Recently in preservation Category
Some 25 towns across Alabama will be on display during Saturday mornings in April as part of the Alabama Tourism Department's April 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 April 7, 14, 21, and 28.
Towns and starting places for the April Walking Tours are: Abbeville, Abbeville Welcome Center; Ashland, Ashland City Hall; 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, Delano Park Rose Garden; Enterprise, Rawls Hotel; Eufaula, various locations; Fairhope, Fairhope Welcome Center; Gadsden, various locations; Hartselle, Historic Depot.
Huntsville, Constitution Village (April 7 & 14 only); Madison, Madison Roundhouse (April 21 & 28 only); Monroeville, Old Courthouse Museum; Montevallo, Chamber of Commerce; Montgomery; Montgomery Visitor Center; Prattville, Autauga County Heritage Center; Selma, Dallas County Public Library; 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. These walking tours are a great way to get out and enjoy the spring weather and find out about the history of our state. We have done more than 1,500 walking tours since the beginning of the program nine years ago and they keep increasing in popularity every year," Jones said.
More information about the April Walking Tours is available by going online at www.alabama.travel.
Towns and starting places for the April Walking Tours are: Abbeville, Abbeville Welcome Center; Ashland, Ashland City Hall; 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, Delano Park Rose Garden; Enterprise, Rawls Hotel; Eufaula, various locations; Fairhope, Fairhope Welcome Center; Gadsden, various locations; Hartselle, Historic Depot.
Huntsville, Constitution Village (April 7 & 14 only); Madison, Madison Roundhouse (April 21 & 28 only); Monroeville, Old Courthouse Museum; Montevallo, Chamber of Commerce; Montgomery; Montgomery Visitor Center; Prattville, Autauga County Heritage Center; Selma, Dallas County Public Library; 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. These walking tours are a great way to get out and enjoy the spring weather and find out about the history of our state. We have done more than 1,500 walking tours since the beginning of the program nine years ago and they keep increasing in popularity every year," Jones said.
More information about the April Walking Tours is available by going online at www.alabama.travel.
The Home Depot Foundation (THDF) has created the Sustainable Cities Institute (SCI), which is grounded in the belief that a sustainable community effort consists of a long-term, integrated and systematic approach to developing and achieving a healthy community by jointly addressing economic, environmental, and social issues. SCI is a tool that individuals and cities can utilize for a holistic, long-term approach to sustainability planning and implementation of healthy communities. The very comprehensive SCI website is a dynamic online toolbox that was initially built by THDF, but is shaped by its users, who post, comment and contribute to the website. It was developed based upon input from sustainability directors, city leaders and technical experts. From its homepage, you can navigate through topic areas including Economic Development, Water, Materials Management, Land Use and Transportation; as well as through classrooms, communication labs, a planning center and a library. In addition, there are forums, webinars, a calendar, City Profiles and an interactive "Sustainable City" map. Memberships to SCI are free, and include a useful e-newsletter. Visit: http://tinyurl.com/75ey8vm
Toolkits available for Community Projects - Do you have an idea for a service project such as getting a group together to volunteer each week at a homeless shelter, or reading to kids at your local library? Learn how to turn your volunteer idea into a successful service project using these do-it-yourself toolkits below. http://www.serve.gov/toolkits.asp Includes projects such as community gardens, audit your home, how to support military families, etc.
Toolkits available for Community Projects - Do you have an idea for a service project such as getting a group together to volunteer each week at a homeless shelter, or reading to kids at your local library? Learn how to turn your volunteer idea into a successful service project using these do-it-yourself toolkits below. http://www.serve.gov/toolkits.asp Includes projects such as community gardens, audit your home, how to support military families, etc.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012 -- 8:30 to 4:30
Government Plaza located at 205 Government Street in downtown Mobile
Multipurpose Room on the first floor
Join staff of the National Park Service, National Register Program (NR), and the Alabama Historical Commission to learn how to prepare a National Register nomination with an emphasis on Historic Archaeology. End the afternoon learning how to navigate the waters of a Section 106 Review by the Alabama Historical Commission. The meeting is hosted by the Mobile Historic Development Commission. Local preservation commission staff and members, cultural resource consultants and the public are invited to attend.
How do you nominate properties to the National Register?
Learn about the National Register standards and how they apply to nominations for historic properties and districts. Deline will provide information on determining periods of significance, application of criteria, determining character defining features, determining boundaries, and placing the property within appropriate historic contexts. For commission members who review nominated properties or consultants who nominate properties, this is a chance to hear from the reviewer to find out what is needed in a successful nomination form.
How do you nominate historic archaeological resources to the National Register?
Learn how the National Register standards apply to historic archaeological resources. This session will provide information on National Register concerns for historic archaeological properties, determining periods of significance, level of investigations needed to confirm integrity and significance, and how to include historic archaeological features in larger historic district nominations and setting appropriate boundaries. Erika will also provide her impressions of the potential Africatown National Register district. She will explain the process from the reviewer's perspective, an insight that should not be missed.
How do you apply the National Register criteria to architectural properties impacted by federal projects to comply with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act? Learn what the AHC requires to review Section 106 projects and how to avoid your project being returned for more information. This session will provide real world examples of common building types that cause the most problems for consultants (and AHC Reviewers!).
Please email your contact information including:
Name, phone number, preferred email address, and name of community, preservation commission and/or consulting firm you represent to: mhdc@cityofmobile.org
Mobile Historic Development Commission
Listing it All Conference
PO Box 1827
No registration fee is required, but registration will assure you have a meeting packet for the sessions.
Lodging Suggestions
Admiral Semmes Hotel: 251-432-8000; www.admiralsemmeshotel.com
Battle House Renaissance Mobile Hotel: 251-338-2000; www.rsabattlehouse.com
Hampton Inn and Suites Historic Downtown Mobile: 251-436-8787; www.mobiledownton.hamptoninnlcom
Holiday Inn Downtown Historic District: 251-694-0100; www.holidayinn.com
Malaga Inn: 251-438-4701
Renaissance Mobile Riverview Plaza Hotel: 251-438-4000; www.RenaissanceRiverview.com
Fort Conde Inn: 251-405-5040; www.fortcondeinn.com - This is a new bed and breakfast opened in arestored 1836 house.
Government Plaza located at 205 Government Street in downtown Mobile
Multipurpose Room on the first floor
Join staff of the National Park Service, National Register Program (NR), and the Alabama Historical Commission to learn how to prepare a National Register nomination with an emphasis on Historic Archaeology. End the afternoon learning how to navigate the waters of a Section 106 Review by the Alabama Historical Commission. The meeting is hosted by the Mobile Historic Development Commission. Local preservation commission staff and members, cultural resource consultants and the public are invited to attend.
Lisa Deline, National Register Reviewer, National Park Service, Washington, D.C.
How do you nominate properties to the National Register?
Learn about the National Register standards and how they apply to nominations for historic properties and districts. Deline will provide information on determining periods of significance, application of criteria, determining character defining features, determining boundaries, and placing the property within appropriate historic contexts. For commission members who review nominated properties or consultants who nominate properties, this is a chance to hear from the reviewer to find out what is needed in a successful nomination form.
Erika Seibert, National Register Reviewer, National Park Service, Washington, D.C.
How do you nominate historic archaeological resources to the National Register?
Learn how the National Register standards apply to historic archaeological resources. This session will provide information on National Register concerns for historic archaeological properties, determining periods of significance, level of investigations needed to confirm integrity and significance, and how to include historic archaeological features in larger historic district nominations and setting appropriate boundaries. Erika will also provide her impressions of the potential Africatown National Register district. She will explain the process from the reviewer's perspective, an insight that should not be missed.
Lee Anne Wofford, Alabama Historical Commission, Montgomery, AL
How do you apply the National Register criteria to architectural properties impacted by federal projects to comply with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act? Learn what the AHC requires to review Section 106 projects and how to avoid your project being returned for more information. This session will provide real world examples of common building types that cause the most problems for consultants (and AHC Reviewers!).
This program receives federal funds from the National Park Service administered through the Alabama Historical Commission. Regulations of the U. S. Department of the Interior strictly prohibit unlawful discrimination in departmental federally assisted programs on the basis of race, color, national origin, age or disability. Any person who believes he or she has been discriminated against in any program, activity, or facility operated by a recipient of federal assistance should write to: Office of Equal Opportunity, U. S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, 1849 C Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20240
Registration Information RequiredPlease email your contact information including:
Name, phone number, preferred email address, and name of community, preservation commission and/or consulting firm you represent to: mhdc@cityofmobile.org
You can also mail the information to:
Mobile Historic Development Commission
Listing it All Conference
PO Box 1827
Mobile AL 36633-1827
No registration fee is required, but registration will assure you have a meeting packet for the sessions.
Lodging Suggestions
Be aware that the following weekend is the Senior Bowl so players and coaches will be booking for the same week.
Admiral Semmes Hotel: 251-432-8000; www.admiralsemmeshotel.com
Battle House Renaissance Mobile Hotel: 251-338-2000; www.rsabattlehouse.com
Hampton Inn and Suites Historic Downtown Mobile: 251-436-8787; www.mobiledownton.hamptoninnlcom
Holiday Inn Downtown Historic District: 251-694-0100; www.holidayinn.com
Malaga Inn: 251-438-4701
Renaissance Mobile Riverview Plaza Hotel: 251-438-4000; www.RenaissanceRiverview.com
Fort Conde Inn: 251-405-5040; www.fortcondeinn.com - This is a new bed and breakfast opened in arestored 1836 house.
Members of The Cahaba Foundation on Tuesday donated 27 acres to the Alabama Historical Commission to help preserve the site, and they are trying to purchase the remaining acres of what was the state's first capital.
"It's an absolutely magical place," said site director and archeologist Linda Derry. The site -- which had also been the location of Native American settlements for thousands of years -- is archeologically rich, Derry said.
http://blog.al.com/spotnews/2011/09/foundation_working_to_preserve.html
"It's an absolutely magical place," said site director and archeologist Linda Derry. The site -- which had also been the location of Native American settlements for thousands of years -- is archeologically rich, Derry said.
http://blog.al.com/spotnews/2011/09/foundation_working_to_preserve.html
For the ATHP Fall Preservation Lyceum Weekend in Mentone, mark your calendar for Friday, November 11- Saturday, November 12 to enjoy Alabama's Appalachian foothills and late 19th century resort sites and homes. Overnight accommodations have been arranged for the Historic Mentone Springs Hotel (circa 1884) and overflow reservations at the Historic Mentone Inn. For reservations at the Mentone Springs Hotel, call 256-634-4040. For the Mentone Inn, call 256-634-4836. Register as a participant in the ATHP Preservation Weekend.
Opelika, Alabama September 9, 2011
The Event Center Downtown (former Coca-Cola bottling plant) at 614 N. Railroad Avenue, Opelika AL
Co-hosted by Opelika Historic Preservation Commission and Auburn Historic Preservation Commission
download the agenda and registration form
First Lady Dianne Bentley will cut the ribbon on Friday, August 26, to open the first two exhibits of the Museum of Alabama at the Department of Archives and History in Montgomery. The 11:30 ceremony will be followed by tours of the exhibits and opportunities to the meet the advisors, artists, and designers involved in the project. Grand Opening festivities continue on Saturday, August 27, with a full schedule of public programs from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Events include gallery tours, guest speakers, hands-on activities for families, and demonstrations by muralists and model makers. The two new exhibits, The Land of Alabama and The First Alabamians, tell the story of the earliest days of Alabama history.
The Land of Alabama includes a multimedia introduction to the state's varied geography and the natural resources that have helped shape Alabama history. The gallery also features photographs by Beth Maynor Young highlighting Alabama's diverse and beautiful environment. Artifacts help illustrate the state's natural resources and products from the land of Alabama. On Saturday, guest curator Dr. John Hall of the University of West Alabama will present a talk at 10:00 about Alabama's earliest history and will meet with visitors to the gallery throughout the day. The First Alabamians tells the story of Native Americans from prehistory to 1700 using artifacts, interactive maps, a large diorama model of a Mississippian village, and ten specially commissioned murals created by Karen Carr Studio. Guest curator Dr. Craig Sheldon will present a program on Alabama's earliest people at 1:00 and will be available to meet with visitors in the gallery throughout the day. Diorama artist Ken Osen and muralist Karen Carr will also be available to discuss their research and artistry.
The two exhibits constitute Phase I of the Museum of Alabama, which eventually will include five renovated galleries and an entirely new centerpiece exhibit, Alabama Voices. Funding for Phase I was provided by a 2007 state bond issue and private contributions. Fundraising for subsequent phases of the project is ongoing. The exhibits at the Alabama Department of Archives and History will be open Monday through Saturday, 8:30 - 4:30, starting August 27, 2011. Funding to allow the Museum of Alabama to open every Saturday is made possible by a grant from the Alabama Tourism Department to the Friends of the Alabama Archives. The Research Room is open Tuesday through Friday, 8:30 - 4:30, and the 2nd Saturday of each month.
For more information please see www.archives.alabama.gov.
The Land of Alabama includes a multimedia introduction to the state's varied geography and the natural resources that have helped shape Alabama history. The gallery also features photographs by Beth Maynor Young highlighting Alabama's diverse and beautiful environment. Artifacts help illustrate the state's natural resources and products from the land of Alabama. On Saturday, guest curator Dr. John Hall of the University of West Alabama will present a talk at 10:00 about Alabama's earliest history and will meet with visitors to the gallery throughout the day. The First Alabamians tells the story of Native Americans from prehistory to 1700 using artifacts, interactive maps, a large diorama model of a Mississippian village, and ten specially commissioned murals created by Karen Carr Studio. Guest curator Dr. Craig Sheldon will present a program on Alabama's earliest people at 1:00 and will be available to meet with visitors in the gallery throughout the day. Diorama artist Ken Osen and muralist Karen Carr will also be available to discuss their research and artistry.
The two exhibits constitute Phase I of the Museum of Alabama, which eventually will include five renovated galleries and an entirely new centerpiece exhibit, Alabama Voices. Funding for Phase I was provided by a 2007 state bond issue and private contributions. Fundraising for subsequent phases of the project is ongoing. The exhibits at the Alabama Department of Archives and History will be open Monday through Saturday, 8:30 - 4:30, starting August 27, 2011. Funding to allow the Museum of Alabama to open every Saturday is made possible by a grant from the Alabama Tourism Department to the Friends of the Alabama Archives. The Research Room is open Tuesday through Friday, 8:30 - 4:30, and the 2nd Saturday of each month.
For more information please see www.archives.alabama.gov.
ALEXANDER CITY
Thursday, August 4 - Field Trip & Tour, Robinson Iron Works
(For details, see Mobile, Field Trip, Robinson Iron Works below.)
BIRMINGHAM
Monday, August 1 - Wednesday, August 31 - A Stitch In Time: Southern Quilts in the African-American Tradition
Exhibition of quilts by African-American fiber artists of the Deep South. Quilts on exhibit are drawn from the permanent American quilt collection held by the Birmingham Museum of Art. Quilt artists featured include, among others, Alabama's Nora Ezell, Yvonne Wells, Chris Clark and the Freedom Quilting Bee artists. Admission Free. Birmingham Museum of Art, 2000 Rev. Abraham Woods, Jr. Blvd (formerly 8th Avenue North). Exhibition runs through December 31. For more information and museum hours, call 205-254-2565 or visit www.artsbma.org.
Monday, August 1 - Friday, August 26 - The Music Lives On: Folk Song Traditions Told by Alabama Artists
Exhibition of visual works by Alabama artists Lonnie Holley, Joe Minter, Charlie Lucas and Thornton Dial depicting Alabama's musical traditions and performers of blues, bluegrass, jazz and country. Admission: Adults $6, Seniors $5, Children 5 - 12 Yrs. $4, Children 4 Yrs and younger Free. Vulcan Park and Museum, 1701 Valley View Drive, Birmingham. Sponsored by Vulcan Park and Museum and the Alabama Humanities Foundation. For more information and museum hours, call 205-933-1409.
Thursday, August 4 - Field Trip & Tour, Robinson Iron Works
(For details, see Mobile, Field Trip, Robinson Iron Works below.)
BIRMINGHAM
Monday, August 1 - Wednesday, August 31 - A Stitch In Time: Southern Quilts in the African-American Tradition
Exhibition of quilts by African-American fiber artists of the Deep South. Quilts on exhibit are drawn from the permanent American quilt collection held by the Birmingham Museum of Art. Quilt artists featured include, among others, Alabama's Nora Ezell, Yvonne Wells, Chris Clark and the Freedom Quilting Bee artists. Admission Free. Birmingham Museum of Art, 2000 Rev. Abraham Woods, Jr. Blvd (formerly 8th Avenue North). Exhibition runs through December 31. For more information and museum hours, call 205-254-2565 or visit www.artsbma.org.
Monday, August 1 - Friday, August 26 - The Music Lives On: Folk Song Traditions Told by Alabama Artists
Exhibition of visual works by Alabama artists Lonnie Holley, Joe Minter, Charlie Lucas and Thornton Dial depicting Alabama's musical traditions and performers of blues, bluegrass, jazz and country. Admission: Adults $6, Seniors $5, Children 5 - 12 Yrs. $4, Children 4 Yrs and younger Free. Vulcan Park and Museum, 1701 Valley View Drive, Birmingham. Sponsored by Vulcan Park and Museum and the Alabama Humanities Foundation. For more information and museum hours, call 205-933-1409.
Continue reading Historic Preservation Events.
Know someone who is passionate about preservation and who would make a good board member for the Alabama Trust for Historic Preservation (ATHP)? The ATHP's Nomination Committee is accepting recommendations. A slate for officers and board members-at-large will be submitted by the committee for a vote of approval during the ATHP fall board meeting. Deadline for nomination submissions: Thursday, Sept. 1st. For more information or to send a nomination for consideration, visit www.alabamatrust.info.
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
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.
Alabama Underwater Cultural Resources Act: proposed amendments may be voted on by the Alabama Senate at any time now.
A bill before the Alabama Senate (H.B. 104) would amend the Underwater Cultural Resources Act and would drastically limit its effectiveness in preserving underwater archaeological resources within the state's waterways. By redefining the term "cultural resource" to limit it to shipwrecks, the bill would open our waterways to the unregulated looting of significant archaeological sites including those eligible for or listed on the National Register of Historical Places or the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage. Prehistoric remains, Civil
War artifacts, and a wide variety of historical cultural material would be rendered unprotected.
Under existing law, the Alabama Underwater Cultural Resources Act, underwater cultural resources are subject to regulation by the state. A permit is required from the Alabama Historical Commission prior to the exploration or excavation of underwater cultural resources or for recreational diving related to cultural resources. The theft or disturbance of underwater cultural resources is subject to criminal penalties.
This very reasonable law was crafted after much public input from recreational and professional divers and has been working effectively since 2006. One of its primary benefits is to prevent the recovery and sale of artifacts, which would go largely unregulated if HB 104 passed into law. The bill is moving swiftly through the legislature. It passed the House almost before the preservation community was even made aware of it. The Senate Governmental Affairs Committee held a public hearing on April 19 and those closely watching the issue were not made aware of it until the afternoon of the day prior. A vote on the bill could come at any time.
Accordingly, we urge you to consider contacting both the members on the committee and your local Senators and urge them to vote against the bill.
It is our understanding that:
1) The current system was recently implemented in 2006 and is working.
2) HB104 will open the door to widespread looting and the undocumented mining and recovery of artifacts from Alabama waters.
3) Artifacts are worth money. Selling artifacts is a business that makes dollars. Under HB104, artifacts will be legally recovered, transported out of Alabama and sold.
4) HB104 only benefits a small group of artifact collectors and sellers - to the detriment of the people of Alabama.
5) State lands belong to the people of Alabama. On state-owned land, Alabama law prohibits the cutting of trees, mining of coal or digging of artifacts with a shovel or backhoe without following first applying for a permit. The passage of HB104 regarding underwater digging would be inconsistent with existing laws governing state land.
Preservationists across the state are raising awareness of the potential destruction and detriment that HB104 would allow if passed by the Senate. Momentum to reject HB104 is growing among those who wish to keep Alabama's treasures at home for the common good of people of Alabama. Time is critical. Vote no on HB104.
A bill before the Alabama Senate (H.B. 104) would amend the Underwater Cultural Resources Act and would drastically limit its effectiveness in preserving underwater archaeological resources within the state's waterways. By redefining the term "cultural resource" to limit it to shipwrecks, the bill would open our waterways to the unregulated looting of significant archaeological sites including those eligible for or listed on the National Register of Historical Places or the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage. Prehistoric remains, Civil
War artifacts, and a wide variety of historical cultural material would be rendered unprotected.
Under existing law, the Alabama Underwater Cultural Resources Act, underwater cultural resources are subject to regulation by the state. A permit is required from the Alabama Historical Commission prior to the exploration or excavation of underwater cultural resources or for recreational diving related to cultural resources. The theft or disturbance of underwater cultural resources is subject to criminal penalties.
This very reasonable law was crafted after much public input from recreational and professional divers and has been working effectively since 2006. One of its primary benefits is to prevent the recovery and sale of artifacts, which would go largely unregulated if HB 104 passed into law. The bill is moving swiftly through the legislature. It passed the House almost before the preservation community was even made aware of it. The Senate Governmental Affairs Committee held a public hearing on April 19 and those closely watching the issue were not made aware of it until the afternoon of the day prior. A vote on the bill could come at any time.
Accordingly, we urge you to consider contacting both the members on the committee and your local Senators and urge them to vote against the bill.
It is our understanding that:
1) The current system was recently implemented in 2006 and is working.
2) HB104 will open the door to widespread looting and the undocumented mining and recovery of artifacts from Alabama waters.
3) Artifacts are worth money. Selling artifacts is a business that makes dollars. Under HB104, artifacts will be legally recovered, transported out of Alabama and sold.
4) HB104 only benefits a small group of artifact collectors and sellers - to the detriment of the people of Alabama.
5) State lands belong to the people of Alabama. On state-owned land, Alabama law prohibits the cutting of trees, mining of coal or digging of artifacts with a shovel or backhoe without following first applying for a permit. The passage of HB104 regarding underwater digging would be inconsistent with existing laws governing state land.
Preservationists across the state are raising awareness of the potential destruction and detriment that HB104 would allow if passed by the Senate. Momentum to reject HB104 is growing among those who wish to keep Alabama's treasures at home for the common good of people of Alabama. Time is critical. Vote no on HB104.
