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!
In celebration of the upcoming 250th anniversary of Independence Day, the July 2026 newsletter of Birmingham Historical Society explores the links between George and Martha Washington and the places, residences, food, and artifacts that memorialize them locally.
A prefabricated home plan of Washington’s home, Mount Vernon, was available in the Sears & Roebuck catalogue by 1932, and two residential replicas were constructed in Mountain Brook; one on Mountain Brook Parkway and the other on Fairway Drive. A look-alike building named Washington Hall at American Village in Montevallo, Alabama contains 3 spaces related to the birth of the nation: the Grand Foyer, the Assembly Room, and the Mount Vernon room.
It was in the Assembly Room…”that Washington was appointed Commander-in-Chief of The Continental Army, and on July 4, 1776, The Declaration of Independence was adopted. In the same space, The U. S. Flag was agreed upon and The Articles of Confederation approved. Here also, The Constitutional Convention occurred in 1787, with Washington pressing from The Rising Sun Chair.” (Historical Marker Database)
“The Mount Vernon Room was inspired by what Washington called “The New Room.” It represents the place where on April 14, 1789, he was informed that he had been unanimously elected as The First President of the United States.” (Historical Marker Database)
Montevallo’s American Village now boasts the finest collection of Washington family memorabilia outside of Mount Vernon including almost 1,000 items purchased from Shelby County residents.
Included in the July 2026 BHS newsletter, is the complete recipe of Martha Washington’s Great Cake which was served at her wedding anniversary every year. Baked for 5 ½ hours and serving 40 people, the recipe was passed on to her granddaughter and was eventually adapted and published by culinary historian, Nancy Carter Crump.
It’s well known that George Washington suffered from dental problems throughout his life which may have contributed to his death. Another noted local link to the Washingtons includes UAB’s Reynolds-Finley Historical Library which contains his letters to dentists, confirming Washington’s lifelong trouble with his teeth.
Finally, the July BHS newsletter tributes a number of Revolutionary War soldiers who settled in Jefferson County and lists Alabama Places named for Revolutionary War Era Figures and Battles.
To receive detailed historical information in periodic newsletters like this as well as invitations to special events and lectures, please consider joining BHS. Return this form below or click HERE for more information.
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.
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.
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
