Category Archives: Historic Preservation Month

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, 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.

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

Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame, Birmingham Civil Rights, Birmingham Historical Society, Birmingham pioneers, civil rights, Historic Preservation, Historic Preservation Month, Music

February Reunion of Music Lovers

Two-night “Winds of Change” tribute and BYJE Alumni Concert honor visionary trumpeter, educator, Broadway musician, and cultural catalyst Jothan McKinley Callins at the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame

Friday, February 20, 2026 at 7:00 PM CST and

Sunday, February 22, 2026 at 5:00 PM CST

Jothan Callins
Portrait of a man holding a trombone, wearing a denim shirt, with a neutral background.
Calvin Sexton
  • Founder: BYJE was founded in 1994 by Jothan Callins, a musician, educator, and co-founder of the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame.
  • Purpose: The ensemble toured internationally and mentored hundreds of students, providing an opportunity for young musicians to learn and perform.
  • Alumni Reunion: The original ensemble operated from 1994–2005, and an alumni reunion is planned to celebrate Callins’ legacy and the music he created.
  • Reunion Events: The reunion will include a meet-and-greet, a banquet, a tribute concert called “Winds of Change,” and a BYJE Alumni Concert.
  • Date and Location: The celebration takes place from February 19–22, 2026, at the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame in Birmingham, AL.
  • Alumni: Alumni are encouraged to sign up and participate in the reunion events, including rehearsals starting in January 2026. 

Led by trombonist, bandleader, and former BYJE member Calvin Sexton—a Birmingham native, New York City–based artist, educator, and South Arts Jazz Road awardee—the project gathers past BYJE musicians, Callins’ family, and a new generation of artists to honor a man whose work changed the sound—and the future—of young Black musicians in Birmingham

Friends and former students describe Callins as “unforgettable,” “a man we can call great,” and “the epitome of a jazz legend for the Magic City.” The project is part of a grant from South Arts Jazz Roads Residency Award, which Calvin Sexton is an Awardee for $40,000.

Alabama Historical Commission, Architecture, Birmingham Historical Society, Birmingham Landmarks, Historic Preservation, Historic Preservation Month

Learn How Easements Safeguard Historic Properties

It’s often after the fact that the public regrets the demolition of an historic building. At this last lecture of Birmingham’s Historic Preservation Month, David Fleming discusses easements and how they can protect historic buildings.

The Alabama Historical Commission has prepared a worksheet for property owners HERE who are interested in safeguarding their private property and/or receiving appropriate tax incentives.

Generally, a building or site must possess historical, architectural, archaeological, or cultural significance to the state or its locale in order to qualify. However, if it’s contributing to an existing historic district, it may also qualify. Detailed maps HERE show historic districts in Birmingham.

The National Park Service provides more information about tax incentives HERE. But for more information or with questions for David Fleming, the lecture is at NOON at Sloss Furnace, West Room on Thursday, May 29th.

Event announcement for a presentation on Historic Preservation and Easements by David Fleming, highlighting their benefits for protecting historic buildings.
Birmingham Historical Society, City of Birmingham, Historic Preservation, Historic Preservation Month

What’s Coming in May?

May is Historic Preservation Month, and Birmingham has a lot of events planned throughout the month to celebrate! Mark your calendars NOW so you won’t miss a thing!

  • Join a Walking Tour of Collegeville: Ground Zero for Civil Rights-Saturday, May 10th at 10:00AM
  • Meet at the Four Spirits Statue, Kelly Ingram Park to honor nonviolent protestors-Friday, May 23, at noon
  • Attend a talk on Birmingham’s Historic Preservation Program-Thursday, May 1st, at noon in City Council Chambers, 3rd Floor, City Hall
  • Attend a talk on Best Practices for preservation projects by Chloe Mercer, Federal Tax Credits and Alabama AdValorem Coordinator, Alabama Historical Commission-Tuesday, May 6th, at noon
  • Attend a talk on neighborhood preservation by Paula Stanton of Titusville Historical Marker Committee and Walladean Streeter of Bush Hills Neighborhood Association at Sloss Furnaces Visitor Center-Tuesday, May 13th, at noon
  • Making Iron at Sloss Furnace-Thursday, May 22nd at noon
  • Learn about Birmingham’s Modern Architecture by Dr. Caroline Swope, Historic Preservation Specialist, City of Decatur at Sloss Furnaces Visitor Center-Tuesday, May 20th, at noon
  • When is a property considered ‘historic’ and what this means for the seller and buyer by Birmingham Association of Realtors at 3501 Independence Drive, Homewood-Tuesday, May 27th, at noon
  • What are historic easements and what are the pros and cons by David Fleming, President and CEO of REV Birmingham at Sloss Furnaces Visitor Center-Thursday, May 29th, at noon

More DETAILS here! Printable Calendar below

Birmingham Historical Society, Birmingham Landmarks, Birmingham Public Library, City of Birmingham, family history, Historic Preservation, Historic Preservation Month, lecture, Planning, Engineering, and Permits, Research

Historic Building Research & Markers

A series of Birmingham lectures as part of the National Historic Preservation Month includes one on “How to Conduct Historic Building Research and How to Obtain a Historical Marker” THIS TUESDAY AT NOON.

Presented by the City of Birmingham’s Department of Planning, Engineering, and Permits, hear directly from the city authorities what you need to know to comply to historic requirements.

The lecture will be in the Birmingham Public Library – Arrington Auditorium, 2100 Park Place. Learn how to use sources in the public library and the county courthouse to research historic homes and buildings…and how to get a historical marker to recognize them. Should be an interesting lecture! Please plan to attend.

Historic Preservation Education Lecture Series

  • Tuesday, May 9: “The National Register of Historic Places.” Boutwell Auditorium.
  • Tuesday, May 16: “How to Conduct Historic Building Research & How to Obtain a Historical Marker.” Birmingham Public Library, Arrington Auditorium (Enter through main library, 3rd floor skywalk)
  • Tuesday, May 23: “Historic Preservation Tax Incentives.” Boutwell Auditorium.
  • Tuesday, May 30: “Birmingham’s New Adaptive Reuse Incentive for Historic Buildings.” Birmingham Public Library, Arrington Auditorium (Enter through main library, 3rd floor skywalk)

Click here for a printable schedule of events for Historic Preservation Month.

For more information, contact Hannah Garmon, Historic Preservation Manager, at 205-254-2424or Hannah.Garmon@birminghamal.gov. You can also reach Karla Calvert, Urban Design Administrator, at 205-254-2479or Karla.Calvert@birminghamal.gov.

Architecture, Birmingham Historical Society, Birmingham Landmarks, City of Birmingham, Historic Preservation, Historic Preservation Month, lecture, Planning, Engineering, and Permits, Publications, Research

Historic Preservation Month!

May is Birmingham’s Historic Preservation month, and the City of Birmingham will be hosting a series of events to showcase the economic and social benefits of historic preservation with walking tours and lectures. Please plan to attend! Select the image below to download a pdf file of events. Or download brochures below for more information on policies and federal incentives regarding Historic Districts.