Alabama Preservation

Tuskegee University: National Landmark and Educational Treasure

admin — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Tuskegee University is located in Tuskegee Alabama and is a school with a great academic history. It is also a school that has played a role in United States history, leading it to become a National Historic Landmark. It was established in 1881 and still plays a role as a fantastic educational university with around 3,000 students attending classes their today.

This is a place that people should take the time to see in person and learn about before visiting. Tuskegee University is a National Landmark and educational treasure that is very important in American history. The school was originally the dream of Lewis Adams who was a former slave, and George Campbell who was a former slave holder. They would eventually receive 2,000 from the state of Alabama for teachers’ salaries, but they would receive no land or buildings. They had to start with about 30 students in churches or shanty buildings, but they gained much over the next years.

The first principal was the very famous Booker T. Washington, and he set the standards for Tuskegee University going forward. This university is also very famous for the Tuskegee Airmen flight training program, which is a very famous part of WWII history.

Barons Baseball

admin — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +0000

The Birmingham Barons are one of the most historic baseball teams in the south and a significant part of Alabama’s history. You can trace the history of the team all of the way back to 1885 when they played throughout the South. Today they are a minor league team associated with the Chicago White Sox. The team plays at the newly renovated Region Parks, which underwent extensive renovations in 2008. Once a year, however, the team goes back to its historic roots and plays at Rickwood Field in the Rickwood Classic. Rickwood Field was their home from 1910 until 1988 and the game is just one way to honor their roots, as well as, the different Alabama baseball players that have helped establish the team’s legacy.
In more modern history, Barons baseball, made headlines when Michael Jordan was added to the roster. Jordan not only brought world attention to the team but he also helped sell out many of their games. His presence on the team also got the team some much deserved television time.
Today visitors will enjoy spending time watching one of the most historic teams in one of America’s favorite pastimes, baseball. Watching the Barons play is a must for any visitor to Alabama.

Rosa Parks Museum in Montgomery

admin — Sat, 02 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +0000

The Rosa Parks Museum was created to remember Rosa Parks and what she stood for. She was a great women who was an activist for civil rights during the Civil Rights Movement. Because she was black, she was told she had to give up her seat to a white person on a Montgomery, Alabama city bus. Rosa Parks refused and history was written.

Rosa Park’s interactive museum is truly an inspiring place. The museums exhibits are very entertaining and informing. You will be able to see exhibits at this museum about Rosa Park’s life and the Civil Rights Movement. The bus exhibit is a must see while visiting the museum. Windows of a city bus have been made into video screens in this exhibit. Visitors can view re-enactment video of the actual bus incident while it plays upon these windows. This exhibit will make you feel like you were there.

After going through exhibits about Rosa Park’s life, you can take a leisurely look around at special exhibits that the Rosa Parks Museum offers about art and other things. A visit to the library that is housed within the museum is informative and checking out the gifts and souvenirs in the museum’s gift shop is always a fun thing to do while you are there.

Escape to the Choctaw Wildlife Refuge

www.alabamapreservation.org — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Alabama the Beautiful. Not just the slogan that warmly welcomes visitors to the state, beautiful truly describes the heart of Dixie, blessed not only with down home southern attitude but a God’s gracious smile across the scenic countryside and deep into its waters. Even with highfalutin plasma screen and high definition Direct tv Alabama can’t be done adequate justice except through the human eye. To truly appreciate Alabama’s natural beauty, you quite simply have to see it person. From the peak of Mount Cheaha, all the way down to the Gulf coast lowlands, the majority of Alabama has maintained a quaintly rural landscape, accented with quintessentially rustic cities, firmly rooted in the distinct styling of a simpler time.Perhaps nowhere in the state’s border are God’s gifts to Alabama showcased in more pristine condition than the Choctaw National Wildlife Refuge, located approximately 10 miles northwest of Coffeeville and 80 miles north of Mobile, in the southwestern region of the state. The Refuge has been shielded from human access in most capacity over the years, with much of the marsh and wetland area accessible only by boat, offering an undisturbed peak into nearly pure natural preservation.The refuge is fortunate to serve as the landing place for over 10,000 waterfowl, who call the Refuge home for the winter, among several other breeds of bird, highlighted by a pair of bald eagles in the colder months, and wood storks each summer.Of course fowl are far from alone in calling the Choctaw National Wildlife Refuge their own, joined by alligators, deer, beavers, among several other species of native Alabaman animals.Visitors can take part in many public use facets of the Refuge, including fishing and hunting enthusiasts (both big game and small game), within regulations, of course. Hiking and photography are also popular tourist activities during visits.So, if Mother Nature is calling and it’s real Alabama you want see, there’s arguably no place better than the Choctaw National Wildlife Refuge’s nearly 4,500 acres of land, where since 1964, Alabama’s natural assets have been protected and nurtured.

Christmas on the Coast

www.alabamapreservation.org — Sat, 04 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Alabama is home to some of the most beautiful land in Dixie, but despite its proud southern heritage, the state’s non-Northern location places it at a strategic disadvantage come Christmas time. When boys and girls go to bed at night in Alabama, their dreams of a white Christmas will almost certainly go unfulfilled.So went the inspiration behind the Alabama Gulf Coast’s new holiday tourism marketing campaign. Though you may not be able to look out your window and see white snow covering the ground, the Foley, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach area do have plenty of white sand on which to frolic. The official name of the campaign is “Coast this Holiday,” urging residents to get out of the house, take a vacation and take easy, literally coasting through the holiday season.Historically speaking, the November and December months are a lull for Alabama coastal tourism. As you might expect, the summer months see the heaviest traffic, though winter beach-going is not all too uncommon. The gulf does get its share of visitors during the colder months, though generally the business does pick up until the new year.Strategically, the campaign is aimed at Alabama residents, reminding them that the coast is still there for their enjoyment, hoping to extend the summer shopping window across the entire calendar. Especially in a summer in which revenue is down by local businesses thanks to the oil spill disaster, officials are hopeful that this Christmas will help to turn the tides and start the state’s 2011 on a high note, in terms of economic activity.With plenty of events on tap and stores to satisfy any present buying preference, a Christmas on the coast looks to be a merry match made in heaven for both local businesses and tourists alike.

High Class Alabama Glass

www.alabamapreservation.org — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 15:58:51 +0000

Perhaps you’ve seen the movie Sweet Home Alabama. For those out there who haven’t, Melanie Smooter (Reece Witherspoon) finds herself in a local Alabama glass shop with her new “Yankee” boyfriend Andrew Hennings, only to discover the magical world of ornate trinkets and luxurious glass sculptures are owned and crafted by her hometown sweetheart, Jake Perry. Remove all the drama and what you have is an Alabama tradition, as boldly historic and beautiful as the great state herself. That’s right, glass blowing is alive and well in Alabama, a must-see attraction and souvenir shop for any visitor and a must-have staple of household dcor for any resident.Of course, as Hollywood tends to do, the movie overblows the glass blowing, telling tales of how the lighting strikes to cause glass formations, real life glass sculptures are commonly constructed through forces of man not nature. Yes, lighting does cause the formation of “fulgarite,” but it is less elegant than depicted on-screen. Present day Alabama is the proud home of more traditional forms of glass art.Orbix Hot Glass, for example, hand crafts each piece of glass with attention to form, balance and charm, turning out exquisitely gorgeous glass art that doubling as useful, around the house apparatuses and decoration (i.e. pitchers, vases, goblets, etc.). Orbix was founded by Cal Breed, dually qualified as both an engineer and an artist, opening his private studio in northeast Alabama after years of artistic study. Why Orbix, you might ask? The name Orbix describes the process necessary to produce properly made glass art. The “gaffer” must keep his pipe constantly in orbit in order to apply consistent heat, resulting in the desired shape.So next time you’re considering new stemware or need a special gift for a friend who appreciates finer thing, think locally, as Alabama blown glass mixes high class opulence with down home southern charm.

Historical landmarks recognize Alabama’s early cultures

admin — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 18:13:54 +0000

While Alabama has definitely defined its own local character and culture since its unification in 1819, there have been settlers living in the region for much longer. Several sites recognized as National Historic Landmarks in the area remind us of the cultures that preceded the Alabama of today.The Bottle Creek Indian Mounds are located at the Mobile-Tensaw River Delta in Mobile, Alabama. Archaeologists recognize the site as one of the premier locations of Mississippian culturethe Native American tribes that occupied the Midwestern, Eastern, and Southeastern US between 800 CE and 1500 CE. The Bottle Creek site is thought to have been occupied between 1250 and 1550 CE, and consists of 18 earthen mounds. The tallest one is 45 feet high. The mounds usually served as platforms for temples or houses, which were built on top.The Yuchi Town Site, located in Fort Benning, Alabama, is a late prehistoric and historic era site, declared a National Historic Landmark in 1996. Both the Apalachicola and Yuchi tribes made their homes here at various times, and archaeologists view the site as an example of how tribes held on to their cultural integrity during early US expansion. The Apalachicola lived in the village first, between 1650 and 1715 CE. In the 17^th century they allied with the Spanish and were destroyed by the English as a result. The Yuchi occupied the site following this tragedy, and also allied with various European forces. However, they were able to maintain their identity until they were removed to Oklahoma in 1836.The earlier cultures of Alabama still remain an integral part of the state’s culture today. Travelers should make it a point to investigate these sites during their journeys and learn more about Alabama’s journey to the present day.

Relive History in Huntsville

admin — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 19:57:38 +0000

The residents of Huntsville take 4-D to a whole new level when they live out the past of the Alabama Constitution Village. This isn’t a movie or a documentary, its real people, dressed up in colonial clothing, engrossing themselves in the day to day activities of the past. The historically clad tour guides will take you on a journey through eight reconstructed Federal style buildings. Let your imagination take over as you hear the whir of the spinning wheel, smell freshly baked bread, and chat with villagers who don’t seem to realize 200 years have passed as they go about their daily chores.The educational advantages to a village reenactment like the one at the Alabama Constitution Village are vast. For one thing, the set up is much more entertaining than a regular museum with regular displays. Children’s attention will be held by the realistic scenarios in front of them. Additionally, you’ll probably find it easier to learn by ‘doing’ as well as ‘seeing’. The Constitution Village provides many fun opportunities for hands on experienceyou can even help turn the great wheel lathe in the cabinetmaker’s shop.If you’re interested in visiting the Alabama Constitutional Village, visit their site for rates and hours. Be sure to check out the numerous other fun sites offered by the EarlyWorks museum complex while your there. Kids will love the Children’s History Museum and the Huntsville Historic Depot.

Visit the Birthplace of Helen Keller

admin — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 21:48:35 +0000

Can you imagine going through life unable to see OR hear? For 19 month old Helen Keller, this nightmare of sorts became an unfortunate reality. After a severe illness as an infant, Helen lost two of her most important sensesbut this didn’t stop her from becoming one of history’s most remarkable women of all times. Thanks to Dr. Alexander Graham Bell (inventor of the telephone), Helen was united with Anne Sullivanmore commonly known as ‘The Miracle Worker’. By the age of seven, Ms. Sullivan had gotten through to Helen and taught her to read, write, and speak a language which was previously unknown to the southern wild child.Helen Keller dedicated her life to improving the conditions of the blind and deaf around the world. Her home at Ivy Green is just a small monument to her tremendous success. This historic shrine is well worth a visit. Walk around the grounds where Helen learned to experience the world, learn more about Helen, her miracle worker, and their monumental accomplishments, and gain a new respect for the hardships faced by the deaf and blind.Located a few miles off Highway 72 in Tuscumbia, Alabama, Ivy Green provides a fun and educational environment for kids and parents alike, often leaving visitors with a whole new appreciation for their ability to see and hear the world.

DeSoto Caverns

admin — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 21:40:27 +0000

Located in Childersburg, Alabama, DeSoto Caverns is comprised of a series of caves at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Legend and lore runs deep at the caverns, as locals tell tales of the caverns various uses over the past centuries.DeSoto Caverns houses a Woodland Indian burial site, named “Copena,” uncovered by a team of archaeologists in 1965. Among the remains was the enormous jawbone, researchers believe to belong to a Native American over 7 feet tall. It is believed, the local native tribe found the cave to be a peaceful, protective environment to both guard and give rest to the souls of their departed.In more recent history, DeSoto Caverns served as hideout for party goers looking to avoid the United States strict “Prohibition” policy, banning the manufacture, sale and distribution of alcohol. The seclusion of the caves offered the perfect setting for moonshine operations, dance floors and gambling tables in which townspeople could cut loose during one of our nation’s most uptight times. The 1920′s saw stream of violence unfold under the caves’ dark cover. “The Bloody Bucket” as it came to be known was briefly shut down by the government, but was reopened in 1933 with the repeal of prohibition law.Today, DeSoto Caverns serves as tourist attraction and fun park, with themed games and exhibits, many either poking fun at or celebrating the caves’ rich and diverse history. Whether visitors want to pan for gemstones like the prospectors of old, try their hand at Native American bow and arrows or blaze their way through DeSoto’s Lost Trail Maze, family members of all ages will find an activity to catch their fancy. The caverns also houses traditional amusement park classics, including putt-putt, a go-kart track and paddle boats among many more. For both your Alabama history and family fun fix, DeSoto Caverns offers a great escape.