Category Archives: University of Alabama

Birmingham Landmarks, Birmingham pioneers, BOOK, Healthcare, Medical Care, Publications, UAB, University of Alabama

Do you know the history of UAB?

A group of women were inspired to provide medical care for the poor, leading them to build and operate Hillman Hospital, the city’s oldest hospital. It was opened in 1888 and has grown to be a part of Birmingham’s largest employer, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, or UAB.

As Alabama’s single largest employer, UAB currently employs more than 28,000 people, serves over 2 million, and occupies more than 100 city blocks. Attesting to its importance to our city, Birmingham by the Book devotes 15 pages (pgs. 60-75) to describing the buildings, the history, the architecture, the research, the medical center, and the arts, athletic, and residential centers in a concise, mapped, and heavily photographed format.

It also includes a nod to the facilities remaining from the earlier residential neighborhood dating to 1901, and notes the years each of the current buildings were constructed. For this and much, much more, check out Birmingham by the Book: A Guide to the Magic City

For an in depth study of the medical school’s history, the book Order from Chaos, by Dr. Arnold Diethelm tells the story of his years as Chairman of UAB’s Department of Surgery from 1982 to 1999, as well as the first kidney transplant.

Birmingham Historical Society, BOOK, Parks & Recreation, Publications, University of Alabama

Bartram’s Travels – 250 Years Ago

Brian Rushing, enthusiastic naturalist and Director of Economic Initiatives at University of Alabama, will dress up as 18th century environmentalist William Bartram as he shares the highlights of Bartram’s journey through the South in 1775. His talk on Sunday, November 16th, 2 PM, will be followed by a reception at Birmingham Historical Society.

Bartram’s journal entries over 250 years ago about Alabama are filled with enthusiastic praise for its beautiful topography, vibrant plants, diverse animals, and the rich cultures of its indigenous people. He marvels at its ‘majestic rivers’ and ‘delightful regions’ . Rushing shares Bartram’s fervor for Alabama’s natural wonders and is eager to share this passion in his talk on Sunday. Please plan to attend.

Members may also pick up 2025 publication – Building Birmingham’s Industrial Base.

A man dressed in historical attire sits in front of a table with various artifacts, books, and documents, under a tent in a forested area, depicting the historical figure William Bartram at Fort Toulouse.
Invitation to a talk and reception by the Birmingham Historical Society commemorating the 250th anniversary of William Bartram's Travels, featuring Brian Rushing.
An illustration of a Great Yellow Bream fish, labeled as Old Wife, alongside details about an event titled 'Bartram's Travels: Building Birmingham’s Industrial Base'.
Annual meeting, Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Birmingham Historical Society, BOOK, Book Sale, Book Signing, Cake & Pie Contest, Deep South Dynasty, family history, Favorite Pie & Cake Contest, lecture, Meetings, Membership, Research, University of Alabama

Annual Meeting featuring The Bankheads of Alabama

Everyone is welcome at the Annual Meeting of the Birmingham Historical Society on February 27th at 7:00PM at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Copies of the book, “Deep South Dynasty” published by University of Alabama Press will be available for sale and signed by Professor of History, Kari Frederickson. A popular annual cake walk follows the meeting.