to check the status of their reservation by calling the park at (256) 506-9842, or by emailing Patty Tucker at patty@guntersvillestatepark.com. "We are working closely with our customers and our sister parks to accommodate everyone," Tucker said. "The work crews are moving quickly to restore the park. Please be patient with us while work through this." Tucker says the cancelations are a temporary inconvenience and the park should be ready to start taking new reservations starting in June. For those guests with canceled reservations, Alabama State Parks offers a wide variety of accommodations within a short drive from Guntersville. For more information please see www.alapark.com.
A new interactive web tool called the Food Desert Locator has been launched by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). A "food desert" is a low-income area where a substantial share of residents does not have easy access to a supermarket or large grocery store. The Locator reveals that about 10 percent of the land area of the United States lies within food deserts. About 13.5 million people in these areas have little access to sources of healthful food. http://blogs.usda.gov/2011/05/03/interactive-web-tool-maps-food-deserts-provides-key-data/
ContextSensitiveSolutions.org has posted to its website the slide
presentation from its April 18, 2011, webinar on the benefits and
implementation of urban forestry in transportation. The webinar focused
on the environmental, health, social, and safety benefits of urban
forestry within the right-of-way. The webinar also addressed methods for
enhancing urban forestry in a wide range of contexts, including
creating urban forestry planting and management systems, and discussed
research, case studies, and projects. For more information, link to the presentation.
The International Transport Forum has published a discussion paper on the economic role of transportation policy in fostering social equality. The paper argues that transportation planning, economic evaluation methods, and governance mechanisms should do a better job of taking into account the potential benefits of transport policy to reduce income disparities and improve living standards. For more information, link to Economic Perspectives on Transport and Equality. (5-13-11)
To kick off National Transportation Week yesterday, Deputy Secretary of Transportation John Porcari joined a White House "Champions of Change" conversation about the pressing need to develop tomorrow's transportation professionals.
Deputy Secretary John Porcari
Transportation is a great place to start when creating jobs. Across all modes of transportation--from roads, bridges, and buses to airports, trains, and maritime--America will always need workers to maintain our transportation networks and build new ways to connect goods and people.
But it's not enough to just create new jobs. With 50 percent of the current transportation workforce eligible for retirement in 2013, and significant technological changes affecting all modes of transportation, we must educate the next generation of workers.
http://fastlane.dot.gov/2011/05/ntw-wh-roundtable.html#more
In case you missed the Your Town Alabama video put out several years ago, here it is, now on YouTube!
Radio stations across the state are broadcasting announcements about the Year of Alabama Music songwriters contest. The announcements started playing in April and will continue through mid-May. Grey Brennan Marketing and Regional Director, Alabama Tourism Department and Sharon Tinsley, Executive Director of the Alabama Broadcasters Association went on a media tour across the state to promote the songwriters contest. They visited TV and radio stations in Huntsville, Birmingham and Montgomery during the week of April 18th and stations in Dothan and Mobile during the week of May 2nd. Brennan conducted over a dozen interviews in the five major broadcast markets.
Interest in The Year of Alabama Music Songwriters Contest has increased as the May 20 deadline to enter the contest approaches. There have been almost 1,000 visits to the contest section of The Year of Alabama Music website with dozens of songwriters downloading the entry forms. The final competition for the songwriters contest will be July 25 at the W. C. Handy Festival in The Shoals area of North Alabama. Application forms and rules for the songwriters contest can be found at http://www.yearofalabamamusic.com/songwriters.
Interest in The Year of Alabama Music Songwriters Contest has increased as the May 20 deadline to enter the contest approaches. There have been almost 1,000 visits to the contest section of The Year of Alabama Music website with dozens of songwriters downloading the entry forms. The final competition for the songwriters contest will be July 25 at the W. C. Handy Festival in The Shoals area of North Alabama. Application forms and rules for the songwriters contest can be found at http://www.yearofalabamamusic.com/songwriters.
Alabama Governor Robert Bentley has established the Governor's Emergency Relief Fund (GERF) to help Alabamians with unmet recovery needs that unfold in the wake of the recent deadly tornado outbreak across the state. Donations to this fund will be used to relieve suffering caused by the recent tornadoes in Alabama. Individuals, corporations and organizations looking for a way to help with recovery costs associated with the storms can make financial contributions online at www.servealabama.gov or by mail to Governor's Emergency Relief Fund, P.O. Box 1523, Montgomery, AL 36102. The Governor's Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives will administer the fund. The United Way of Alabama will serve as the fiscal agent for the fund.
"We are asking for people to donate to the Governor's Emergency Relief Fund so we can meet as many needs as possible," said Governor Bentley. The Governor's Emergency Relief Fund will operate on an ongoing basis to help Alabamians who have exhausted all other avenues of disaster relief, such as FEMA, Red Cross, the Salvation Army, and any other disaster relief programs. "We have already received generous financial commitments from individuals and businesses across the State and nation wanting to help," said Governor Bentley. "Their generosity is extremely helpful during this difficult time." Donations to the fund are tax-deductible.
For more information please see www.servealabama.gov.
"We are asking for people to donate to the Governor's Emergency Relief Fund so we can meet as many needs as possible," said Governor Bentley. The Governor's Emergency Relief Fund will operate on an ongoing basis to help Alabamians who have exhausted all other avenues of disaster relief, such as FEMA, Red Cross, the Salvation Army, and any other disaster relief programs. "We have already received generous financial commitments from individuals and businesses across the State and nation wanting to help," said Governor Bentley. "Their generosity is extremely helpful during this difficult time." Donations to the fund are tax-deductible.
For more information please see www.servealabama.gov.
Tuesday, May 17th
Alabama Shakespeare Festival
7:30 p.m
The evening will include performances honoring each of the award recipients.
The event is FREE and open to the public, but tickets MUST be reserved.
For information about the award recipients click here
NOTE: Complimentary tickets are limited and are on a first come, first serve basis. Contact the ASF Box Office at 334-271-5353
This year's recipients include artists, community arts leaders, arts educators and a former First Lady. Their contribution over a sustained period has greatly enhanced the cultural landscape in Alabama. They are:
The program of the evening will celebrate "The Year of Alabama Music" and performers for the event will begin with David Hood & the Decoys and Eddie Floyd. David Hood & the Decoys are a rock n' roll band, featuring five of the most seasoned musicians anywhere. David Hood, bass guitarist, was a member of the world famous Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section, better known as "The Swampers", made famous in the song "Sweet Home Alabama." David has played on a list of albums that reads like a who's who of the music industry, such as Aretha Franklin, Bob Seger, Rod Stewart, The Staple Singers, Paul Simon, Traffic, and many more. David was recently inducted, along with the rest of "The Swampers," into the Musicians Hall of Fame in Nashville, TN.
Alabama Shakespeare Festival
7:30 p.m
The evening will include performances honoring each of the award recipients.
The event is FREE and open to the public, but tickets MUST be reserved.
For information about the award recipients click here
NOTE: Complimentary tickets are limited and are on a first come, first serve basis. Contact the ASF Box Office at 334-271-5353
This year's recipients include artists, community arts leaders, arts educators and a former First Lady. Their contribution over a sustained period has greatly enhanced the cultural landscape in Alabama. They are:
- Joe McInnes, Montgomery - The Jonnie Dee Little Lifetime Achievement Award
- Rebecca Luker, Birmingham/New York - Alabama's Distinguished Artist Award
- Dale Kennington, Dothan - Governor's Arts Award
- Dr. Henry Panion, III, Birmingham - Governor's Arts Award
- Sena Jeter Naslund, Birmingham/Louisville - Governor's Arts Award
- Joyce Cauthen, Birmingham - Governor's Arts Award
- James Bryan, Mentone - The Alabama Folk Heritage Award
- Former First Lady Patsy Riley, Montgomery/Ashland - Special Council Award
The program of the evening will celebrate "The Year of Alabama Music" and performers for the event will begin with David Hood & the Decoys and Eddie Floyd. David Hood & the Decoys are a rock n' roll band, featuring five of the most seasoned musicians anywhere. David Hood, bass guitarist, was a member of the world famous Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section, better known as "The Swampers", made famous in the song "Sweet Home Alabama." David has played on a list of albums that reads like a who's who of the music industry, such as Aretha Franklin, Bob Seger, Rod Stewart, The Staple Singers, Paul Simon, Traffic, and many more. David was recently inducted, along with the rest of "The Swampers," into the Musicians Hall of Fame in Nashville, TN.
62nd Annual Blessing of the Fleet - May 1
For the 62nd annual "Blessing of the Fleet," Alabama's Gulf Coast fishing and shrimping communities will come together to offer prayers for a bountiful harvest, the safety of the boating vessels and the people on board. The celebration includes a boat parade, an arts and crafts festival, a gumbo cook-off, a street parade and a quilt raffle.
Regions Tradition Golf Tournament - May 3-8
Buy your tickets for the 2011 Regions Tradition today! You will not want to miss out on the first of the five majors on the PGA Champions Tour. Come and see golf legends like Fred Couples, Bernhard Langer, Tom Watson, Fred Funk, Corey Pavin and Tom Lehman as they take on one of the country's finest golf courses, Shoal Creek. Tournament proceeds will benefit Children's Hospital of Alabama.
25th Annual Prattville CityFest - May 6-7
Celebrate Prattville with an arts and crafts show featuring food, fun and a free concert Fri. 7-11 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Russell Cave 50th Anniversary Celebraton & Native American Festival - May 7-8
Bring your lawn chair or blanket and enjoy storytelling, dance performances and living history demonstrations, including pottery making, Cherokee encampment, flute music and more. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Courage Under Fire: The 1961 Burning of the Freedom Rider Bus in Anniston - May 14-15
See more than 60 photographic panels depicting the May 14, 1961 attack by violent segregationists on the first Freedom Ride. Taken by a local newspaper photographer, the images flashed around the world and helped ignite national and international outrage at the treatment of African-Americans in the South, eventually forcing the federal government to take stronger action in dealing with segregationist resistance.
Pepper Place Saturday Market - May 14-8
Visit the central region's farming families at the Pepper Place Saturday Market -- they grow vegetables and flowers; bake breads, cookies, cakes and pies; keep bees and harvest honey and drive into the Lakeview District of Birmingham to sell the fruits of their labors every Saturday morning. Enjoy local musicians on two stages while sipping a fresh cup of coffee or enjoying a light breakfast. Birmingham's best chefs host cooking demonstrations every Saturday at 9 a.m. Market runs 7 a.m.-noon.
The YellaWood Johnny Mack Brown Western Festival - May 14
Featuring the largest collection of Johnny Mack Brown memorabilia in the country, the festival includes Johnny Mack Brown movies plus roping shows, re-enactments, arts and crafts, Western-themed vendors, bluegrass music and more. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Jubilee Cityfest - May 20-21
Bruno Mars with Janelle Monae and the Hooligans in Wondaland take the stage at Alabama's largest family music festival followed by the fireworks spectacular, Bama's Big Bang. The fun continues on Saturday with Bama's Big Run, Bama's Big KidsFest and Jubilee's BrewFest.
Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Festival - May 28-29
A free hot air balloon festival featuring more than 60 pilots from across the U.S., food vendors, commercial vendors, antique car and tractor show, and arts and crafts. Balloons launch early in the morning and late in the afternoon. 6 a.m.-10 p.m.
22nd Annual North Alabama "Down Home" Blues Festival - May 28
Designed to preserve and promote a true American art form, the 22nd annual "Down Home" festival is an outdoor celebration with emphasis on new and legendary soul and blues artists. 11 a.m.- 7 p.m.
For the 62nd annual "Blessing of the Fleet," Alabama's Gulf Coast fishing and shrimping communities will come together to offer prayers for a bountiful harvest, the safety of the boating vessels and the people on board. The celebration includes a boat parade, an arts and crafts festival, a gumbo cook-off, a street parade and a quilt raffle.
Regions Tradition Golf Tournament - May 3-8
Buy your tickets for the 2011 Regions Tradition today! You will not want to miss out on the first of the five majors on the PGA Champions Tour. Come and see golf legends like Fred Couples, Bernhard Langer, Tom Watson, Fred Funk, Corey Pavin and Tom Lehman as they take on one of the country's finest golf courses, Shoal Creek. Tournament proceeds will benefit Children's Hospital of Alabama.
25th Annual Prattville CityFest - May 6-7
Celebrate Prattville with an arts and crafts show featuring food, fun and a free concert Fri. 7-11 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Russell Cave 50th Anniversary Celebraton & Native American Festival - May 7-8
Bring your lawn chair or blanket and enjoy storytelling, dance performances and living history demonstrations, including pottery making, Cherokee encampment, flute music and more. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Courage Under Fire: The 1961 Burning of the Freedom Rider Bus in Anniston - May 14-15
See more than 60 photographic panels depicting the May 14, 1961 attack by violent segregationists on the first Freedom Ride. Taken by a local newspaper photographer, the images flashed around the world and helped ignite national and international outrage at the treatment of African-Americans in the South, eventually forcing the federal government to take stronger action in dealing with segregationist resistance.
Pepper Place Saturday Market - May 14-8
Visit the central region's farming families at the Pepper Place Saturday Market -- they grow vegetables and flowers; bake breads, cookies, cakes and pies; keep bees and harvest honey and drive into the Lakeview District of Birmingham to sell the fruits of their labors every Saturday morning. Enjoy local musicians on two stages while sipping a fresh cup of coffee or enjoying a light breakfast. Birmingham's best chefs host cooking demonstrations every Saturday at 9 a.m. Market runs 7 a.m.-noon.
The YellaWood Johnny Mack Brown Western Festival - May 14
Featuring the largest collection of Johnny Mack Brown memorabilia in the country, the festival includes Johnny Mack Brown movies plus roping shows, re-enactments, arts and crafts, Western-themed vendors, bluegrass music and more. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Jubilee Cityfest - May 20-21
Bruno Mars with Janelle Monae and the Hooligans in Wondaland take the stage at Alabama's largest family music festival followed by the fireworks spectacular, Bama's Big Bang. The fun continues on Saturday with Bama's Big Run, Bama's Big KidsFest and Jubilee's BrewFest.
Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Festival - May 28-29
A free hot air balloon festival featuring more than 60 pilots from across the U.S., food vendors, commercial vendors, antique car and tractor show, and arts and crafts. Balloons launch early in the morning and late in the afternoon. 6 a.m.-10 p.m.
22nd Annual North Alabama "Down Home" Blues Festival - May 28
Designed to preserve and promote a true American art form, the 22nd annual "Down Home" festival is an outdoor celebration with emphasis on new and legendary soul and blues artists. 11 a.m.- 7 p.m.
from the Alabama Trust for Historic Preservation:
Last week's storms changed the lives of many Alabamians. We at the Alabama Trust send our heartfelt condolences to those who lost loved ones and best wishes for a speedy recovery to those who suffered injury or property damage.
As communities across the state begin the process of rebuilding, it will undoubtedly be discovered that many historic places have been damaged or destroyed. The Alabama Historical Commission and the Alabama Trust for Historic Preservation, working with the support of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, to assess what assistance is needed for affected historic properties and communities. The first step in the assessment is the compilation of a list of historic places that were damaged as well as those that were destroyed.
When circumstances permit, please send information about damaged or destroyed properties in your community to the ATHP at alabamatrust@uwa.edu. Include the name of the property, location, kind of damage, assistance needed (small grants, volunteer labor, etc.) and the name and phone number, or e-mail address, for a contact person.
Last week's storms changed the lives of many Alabamians. We at the Alabama Trust send our heartfelt condolences to those who lost loved ones and best wishes for a speedy recovery to those who suffered injury or property damage.
As communities across the state begin the process of rebuilding, it will undoubtedly be discovered that many historic places have been damaged or destroyed. The Alabama Historical Commission and the Alabama Trust for Historic Preservation, working with the support of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, to assess what assistance is needed for affected historic properties and communities. The first step in the assessment is the compilation of a list of historic places that were damaged as well as those that were destroyed.
When circumstances permit, please send information about damaged or destroyed properties in your community to the ATHP at alabamatrust@uwa.edu. Include the name of the property, location, kind of damage, assistance needed (small grants, volunteer labor, etc.) and the name and phone number, or e-mail address, for a contact person.
May is National Preservation Month!
ANNISTON
Tuesday, May 10, 6:00- 8:00 pm - PBS Documentary "Freedom Riders"
Preview screening of the PBS/American Experience documentary Freedom Riders at the Anniston High School Auditorium, 1301 Woodstock Ave. Free Admission. Sponsored by Solutia.
Thursday, May 12, 9 a.m. - Freedom Ride Mural and Historic Marker Unveiling
Unveiling of murals and signage about the Freedom Bus Rides at the historic Greyhound and Trailways bus station buildings. (Greyhound -1031 Gurnee Ave; Trailways - 9th & Noble St.)
Sponsored by Spirit of Anniston.
Saturday, May 14, 11 a.m. - Opening of "Courage Under Fire" Exhibition
Public opening and reception for the "Courage Under Fire" exhibition featuring images captured during the May 1961 Freedom Rides bus burnings in Anniston by Anniston Star photographer Joseph Postiglione. Public Library of Anniston-Calhoun County (108 E. 10 St.). Admission Free.
BIRMINGHAM
Saturday, May 7, 9:30 - 10:30 am - The Bungalows of Birmingham
At Vulcan Park, lecture and discussion with author and restoration consultant Jane Powell. Sponsored by the Historic Norwood Neighborhood Association. For more information and tickets, visit www.historicnorwood.com.
Saturday, May 7, 11:00 am - 4:00 pm - Historic Norwood Hard Hat Tour II
Home tour celebrating 100 years of the Historic Norwood Neighborhood. Visit homes restored and under restoration. Sponsored by the Norwood Neighborhood Association. Ticket and tour information available at www.historicnorwood.com/2011hardhattour.
Thursday, May 12, 5:30 - Downtown Birmingham Architecture Tour
Architectural walking tour of Birmingham's historic commercial district led by architectural historians Alice Bowsher and Phillip Morris. Social following tour at the architectural studio of Jeremy Erdreich. Reservations required. Sponsored by the Jr. Patrons of the Birmingham Museum of Art and the Alabama Trust for Historic Preservation. For more information, e-mail mgibson@artsbma.org.
LIVINGSTON
Saturdays, May 21 and 28, 8:00 am - 10:00 am - Walking Tours of the Historic Black Land Prairie
Guided walking tours of the historic Black Belt Black prairie area begin in late May and continue on Saturdays through mid-June, the peak bloom period for wildflowers. Restoration and walking tours of the prairie are sponsored by the Black Belt Conservation and Research Institute, University of West Alabama. For more information, contact the Center for the Study of the Black Belt at 205-652-3828 or centerforblackbelt@uwa.edu.
MOBILE
Friday, May 6, Noon - Church Street Graveyard Tour
Conducted by John Sledge, architectural historian and author. Admission is free. Sponsored by the Mobile Historic Development Commission. For reservations, call 251-208-7281.
Wednesday, May 18, Noon - African American Heritage Trail Walking Tour
Stroll through downtown Mobile visiting eight key landmarks along the Trail. Tour begins and concludes at Cathedral Square. Admission is free. Sponsored by the African American Heritage Trail and the Mobile Historic Development Commission. For more information, call 251-208-7281.
Tuesday, May 24, 5:30 p.m. - Old Shell Road Tour of Homes
Visit five homes along Old Shell Road: 1015, 1116, 1204, and 1250. All homes have been stabilized by Restore Mobile and are for sale. Admission is free. Sponsored by Restore Mobile and the Mobile Historic Development Commission. For more information, call 251-208-7281.
Thursday, May 26, 5:30 p.m. - Doing Dauphin
An architectural walking tour of Mobile's premier commercial thoroughfare conducted by Cart Blackwell, architectural historian. Tour begins at the Van Antwerp Building and concludes at Wintzell's. Admission is free. Sponsored by Mobile Historic Development Commission. For more information, call 251-208-7281.
MONTGOMERY
Friday, May 20, 9:30 am - Freedom Rides Museum Opening
Opening of new Freedom Rides Museum at the former Greyhound Bus Station commemorating the Freedom Bus Rides of 1961. Tours and book signing from 11:00 am - 4 pm on Friday and Saturday. Sponsored by the Alabama Historical Commission. For more information, visit www.preserveala.org/calendar/.
SELMA
Saturday, May 7, 10:00 - 11:00 am - Civil War Walking Tour of Old Cahawba
Known as Alabama's first state capitol, Cahwaba played a significant role in the Civil War. Guided tour the the Old Cahawba archeological site. For walking tour information, call 334-872-8058.
ANNISTON
Tuesday, May 10, 6:00- 8:00 pm - PBS Documentary "Freedom Riders"
Preview screening of the PBS/American Experience documentary Freedom Riders at the Anniston High School Auditorium, 1301 Woodstock Ave. Free Admission. Sponsored by Solutia.
Thursday, May 12, 9 a.m. - Freedom Ride Mural and Historic Marker Unveiling
Unveiling of murals and signage about the Freedom Bus Rides at the historic Greyhound and Trailways bus station buildings. (Greyhound -1031 Gurnee Ave; Trailways - 9th & Noble St.)
Sponsored by Spirit of Anniston.
Saturday, May 14, 11 a.m. - Opening of "Courage Under Fire" Exhibition
Public opening and reception for the "Courage Under Fire" exhibition featuring images captured during the May 1961 Freedom Rides bus burnings in Anniston by Anniston Star photographer Joseph Postiglione. Public Library of Anniston-Calhoun County (108 E. 10 St.). Admission Free.
BIRMINGHAM
Saturday, May 7, 9:30 - 10:30 am - The Bungalows of Birmingham
At Vulcan Park, lecture and discussion with author and restoration consultant Jane Powell. Sponsored by the Historic Norwood Neighborhood Association. For more information and tickets, visit www.historicnorwood.com.
Saturday, May 7, 11:00 am - 4:00 pm - Historic Norwood Hard Hat Tour II
Home tour celebrating 100 years of the Historic Norwood Neighborhood. Visit homes restored and under restoration. Sponsored by the Norwood Neighborhood Association. Ticket and tour information available at www.historicnorwood.com/2011hardhattour.
Thursday, May 12, 5:30 - Downtown Birmingham Architecture Tour
Architectural walking tour of Birmingham's historic commercial district led by architectural historians Alice Bowsher and Phillip Morris. Social following tour at the architectural studio of Jeremy Erdreich. Reservations required. Sponsored by the Jr. Patrons of the Birmingham Museum of Art and the Alabama Trust for Historic Preservation. For more information, e-mail mgibson@artsbma.org.
LIVINGSTON
Saturdays, May 21 and 28, 8:00 am - 10:00 am - Walking Tours of the Historic Black Land Prairie
Guided walking tours of the historic Black Belt Black prairie area begin in late May and continue on Saturdays through mid-June, the peak bloom period for wildflowers. Restoration and walking tours of the prairie are sponsored by the Black Belt Conservation and Research Institute, University of West Alabama. For more information, contact the Center for the Study of the Black Belt at 205-652-3828 or centerforblackbelt@uwa.edu.
MOBILE
Friday, May 6, Noon - Church Street Graveyard Tour
Conducted by John Sledge, architectural historian and author. Admission is free. Sponsored by the Mobile Historic Development Commission. For reservations, call 251-208-7281.
Wednesday, May 18, Noon - African American Heritage Trail Walking Tour
Stroll through downtown Mobile visiting eight key landmarks along the Trail. Tour begins and concludes at Cathedral Square. Admission is free. Sponsored by the African American Heritage Trail and the Mobile Historic Development Commission. For more information, call 251-208-7281.
Tuesday, May 24, 5:30 p.m. - Old Shell Road Tour of Homes
Visit five homes along Old Shell Road: 1015, 1116, 1204, and 1250. All homes have been stabilized by Restore Mobile and are for sale. Admission is free. Sponsored by Restore Mobile and the Mobile Historic Development Commission. For more information, call 251-208-7281.
Thursday, May 26, 5:30 p.m. - Doing Dauphin
An architectural walking tour of Mobile's premier commercial thoroughfare conducted by Cart Blackwell, architectural historian. Tour begins at the Van Antwerp Building and concludes at Wintzell's. Admission is free. Sponsored by Mobile Historic Development Commission. For more information, call 251-208-7281.
MONTGOMERY
Friday, May 20, 9:30 am - Freedom Rides Museum Opening
Opening of new Freedom Rides Museum at the former Greyhound Bus Station commemorating the Freedom Bus Rides of 1961. Tours and book signing from 11:00 am - 4 pm on Friday and Saturday. Sponsored by the Alabama Historical Commission. For more information, visit www.preserveala.org/calendar/.
SELMA
Saturday, May 7, 10:00 - 11:00 am - Civil War Walking Tour of Old Cahawba
Known as Alabama's first state capitol, Cahwaba played a significant role in the Civil War. Guided tour the the Old Cahawba archeological site. For walking tour information, call 334-872-8058.
from the Alabama Tourism Department
Scores of Alabama tourist attractions and numerous hotels and restaurants lost power following the 23 tornadoes that ravaged the northern half of the state on April 27. With a week, most had reopened, with many restaurants providing free food to victims, first-responders and volunteers. As soon as power was restored to hotels, they provided temporary shelter to thousands whose homes had been damaged or devastated. A few restaurants were blown to bits by the same winds that wiped out entire neighborhoods.
Tourist organizations rushed to assist victims. The Auburn-Opelika Tourism Bureau gathered household items for cross-state college rivals in Tuscaloosa. The Alabama Hospitality Association sought donations. The Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourism Association mounted a drive for necessities to comfort victims in most of its 16-county area. The Alabama Travel Council directed caring members to various volunteer organization. For many affected by the devastation, it was a roller coaster of emotions that ranged from the initial heartbreak to appreciation as donations arrived. Even President Barack Obama who toured T-town remarked he had never seen such destruction. Gov. Robert Bentley visited most counties during the first week after the storm to supervise recovery efforts and offer a hopeful word to fellow Alabamians in need.
For many of the state industry's leaders, what began as an interruption of the quarterly meeting of the Alabama Tourism Department advisory board in Montgomery, ended with a rush back home to seek shelter as wave after wave of dangerous winds cut across the state. Immediately, they began to think of helping the less fortunate, and reopen their attractions and offices as power returned. It was a strange week in which the news of the world seemed to drift by without much meaning. When your world has been blow apart, the NFL Draft, a royal wedding in London and even the death of the mastermind of the greatest terror attack in American history didn't register with a lot of victims. It is a week later and some measure of order has returned. A few Auburn fans managed to have a few seconds of fame outside of the NBC "Today" show studio in New York yesterday, holding up signs that read: "Toomers for Tuscaloosa" and "War Eagle." Most tourist attractions in North Alabama are open, with the exception of the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, which will reopen today or tomorrow when power is restored. The Whistle Stop Weekend, a food and music festival at the Historic Huntsville Depot, will be held as scheduled Friday and Saturday, as will the Homespun Arts & Crafts Festival in Athens.
Lake Guntersville State Park's lodge will likely be closed for repairs for several weeks, along with nearby Buck's Pocket. Fortunately, lodges at DeSoto State Park near Mentone and Joe Wheeler State Park near Rogersville were not damaged. Utility crews and volunteers filled most hotels and motels in Birmingham and Tuscaloosa after the storms. Many North Alabama residents who moved into hotels while power was lost have returned home. A Holiday Inn Express in Tuscaloosa remained closed because of storm damage. As Gov. Bentley said at each stop, "We'll get through this."
For travelers or those still seeking shelter, the state tourism department updates individual hotel vacancies at www.alabama.travel. - Lee Sentell
Scores of Alabama tourist attractions and numerous hotels and restaurants lost power following the 23 tornadoes that ravaged the northern half of the state on April 27. With a week, most had reopened, with many restaurants providing free food to victims, first-responders and volunteers. As soon as power was restored to hotels, they provided temporary shelter to thousands whose homes had been damaged or devastated. A few restaurants were blown to bits by the same winds that wiped out entire neighborhoods.
Tourist organizations rushed to assist victims. The Auburn-Opelika Tourism Bureau gathered household items for cross-state college rivals in Tuscaloosa. The Alabama Hospitality Association sought donations. The Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourism Association mounted a drive for necessities to comfort victims in most of its 16-county area. The Alabama Travel Council directed caring members to various volunteer organization. For many affected by the devastation, it was a roller coaster of emotions that ranged from the initial heartbreak to appreciation as donations arrived. Even President Barack Obama who toured T-town remarked he had never seen such destruction. Gov. Robert Bentley visited most counties during the first week after the storm to supervise recovery efforts and offer a hopeful word to fellow Alabamians in need.
For many of the state industry's leaders, what began as an interruption of the quarterly meeting of the Alabama Tourism Department advisory board in Montgomery, ended with a rush back home to seek shelter as wave after wave of dangerous winds cut across the state. Immediately, they began to think of helping the less fortunate, and reopen their attractions and offices as power returned. It was a strange week in which the news of the world seemed to drift by without much meaning. When your world has been blow apart, the NFL Draft, a royal wedding in London and even the death of the mastermind of the greatest terror attack in American history didn't register with a lot of victims. It is a week later and some measure of order has returned. A few Auburn fans managed to have a few seconds of fame outside of the NBC "Today" show studio in New York yesterday, holding up signs that read: "Toomers for Tuscaloosa" and "War Eagle." Most tourist attractions in North Alabama are open, with the exception of the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, which will reopen today or tomorrow when power is restored. The Whistle Stop Weekend, a food and music festival at the Historic Huntsville Depot, will be held as scheduled Friday and Saturday, as will the Homespun Arts & Crafts Festival in Athens.
Lake Guntersville State Park's lodge will likely be closed for repairs for several weeks, along with nearby Buck's Pocket. Fortunately, lodges at DeSoto State Park near Mentone and Joe Wheeler State Park near Rogersville were not damaged. Utility crews and volunteers filled most hotels and motels in Birmingham and Tuscaloosa after the storms. Many North Alabama residents who moved into hotels while power was lost have returned home. A Holiday Inn Express in Tuscaloosa remained closed because of storm damage. As Gov. Bentley said at each stop, "We'll get through this."
For travelers or those still seeking shelter, the state tourism department updates individual hotel vacancies at www.alabama.travel. - Lee Sentell
