The 44 miles of Village Creek make up 53% of Birmingham’s Special Flood Hazard area. The creek stretches across Birmingham metro area from Roebuck Springs in the east to Ensley in the west and played a major part in Birmingham’s industrial beginnings. The Freshwater Land Trust is now actively working to develop the area into a continuous recreational trail and greenway, while preserving local habitats. However, in the interim, repeated flooding over 50 years has resulted in more than 17 federal disasters.
The Birmingham Historical Society has been advocating for green space along this corridor since 1984 beginning with the BHS study of the floodplains in East Lake, East Birmingham, and Ensley for the US Army Corps of Engineers. (See an excerpt below.) During that study, it was discovered that the celebrated Olmsted Brothers (a NY landscape architecture firm well known for their design of Central Park) had presented a plan for Birmingham back in 1925 for continuous greenways along the creek. This plan was subsequently reprinted and publicized by the society.
Katie Britt, Alabama’s senator, has now secured $2.6 million for Village Creek floodplain restoration. This will provide a long-term solution, protect residents, particularly those in Ensley, improve infrastructure, and reduce flooding risks for motorists traveling through these areas. The federal/local partnership is an investment in local neighborhoods as well as quality of life with trailways for walkers, runners, and bikers throughout the city as illustrated by Phase I of the Ensley Greenway below. Thank you to all those involved and who continue to invest in Birmingham’s future!
The Southern Music Research Center, and its signature radio show, The Lost Child, recently featured a recording by Smokey Reason, an Alabama native who performed at the Grand Old Opry, and with Ernest Tubb, among other great country stars. But his music may have been lost forever, were it not for the accidental find of his 1949 record at an estate sale. Relatives of Smokey Reason all tuned in when it was broadcast on The Lost Child and they finally heard it for the first time, despite having the lyric sheet to one of his songs.
Smokey Reason, “Stolen Kisses” Lyric Sheet & Statement of Authorship
Description
Original typewritten lyric sheet for “Stolen Kisses,” an original composition by Smokey Reason. Also included is a notarized letter documenting Reason’s authorship of the song.
Lyric sheet and letter courtesy Marrtha Casinger, Judy McCormick, Mandy Bahe, and the family of Smokey Reason. Special thanks to John Horton, whose searching unearthed the original record.
Alabama Librarians and the Alabama Department of Archives and History outlines how to clean and preserve old books as well as five things you should NEVER do with old documents. Click on images to print them out.
Old books, newspapers, photos and letters.
York. England. 01.26.19. Genealogy – My Family History – Old family photographs dating from around 1890 up to about 1950. This period of time covers two world wars and massive changes to society. These old photographs document the period on a personal level in a time before the digital age and social media.
Did you know that there are over 9 wind or water gaps in the Birmingham vicinity? The interactive topographical map below locates and names the gaps, many of which formed the rail bed for the Birmingham Mineral Railroad. Others form hiking trails today including the popular Grace’s Gap hiking trail at Red Mountain Park and the historic Brock’s Gap in Hoover.
Click on the location or select the name of the gap in the list following the map for more information on its location, elevation, and in some cases, water source. Thanks to John Troulias for finding the map and James Lowery for sharing it with Birmingham Historical Society.
At least nine gaps are located in the immediate vicinity of Birmingham . Thanks to John Troulias for finding the map and James Lowery for sharing it with Birmingham Historical Society.
The 4.2-mile Grace’s Gap Overlook trail in Red Mountain Park features sweeping valley views and abandoned mining ruins.
Nineteen gaps are located within Birmingham metro area with an additional eleven outside Interstate 459. Click on map above and select location for detailed information.
With 188 acres of rolling pasture, come prepared to walk among 20 historically inspired buildings and beautiful gardens. Don’t forget water and a folding chair. Costumed historical interpreters will be wandering the grounds, and there will be featured music and food. Sweet Home 250 runs July 3 and July 4, 2026, from 11:00 am to 10:30 pm each day. Doors open at 11:00 am with programming starting at 11:30 am. Last admission is at 8:30 pm each day. Tickets are available HERE. See you next weekend!
Read the Declaration of Independence below in its entirety in celebration of 250 years of freedom. Consider that when the 56 delegates signed the document, they believed that they were signing their death warrant and would be hung for their beliefs. In gratitude to our founding fathers, let freedom ring! Happy 4th of July!
Lots of ideas for things to do with your father in Birmingham by the Book: A Guide to the Magic City. Explore places where you’ve never been, or visit historical sites that your father remembers. Listen to stories from his past about Birmingham’s industrial age or the Civil Rights Movement.
Visit sports venues or history museums and parks. Museums, theaters, concert halls, and research libraries abound along with a list of family friendly outings and descriptions. Or try a walking tour exploring the architecture of the city center with historical descriptions.
If food is his thing, find a list of historic restaurants that have been operating for decades. Or take a picnic to some of the diverse parks, preserves, greenways, scenic drives, and viewpoints. Stroll through historic neighborhoods or read about their origins and historical importance.
All of this and more can be found in the guide with photos, background, maps and more! Have a Happy Father’s Day!
Order from Amazon or pick up from BHS offices at 2827 Highland Avenue.
Alabama is fortunate to have an educational institution in Montevallo that educates families, students, and visitors alike on the history of this country. Its mission is to inspire citizens and future leaders by bringing our history alive through settings and programs especially aimed toward young people. On 183 acres, they recreate the drama of American independence through costumed historical interpreters and replicas of The White House Oval Office, Washington Hall, Concord Bridge, and a colonial chapel.
This anniversary year will be especially important for the venue as American Village prepares to help celebrate America’s 250th birthday. The official event for the State of Alabama is being organized by the America 250 Alabama Commission but the centerpiece of Alabama’s celebration will be held at American Village in Montevallo over two unforgettable days.
The Alabama State Games was established in 1982 at the request of the United States Olympic Committee to give athletes exposure to Olympic-style sports. What started with 600 athletes competing…
The Opening Ceremony will honer Native Americans and/or descendants of Native Americans, active and retired military members and their descendants, as well as descendants of individuals who served in any…
This history series with Niki Sepsas tells the remarkable story of American Independence celebrating our 250th anniversary. Provided through a grant from America 250 Alabama. The key roles played by…
This history series with Niki Sepsas tells the remarkable story of American Independence celebrating our 250th anniversary. Provided through a grant from America 250 Alabama. A chronicling of the events…
Celebrate America’s 250th birthday with sponsor booths, children’s activities, live music, and the SUPER SHOW FIREWORKS SHOW! Free to attend. Food and drinks available for purchase.
This history series with Niki Sepsas tells the remarkable story of American Independence celebrating our 250th anniversary. Provided through a grant from America 250 Alabama. In the city of Philadelphia,…
This history series with Niki Sepsas tells the remarkable story of American Independence celebrating our 250th anniversary. Provided through a grant from America 250 Alabama. A look at some of…
Thunder on the Mountain, Alabama’s most spectacular and largest Fourth of July fireworks show, returns to Red Mountain on Saturday, July 4, 2026. Vulcan Park & Museum invites the community…
This history series with Niki Sepsas tells the remarkable story of American Independence celebrating our 250th anniversary. Provided through a grant from America 250 Alabama. An examination of some of…
This history series with Niki Sepsas tells the remarkable story of American Independence celebrating our 250th anniversary. Provided through a grant from America 250 Alabama. Realizing that America’s rebellious colonies…
This history series with Niki Sepsas tells the remarkable story of American Independence celebrating our 250th anniversary. Provided through a grant from America 250 Alabama. How did a seamstress from…
This history series with Niki Sepsas tells the remarkable story of American Independence celebrating our 250th anniversary. Provided through a grant from America 250 Alabama. A look at the territorial…
