Birmingham Historical Society, Birmingham Landmarks, Birmingham pioneers, BOOK, Book Sale, City of Birmingham, Membership, Publications

Need ideas for Family Friendly Outings?

Birmingham by the Book: A Guide to the Magic City is FREE to all new members! The heavily illustrated 8 x 10 guide is divided into chapters with photos, maps, and descriptions including:

  • MUST SEES
  • Sites to Explore
  • Before Birmingham
  • The City Center
  • Coal, Iron and Steel Communities
  • West End
  • East End
  • South Highlands
  • Red Mountain
  • Over the Mountain
  • Shades Mountain
Suspended bridge connecting wooden platforms in a wooded area with bare trees and a cloudy sky.
Stone ruins surrounded by lush green trees, with sunlight filtering through the leaves.

A typical page is pictured below. Quickly access places to go and things to do with a particular emphasis on the history of the sites. Locals may discover a new appreciation for their city that they only thought they knew well. Tourists will find an easy-to-follow overview divided into regions with notable sites in each region. Use this guide so that you don’t miss important architectural or historical features. And JOIN US, as we continue to document Birmingham’s history and educate the public with annual publications per the words of Marjorie White, BHS Director, below.

A two-page spread featuring various cultural and recreational activities in a city, including sections on arts, sports, family-friendly outings, food, and farmers' markets. Images include theaters, museums, and events, with a layout that highlights local attractions and dining options.

Interview by Birmingham Business Journal with
Marjorie White
Chairman of the Board and Director, Birmingham Historical Society
Category: Volunteer of the Year, Birmingham Business Journal 2026

Why is the nonprofit mission so critical and needed in the Birmingham community?

Nonprofits tread where others will not. Case in point: Fifty years ago, when I was first elected as an officer of the Birmingham Historical Society that I continue to serve as chairman of the board and director, the general understanding was that Birmingham had no history. (History happened before or during antebellum times and Birmingham was not even here then), and that the city had no built heritage to preserve. Over the intervening years, the Society has researched and published more than 70 books, drafted National Register of Historic Places and National Landmark nominations, conducted educational programs for adults and school groups and worked to create awareness and stewardship of the significant heritage of our post-bellum industrial city, greatly spearheading its conservation and preservation. This year, we look forward to releasing and sharing our definitive guide to Birmingham that once and for all dispels the notion that there is nothing to see or do in the Magic City.

Birmingham Historical Society is a privately funded membership organization. The Society benefits from the philanthropy of others: their donations of money, time and skills. As is true for similar groups across the United States, the Society has no full-time staff and operates with an exceptionally strong volunteer base. Many individuals have made decades long contributions. 

We look forward to continuing their service, recruiting other volunteers, and to building our endowment to support future staffed positions, fulfilling our mission to research, publish. and educate our community about its history and heritage.

Birmingham Landmarks, Birmingham pioneers, Coal Mines, Parks & Recreation, Railroads, Red Mountain, Red Mountain Park, Shades Creek, shades mountain

Historic Hiking Trails in Birmingham

Are you a hiker? Do you enjoy nature trails? Are you interested in history? If so, there is lots to explore on Birmingham’s historic hiking trails as posted by AllTrails and available right on your smartphone.

The app provides driving directions, maps, points of interest, photos, and even plant identification with estimated times, length of trails, elevation changes, and difficulty. Abandoned mines and railroad tracks, along with associated structures, tell the story of Birmingham’s early industrial heritage. The topography and natural environment offer clues into why the area developed as it has.

Red Mountain, Full Loop by Randi Bechtel
Irondale Furnace Trail by Brian Cash

Want more? Check out the numerous Birmingham Historical Society publications that go into depth about Birmingham’s industrial history including:

And follow the posts on the preservation of Ross Bridge

The weather is beautiful! It’s time to get outside and HIKE

Annual Gathering, Annual meeting, Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Birmingham Historical Society, BOOK, Book Sale, Book Signing, Cake Contest, Food History, Publications

Photo Highlights from the Annual Meeting

First the PROGRAM! Birmingham boosters Stewart Dansby and Tom Cosby had the audience enthusiastically participating in a “Birmingham IQ” quiz highlighting the many superlatives that make Birmingham a great place to live. Did you know…? WOW! The audience was impressed by stats and amenities that are often overlooked by Birmingham natives.

Birmingham Historical Society President Wayne Hester begins the annual meeting as the audience reviews multiple choice answers to the “Birmingham IQ” quiz by Tom Cosby and Stewart Dansby.

Stewart Dansby and Tom Cosby created a list of multiple choice answers to test Birmingham’s knowledge of their city.

Group of five individuals posing for a photo at an event, with one person holding a tote bag that says 'Monet to Matisse'.
Pictured left to right: Stewart Dansby, Maury Shevin, Jennifer Chandler (Vulcan Park & Museum), Graham Boettcher (Birmingham Museum of Art), and Tom Cosby. Maury Shevin was the winner of the Birmingham IQ test. Jennifer and Graham donated prizes along with prizes from Lyric Theater, Rickwood Field, and Birmingham Historical Society.

Next the BOOK!

Birmingham Historical Society members all received a copy of Birmingham by the Book: A Guide to the Magic City, a definitive guide of over 50 years of research by Marjorie White about her adopted city. Tasked with directing the organization as a newcomer, one of her first goals was to create a guide and many years and over 70 publications later, this is the not-to-be-missed result. A book signing by Marjorie White followed the meeting.

Available locally at Thank You Books, Shoppe, Birmingham Museum of Art, and at Birmingham Historical Society.

After the quiz, Birmingham Historical Society VP, Rick Sprague, reported on the progress of the society since a survey produced a strategic plan that was published in 2020. He noted that ALL goals have been achieved and in some cases surpassed!


Followed by the CAKES! In recognition of the guide book’s history, all of the cakes entered used recipes that were over 50 years old with some interesting stories to accompany them.

A round, frosted cake with a smooth white icing and small red flecks, placed on a decorative glass cake stand.

And finally many thanks to the JUDGES! Three members of Les Dames d’Escoffier Birmingham agreed to judge the cakes. Christiana Roussel, Sonthe Burge, and Charbett Cauthen. We were delighted to have their expertise and share in their enthusiasm for all things culinary!

Three women smiling together at a table with desserts, including cakes and a potted plant, at an event.
Two women engage in conversation at a table filled with various desserts and snacks during an event, with a large cake prominently displayed.
A decorated table featuring several cakes and desserts, with greenery accents and decorative place settings. Three women are engaged in conversation nearby.
A pecan meringue torte displayed on a glass plate, partially sliced to reveal its interior layers. The dessert is on a yellow serving platter alongside a knife and a rolled cloth napkin. A yellow award ribbon reads 'Best Visual Presentation.'
Judges left to right: Christiana Roussel, Sonthe Burge, and Charbett Cauthen. BHS Trustee and cake contest organizer, Carolanne Roberts, chats with Christiana.

Thank you to all who participated and especially to all who attended!

Birmingham Civil Rights, Birmingham Landmarks, Birmingham Public Library, civil rights, Colored Masonic Temple

Ways to Celebrate Black History Month

February is Black History Month and reviewing Birmingham’s Civil Rights History is a great way to acknowledge it. The following is a video produced by CBS 42 with places to explore.

The Rev. Jesse Jackson who died today, had ties to Birmingham’s Civil Rights history rooted in his work with the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) and his commitment to honoring the city’s civil rights history. He visited the A.G. Gaston Motel in March 2025 and was in Alabama in 2013 for the 50th anniversary of the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing in September 2013.

From the Birmingham Times:

Jackson and his family were at A.G. Gaston Motel to explore future partnership opportunities with Kendra Woodfin, wife of Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin, and KultureCity, a nonprofit dedicated to sensory inclusion and disability accessibility.

“It’s good to be home again,” Jackson whispered from his wheelchair. “I have Parkinson’s and I can’t talk very well, but my mind is on freedom.” He added, “The Bible says, ‘Remove not the ancient landmarks which thy fathers have set.’ This is a landmark. Never forget it. It is dark, but the morning comes. When it is really dark, you can see the stars more clearly. Amen.”

A skyline view of Birmingham, featuring various tall buildings and blue skies, with text overlay honoring Black History Month.
Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame, Birmingham Civil Rights, Birmingham Historical Society, Birmingham Landmarks, Birmingham pioneers, BOOK, Book Sale, Historic Preservation, Music, Smithfield

If you missed the documentary…

The film produced by Katie Rogers and Brandon McCray tells the story of how jazz was cultivated and popularized in Ensley, centered around what is now known as the Nixon Building, located at the junction of two streetcar lines. During the 1920s and 1930s, the nightclub on this corner was a vibrant social hub and dance venue. Admission required tuxedos and proper evening attire, a standard that gave rise to the club’s legendary name: Tuxedo Junction.

Book cover titled 'Magic City' by Burgin Mathews, featuring a prominent historical figure in jazz with musicians and dancers, highlighting the impact of Birmingham's jazz tradition.

This era also marked the emergence of some of Birmingham’s most influential jazz musicians, many of whom were trained by renowned band director Fess Whatley at Parker Industrial School. At the time, Parker Industrial was the only Black high school in Alabama, and its students honed their musical skills by performing at Tuxedo Junction, helping to shape a distinctive jazz tradition that would resonate far beyond Birmingham. The song Tuxedo Junction performed there and written by Erskine Hawkins cemented its place in history.

Parker Industrial High School in Smithfield
Black and white photo of a corner building that houses the 'Black Pearl' store and a sign for 'Turbo Variety Store,' with traffic lights and parked cars visible on the street.
The Nixon Building a/k/a Tuxedo Junction

The good news is that the documentary Tuxedo Junction will air on PBS on February 19. Those who attended the special screening on Sunday can attest that it is well worth the wait—don’t miss it! Sunday’s event also featured a book signing by Burgin Mathews, author of Magic City: How the Birmingham Jazz Tradition Shaped the Sound of America, his 10 year passion project that further highlights the city’s enduring impact on American music. Jazz music by Birmingham legends, Bo Berry and Jose Carr, created the magic that continues to captivate music lovers everywhere.

Black and white image of a large industrial complex with smokestacks emitting smoke, surrounded by various buildings and train cars. The text credits Brandon McCray and Katie Rogers as producers.
Tuxedo Junction documentary
Aerial view of a crowded theater with an audience seated in rows, watching three speakers on stage in front of a large screen.
Author Burgin Mathews, Katie Rogers, and jazz greats Bo Berry and Jose Carr at Virginia Samford Theater
A man and a woman smiling for a selfie, standing in front of a red curtain. The man has blonde hair and glasses, wearing a green sweater, while the woman has long blonde hair and a patterned blouse.
BHS President Wayne Hester, and documentary co-producer, Katie Rogers
Smiling man in a pinstripe suit stands next to a framed photograph of theatrical performers.
John Nixon, who owns his father’s dental office-the tuxedo junction building, is posed with a photo of his father who acted opposite Virginia Samford many years ago
Three individuals posing together in a casually elegant indoor setting. The first person on the left is wearing a black sweatshirt and sneakers. The middle person is dressed in a formal suit and tie. The person on the right is wearing a floral dress. They appear to be smiling and standing together in front of a decorative wall.
Producers Brandon McCray and Katie Rogers with the owner of the Tuxedo Junction Building, John Nixon
A group of four individuals standing on stage during an event, engaging with the audience. One person is speaking into a microphone while the others listen attentively. The setting appears to be a theater.
Katie Rogers, Bo Berry, Jose Carr, and Brandon McCray
Tuxedo Junction by Erskine Hawkins 
with lyrics by Buddy Feyne

Feelin' low
Rockin' slow
I want to go
Right back where I belong
Way down south in Birmingham
I mean south in Alabam'
There's an old place where people go
To dance the night away
They all drive or walk for miles
To get jive that southern style
It's an old jive that makes you want
To dance till break of day
It's a junction where the town folks meet
At each function in a tux they greet you
Come on down, forget your care
Come on down, you'll find me there
So long town, I'm heading for
Tuxedo Junction now
[Instrumental]
Feelin' low
Rockin' slow
I want to go
Right back where I belong
Way down south in Birmingham
I mean south in Alabam'
There's an old place where people go
To dance the night away
They all drive or walk for miles
To get jive that southern style
It's an old jive that makes you want
To dance till break of day
It's a junction where the town folks meet
At each function in a tux they greet you
Come on down, forget your care
Come on down, you'll find me there
So long town, I'm heading for
Tuxedo Junction now
Tuxedo Junction now
Annual Gathering, Annual meeting, Birmingham Historical Society, BOOK, Book Sale, Book Signing, Cake Contest, City of Birmingham, Meetings, Membership, Publications

ANNUAL MEETING, Birmingham by the Book Introduction & Event Highlights

  • Monday, February 23rd, 2026, 7:00 PM
  • Birmingham Botanical Gardens Auditorium
  • Free and open to the public

Available NOW!

BUY HERE ON AMAZON.COM
or support our local vendors: Shoppe in Forest Park and Thank You Books in Crestwood

Cover of 'Birmingham by the Book: A Guide to the Magic City' published by the Birmingham Historical Society, featuring an aerial view of Birmingham at sunset.
Invitation to the Annual Meeting of the Birmingham Historical Society, featuring the introduction of 'Birmingham by the Book.'

What’s Your Birmingham IQ? with Birmingham boosters Tom Cosby and Stewart Dansby

Cosby and Dansby are former public relations and marketing officers of the Birmingham Regional Chamber of Commerce and leaders in our city and in the saving and conserving of its landmarks, notably Vulcan, Rickwood Field, and the Lyric

And featuring Birmingham Historical Society’s annual cake contest with this year’s theme: Cakes with a Past

A flyer for a cake contest titled 'Cakes with a Past' featuring colorful illustrations of cakes. The flyer outlines the mission, rules, and judging categories for participants. It invites entries that celebrate memories associated with cakes from the past 50 years.
Cakes with a Past
A cake background form for the Birmingham Historical Society's 'Cakes with a Past' contest, dated February 23, 2026, featuring sections for personal information, cake details, and a recipe.
Rules

Cake Contest, family history, Favorite Pie & Cake Contest

Cakes with a PAST Contest!

Do you remember some old fashioned favorites like angel food cake, pineapple upside down cake, icebox cake, or chocolate mayonnaise cake? Do they bring back memories of baking or sharing with family members? Do you have other baking memories of 50~plus years ago? Then please enter your cake in this annual contest! Judging will be at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens Auditorium between 3:30 and 4:00PM on Monday, February 23rd, 2026 . A tasting and announcement of the winners will follow the annual meeting at 7:00PM during which the latest publication, BIRMINGHAM by the BOOK, will be introduced.

So search those recipe boxes! We can’t wait to see what you create along with its memorable story!

A beautifully arranged display of various cakes and desserts on a table, including a tall decorated cake topped with fresh berries, slices of coffee cake, and several fruit-topped pastries, set in a rustic environment.
A colorful cake decorated with cream and fruits, set against a simple background, representing old-fashioned baking traditions.
Screenshot

Research, Publishing, and Education