Birmingham Historical Society, Birmingham Landmarks, Exhibition, Historic Preservation, Historic Preservation Month

Symphony of Elements: A Free Tribute to Metal Art and Science

Opening May 23rd, this exhibit by The Symphony of Elements Foundation is FREE as a landmark tribute to Birmingham’s industrial heritage at Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark — “one of the most historically significant industrial sites in the United States”.

Chairman + Director, Symphony of Elements Foundation

Dr. Raymond Thompson, PhD, PE

Dr. Raymond Thompson has spent more than six decades at the intersection of metallurgy, education, and community. Symphony of Elements is the culmination of all three.

A celebrated Engineering Professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), Dr. Thompson shaped generations of engineers through his courses in metallurgy, ceramics, and materials science. His influence extended far beyond the classroom: he served on the UAB Long-Term Planning Committee, the School of Engineering Advisory Council, and as president of the UAB National Alumni Society, earning the UAB Volunteer of the Year Award in recognition of his lifelong commitment to education.

After more than 60 years as a Birmingham resident, researcher, and teacher, Dr. Thompson created Symphony of Elements to share what he has always known: that metals are not just functional — they are beautiful, complex, and endlessly fascinating.

This exhibit is his gift to the city that shaped him.

Event poster for 'Forged in Steel: A Festival of Elements' celebrating the art and science of metal, featuring live music, metal arts, speakers, vendors, and food trucks, taking place on Saturday, May 23 from 10 AM to 4 PM at Sloss Furnace.
Birmingham Historical Society, Coal Mines, Historic Preservation, lecture, Railroads, Red Mountain, Red Mountain Park, Research

James Lowery on the Birmingham Mineral Railroad’s Legacy

Learn why the Birmingham Mineral Railroad was significant to Birmingham’s economic development, as explained by railroad historian, James Lowery. As volunteer coordinator and member of the Board of Directors of the Mid-South Chapter, Lowery details the privately funded Historic Birmingham Mineral Railroad Signs Project created to locate signs all along its route, in order to preserve its historical significance. More information is available HERE, along with a summary on Birmingham Historical Society’s May newsletter HERE

Note that this is the full presentation of James Lowery’s talk and is an hour and a half.
James Lowery and BHS President Wayne Hester hold the sign used to mark the Birmingham Mineral Railroad bed
Birmingham Historical Society, Historic Preservation, Historic Preservation Month, lecture, Railroads, Red Mountain

The Birmingham Mineral Railroad: A Century of Impact

The 393 mile division of the L&N Railroad known as the Birmingham Mineral Railroad was active for 100 years from 1884 to 1998. It transported raw materials of coal, iron ore, and limestone from local deposits into furnaces, then to processing facilities, and eventually to extended routes to be distributed across the country. Some portions have been converted to walking, biking, and hiking trails, while one segment from Bessemer to Tuscaloosa and Huntsville remains active. But James Lowery stressed in his talk May 10th that its historic importance to the economic development of Birmingham remains and needs to be preserved.

Two men holding a sign that reads 'Historic Birmingham Mineral Railroad Site' inside a building with historical displays in the background.
BHS President Wayne Hester with guest speaker, James Lowery
A table set with snacks and drinks, featuring a model train track, floral arrangements, and decorated cupcakes with railway signs. Guests are mingling in the background.
A lively gathering of people socializing at an indoor event, with a table featuring drinks, snacks, and floral decorations. A model train track is also visible in the foreground.
An interactive historical presentation featuring a speaker demonstrating tools in front of an audience seated in a room decorated with photographs and artifacts.
Presentation slide showing an old image of L&N Union Station from the late 1800s, featuring streetcars, tracks, and a person on a bicycle.
A speaker presents to an audience, displaying a slide titled 'Project Logo Embodies the Industrial Purpose of the BMRR' with visuals representing a logo related to rail and industrial themes.
Presentation slide displaying an excerpt from The L & N Employees' Magazine, February 1940, discussing the historical impact of the L & N Railroad on coal mines and furnaces, with a blurred audience in the foreground.
A speaker presenting information on early mining transportation in Birmingham, with a projector screen displaying text and an audience attentively listening.
A speaker presents to an audience in a room, with a display screen showing an image of oxen and mules pulling a wooden ore wagon from 1872, alongside text providing information about the photo.
A speaker presenting to an audience in a well-lit room, with a projected historical image on the screen about railroad construction from 1872. The audience, consisting of mostly older adults, is seated and focused on the presentation.
Over 70 people attended the talk by James Lowery on Birmingham Mineral Railroad at Birmingham Historical Society headquarters on Highland Avenue in Southside.

James Lowery is the volunteer coordinator and historian of the Mid-South Chapter of the Historic Birmingham Mineral Railroad Signs Project which is installing signs on the rail bed at various locations throughout the Birmingham area and in surrounding areas. He wants to make people aware of where the historic railroad ran, often in surprising places like below Vulcan, and in English Village. For more information, photos, maps, or to contribute to this project, click HERE or on the gallery above. And then, look for these signs! You may be surprised where you’ll find them.

The Birmingham Mineral Railroad is marked with signs like this.

See also BHS May 2026 BHS newsletter which includes additional information in the Salute to our Rail Heritage.

Historic Preservation, Hoover, Parks & Recreation, Shades Creek, Shades Crest Road, shades mountain

Protecting a Preserve in Bluff Park

Birmingham may soon have an 18 acre natural preserve near Tip Top Grill in Bluff Park, thanks largely to Larry Rodick, President of Friends of Shade Mountain, who has been spearheading the effort. Birmingham City Council has approved an agreement to work with Hoover and the non-profit organization to protect this historic and scenic site. Plans include gaining permission to create trails from the top of the bluff through the valley and all the way to Shades Creek. Read more about Bluff Park’s history HERE and HERE.

Group of four individuals posing in front of a Birmingham City Council backdrop, smiling and standing together.
Left to right: Marjorie White: Birmingham Historical Society Director, Larry Rodick: President of Friends of Shade Mountain, and preservation advocates Peggy Cornett, and Tabitha Lacy at the April 14th COB Council Meeting.
From Friends of Shades Mountain FB
Birmingham Civil Rights, Birmingham Historical Society, Birmingham Landmarks, Churches, City of Birmingham, civil rights, Historic Preservation, Historic Preservation Month, Railroads, Research, Rickwood Field

May is Preservation Month!

Featured this year are three FREE events, with a tour of Rickwood Field, a talk on Birmingham Mineral Railroad, and a Community Preservation Spotlight in Titusville. Mark your calendars for these upcoming events! For more information, please contact Birmingham’s Historic Preservation Manager: Hannah.Garmon@birminghamal.gov

Birmingham Historical Society, Historic Preservation, lecture, Railroads, Research

Riding the Rails: Past Meets Present

Mark your calendars for this upcoming event on Sunday, May 10th, 3:00 PM at 2827 Highland Avenue! James Lowery is an authority on the path of the Birmingham Mineral Railroad, and has installed 199 signs to indicate the former roadbed.

Screenshot
Charlie Preston took this photo just north of the English Village Shopping Center: from the Birmingham Public Library Archives Collection
Birmingham pioneers, family history, Food History

Birmingham’s Historic Food Creations

Birmingham is a true ‘foodie’ town now with multiple fine restaurants from which to choose, attracting tourists from all over the country. But it’s always been innovative and resourceful regarding food. These unique items were among those first invented in Birmingham and many are still available.

Watch this video from Dish Decoded for the complete story!

A Guide to Architectural Styles, Architecture, Historic Preservation, Neighborhoods, Open house

Historic Hollywood Tour of Homes

Celebrating 100 years of the historic Hollywood neighborhood is a tour this Sunday from 1 to 4 PM of four beautifully renovated Hollywood homes. The district was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2002, and is one of the earliest planned communities in the State. Noteworthy for its abundance of Spanish Mission style homes, it mirrored a taste for Hollywood, California glamour, enjoying its greatest popularity from 1915 to 1931.

The Tudor revival style also became popular through 1940, and many examples of this architectural style are found in Hollywood as well. Their distinctive half-timbered exteriors, with exposed wooden framing filled with stucco or brick, create a picturesque and Old-World charm. Together, the two architectural styles create a unique and recognizable neighborhood full of historic and well-maintained homes and gardens.

Purchase tickets HERE or use QR code below

Birmingham Civil Rights, Birmingham Historical Society, Birmingham Landmarks, Birmingham pioneers, BOOK, Book Sale, City of Birmingham, Neighborhoods, Publications, Research

A Passion for Birmingham’s History

For over 50 years, Marjorie White has been sharing her research and discoveries about her adopted city of Birmingham. Her story as told in Birmingham Lifestyle Magazine is one of dedication, curiosity, exploration, and documentation. She knows this city well, and shares her enthusiasm in her latest publication, Birmingham by the Book.

Currently available locally (and mailed) from Birmingham Historical Society offices on Highland Avenue, at Thank You Books in Crestwood, and Shoppe in Forest Park, and at Amazon.com. Use the QR code to buy via PayPal or click HERE

Promotional image for 'Birmingham by the Book' featuring a QR code and text stating 'AVAILABLE NOW'.

If you want to share Birmingham with out-of-towners, this is a comprehensive, well-illustrated, but easy to read overview. And locals may just find out something new about Birmingham! Check it out! And read more about Marjorie’s story below…

Birmingham by the Book: A Guide to the Magic City

Marjorie White: Birmingham Lifestyle

Research, Publishing, and Education