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…
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.
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
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.
BHS President Wayne Hester with guest speaker, James LoweryOver 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.
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.
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.
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
