What’s the National Register?
Ever thought about what historic organizations do and how they do it? What’s the organizational hierarchy? Curious to learn more about a historic property? Living in a historic district, maybe? Let’s start with the National Register and answer those questions! Federal Agencies & Non Profits The National Register is a federal agency1 supported by tax…
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Good News for Village Creek Greenways!
The 44 miles of Village Creek make up 53% of Birmingham’s Special Flood Hazard area. The creek stretches across Birmingham metro area from Roebuck Springs in the east to Ensley in the west and played a major part in Birmingham’s industrial beginnings. The Freshwater Land Trust is now actively working to develop the area into…
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If you love music…
If you love music, check out The Southern Music Research Center, founded by Burgin Mathews in 2022. It’s an extensive digital archive of Alabama musicians, preserving unique musical histories. Although our state has an astounding legacy of recorded musicians, you may not have heard many of them. Mathews intends to change that! The Southern Music…
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Cleaning and Caring for Antique Books and Photos
Alabama Librarians and the Alabama Department of Archives and History outlines how to clean and preserve old books as well as five things you should NEVER do with old documents. Click on images to print them out.
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Don’t Miss the Lighting of Sloss July 23rd
Historic Sloss Furnaces, an iconic Birmingham landmark and a lasting tribute to Birmingham’s industrial beginnings, will be permanently illuminated on July 23rd! This free event and celebration is thanks to the contributions of a corporate donor and Cathy & Paul Jones, You must REGISTER to attend. The public celebration and lighting ceremony will also include…
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The Story Behind Morris Avenue and Birmingham Preservation
In the early 1970’s, because Alabama’s strict 1901 Constitution severely limited municipal power, Birmingham could not simply pass a city ordinance to enforce historic preservation or restrict property modifications. A bill, sponsored locally by State Senator Richard Dominick and pushed through the House under Speaker Jimmy Clark, Act No. 517 legally empowered the City of Birmingham to…
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Follow the Gaps for Railways, Hiking Trails, and Roadways!
Did you know that there are over 9 wind or water gaps in the Birmingham vicinity? The interactive topographical map below locates and names the gaps, many of which formed the rail bed for the Birmingham Mineral Railroad. Others form hiking trails today including the popular Grace’s Gap hiking trail at Red Mountain Park and…
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Join Us for Historic Fun at American Village July 3-4
Come visit our booth at American Village in Montevallo on July 3rd and 4th! It will be an epic celebration of our nation’s 250th birthday and we are excited to participate! (Download the complete schedule including kids’activities here.) BHS volunteers are working on a mock-up now and will have some interesting artifacts and our most…
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America’s Birthday Party BEGINS!
Follow America 250 for a calendar of all events (or click the image below). Happy 4th of July! Follow SWEET HOME ALABAMA for local events!
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Celebrating the Washingtons
(above) U.S. Pres. George and first lady Martha Washington“Washington at Home,” engraving by H. B. Hall after a painting by Alonzo Cappel, c. 1867. In celebration of the 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…
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The Declaration of Independence
Read the Declaration of Independence below in its entirety in celebration of 250 years of freedom. Consider that when the 56 delegates signed the document, they believed that they were signing their death warrant and would be hung for their beliefs. In gratitude to our founding fathers, let freedom ring! Happy 4th of July!
Need a Father’s Day gift or activity?
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…
Have you visited American Village yet?
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…
Less than A MONTH away! America Celebrates!
Have you heard about the initiatives celebrating America’s 250 years of freedom? Here are three ways that you can participate. And for events in Jefferson County, view the list below! Jefferson County Events Jun12, 2026 2026 Alabama State Games June 12 – June 14 The Alabama State Games was established in 1982 at the request of…
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…
James Lowery on the Birmingham Mineral Railroad’s Legacy
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…
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…
Protecting a Preserve in Bluff Park
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.…
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
Riding the Rails: Past Meets Present
Mark your calendars for this upcoming event on Sunday, May 10th, 3:00 PM at 2827 Highland Avenue! James Lowery is an authority on the path of the Birmingham Mineral Railroad, and has installed 199 signs to indicate the former roadbed.
What’s the History of your House?
If you’ve ever wondered about the history of your house, mark your calendar for Saturday, April 18th!
Birmingham’s Historic Food Creations
Birmingham is a true ‘foodie’ town now with multiple fine restaurants from which to choose, attracting tourists from all over the country. But it’s always been innovative and resourceful regarding food. These unique items were among those first invented in Birmingham and many are still available. Watch this video from Dish Decoded for the complete…
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