Category Archives: Birmingham Landmarks

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

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

Coming in February! An Epic Guide to Birmingham!

Do you think you know this city? Or are you a visitor, and you would like to know more? This guide is for YOU! Heavily illustrated with maps, tours, and descriptions of everything Birmingham, this is the culmination of 50 years of research and detailed publications by Birmingham Historical Society. This highly readable guide is unlikely to become outdated, so don’t miss out. It’s a valuable resource for every resident and visitor to our Magic City!

Back cover of a book titled 'Birmingham by the Book' featuring a colorful mural that says 'It's nice to have you in BIRMINGHAM' against a brick wall, surrounded by greenery.

The guide is to be released at the Annual Meeting of the Birmingham Historical Society on February 23rd at 7:00 PM at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens auditorium. This event is FREE and open to the public, and guides will be available for purchase.

A Guide to Architectural Styles, Architecture, Birmingham Historical Society, Birmingham Landmarks, Birmingham pioneers, BOOK, Exhibition, family history, George Ward, Highland Avenue, Historic Preservation, Neighborhoods, Southside, The Altamont

Period Costumes and Historic Houses

This past weekend, neighborhood Highland Park residents, Annie Leardine and Elizabeth Sanfelippo as community liaisons and co-chairs, assembled various property owners willing to share their houses, and garnered the support of local realtors as sponsors. Along with Friends of Highland Park – the neighborhood 501c3, the group successfully created a walking tour and porch visits entitled “It’s Nice to have you in Highland Park“.

Don’t miss the two videos below by Jacob delaRosa!
Click on images for links

Video produced by Jacob delaRosa. Check out more of his work at www.jacobdelarosa.com or reach out about collaborations or inquiries at jacob.delarosa.letschat@gmail.com
A woman speaking in a casual setting, wearing a black shirt with a design, with colorful decorations in the background.
A man with a beard and short hair speaks in front of a dark wooden background. Text on the screen identifies him as Bob McKenna, the owner of Clubhouse on Highland.
A woman with gray hair styled in waves, wearing a red cardigan over a black and white patterned blouse, sitting at a table. She appears engaged in conversation and is identified as Marjorie White, Director of the Birmingham Historical Society.
A man wearing glasses and an orange shirt sits outdoors, speaking. He appears engaged and expresses his role as the Executive Director of the Pro Bono Advisory Council.
Listen to neighborhood advocates talk of their appreciation for Highland Park.
Video produced by Jacob delaRosa.

Historical costumes from the period were encouraged and one of the event sponsors, Priscilla LeBerte and her husband Adam, were among those wearing period clothing. In the photos below, Elizabeth is wearing a costume originally made for Mrs. George Ward, but is representing Florence Jordan – the widow of Mortimer Jordan, who built the Jordan house after his death. This 2nd annual event with live music and refreshments highlighted the warmth and charm of this historic neighborhood while inviting guests to explore its architectural treasures.

Two women engage in conversation at an event, one holding a card, with attendees and display boards in the background.
BHS Director Marjorie White
Three people dressed in vintage attire stand in front of a large white historic building with columns and a decorative facade.
Standing in front of the Mortimer Jordan House on Highland Avenue
Two women engaged in conversation at a round table in a light-filled room adorned with framed artwork.
BHS President Wayne Hester withTrustee Linda Nelson
Three people in vintage clothing, two women in white and beige dresses and a man in a vest, stand on the steps of a mansion with intricate door designs.
On the right is Elizabeth Sanfelippo as Mrs. Mortimer Jordan, the builder of the Jordan house
A crowded indoor event with attendees engaging in conversations and exploring displays featuring historical photos, showcasing community participation.
Heritage Hunt participants
Two women and a man dressed in vintage clothing, posing on the steps of a white house with decorative details.
Priscilla (one of event sponsors) & Adam LeBerte stand next to event co-chair, Elizabeth Sanfelippo
A gathering of people inside a historic house, enjoying refreshments and cookies, with a vibrant floral arrangement in the foreground.
Trustees Barbara Shores and Dan Weathers with refreshments at BHS offices
Three women seated and standing at a table displaying various historical books and materials related to the Highland Park neighborhood.
BHS Trustees Katie Tipton, Gerry Waters, and VP Carol Slaughter
All photos courtesy of Jacob delaRosa, http://www.jacobdelarosa.com

Developer Bob McKenna generously opened his doors to showcase the restoration work currently in progress at the historic Warner House, one of the soon to be restored “Three Sisters“. Additionally, tours were offered at the celebrated Brown House, known today as the Clubhouse on Highland, providing insight into the neighborhood’s rich heritage and architectural diversity.

The event saw an impressive turnout, with approximately 350 participants. Sixty-six individuals and groups enthusiastically completed their scavenger hunt known as Highland Heritage Hunts. Each of these participants was rewarded for their efforts with a copy of Birmingham Homes: A Guide to Architectural Styles, which serves as a resource for those interested in the historical and architectural significance of the houses in the area.

The success of this event would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of its organizers, as well as the enthusiastic participation of all those who turned out. Many thanks to everyone involved for making this such a memorable occasion!

A happy family consisting of a man holding a young child and a woman beside him, all smiling and posing for a photo. The background shows a room with displays and people.
Co-chair Annie Chester Leardine and her family
A woman wearing a red hat and a black and red outfit stands next to a man in a green shirt. They are posing in front of a display with drawings of architectural styles, including 'Queen Anne' and 'American Four-Square'.
An exhibit of architectural styles was displayed at BHS offices (behind Joseph Bostany and Sheila Chaffin)
A person standing near an exhibit displaying architectural drawings titled 'Architectural Styles of Birmingham Homes' on a white board.
Birmingham Homes: A Guide to Architectural Styles was the scavenger hunt prize, displayed here
A group of people browsing a photo exhibition featuring black and white images displayed on a large panel, with one person studying the photos closely and another standing with a clipboard.
Exhibition of houses in Highland Park as they looked at the turn of the century was displayed at BHS offices on Highland Avenue
All photos by Jacob delaRosa
A woman in a vintage cream dress and large hat holds a parasol, standing in a charming garden setting with guests mingling and various plants around.
Group of people gathered in a lush garden area, discussing amidst various plants and greenery, with a large tree and decorative statues nearby.
A lively outdoor setting with people dining at tables under colorful string lights, while musicians perform in the background. The atmosphere is festive and vibrant.
A man playing the trumpet outside a building, with a smartphone set up nearby and a sign that reads 'HEAR OUT'.
A female musician with glasses and a denim jacket sings into a microphone while seated next to a male guitarist playing an acoustic guitar. They are performing outside a house adorned with pumpkins and greenery.
A woman singing into a microphone while a man plays guitar under a white canopy at an outdoor event, surrounded by greenery.
A Guide to Architectural Styles, Annual Gathering, Architecture, Birmingham Historical Society, Birmingham Landmarks, BOOK, Exhibition, Highland Avenue, Historic Preservation, Neighborhoods, Open house, Southside

Highland Park Open House

Mark your calendars for the Heritage Hunt and Open Houses featuring Porch and Garden Parties, a Birmingham Homes Exhibit, advice on how to get an historical marker, and opportunities to buy books about Birmingham. This popular 2nd annual event is lots of fun and a great opportunity to meet your Southside neighbors and tour some historic properties.

When: Sunday, October 19th, 3-5 PM

Where: Birmingham Historical Society, 2827 Highland Avenue South

Pay close attention to some of the architectural details in this neighborhood. Those completing the Heritage Hunt form distributed on Sunday at Birmingham Historical Society can claim a prize of the popular book, A Guide to Architectural Styles Featuring Birmingham Homes. Hope to see you Sunday!

Historical postcard view of Highland Avenue in Birmingham, Alabama in 1910, featuring Rhodes Park and various houses labeled by name.
Event flyer for the Birmingham Historical Society, announcing 'It's Nice to Have You in Highland Park' with details about open houses and tours of historical homes.