Tag Archives: A Guide to the Magic City

A Passion for Birmingham’s History

For over 50 years, Marjorie White has been sharing her research and discoveries about her adopted city of Birmingham. Her story as told in Birmingham Lifestyle Magazine is one of dedication, curiosity, exploration, and documentation. She knows this city well, and shares her enthusiasm in her latest publication, Birmingham by the Book.

Currently available locally (and mailed) from Birmingham Historical Society offices on Highland Avenue, at Thank You Books in Crestwood, and Shoppe in Forest Park, and at Amazon.com. Use the QR code to buy via PayPal or click HERE

Promotional image for 'Birmingham by the Book' featuring a QR code and text stating 'AVAILABLE NOW'.

If you want to share Birmingham with out-of-towners, this is a comprehensive, well-illustrated, but easy to read overview. And locals may just find out something new about Birmingham! Check it out! And read more about Marjorie’s story below…

Birmingham by the Book: A Guide to the Magic City

Marjorie White: Birmingham Lifestyle

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.

ANNUAL MEETING, Birmingham by the Book Introduction & Event Highlights

  • Monday, February 23rd, 2026, 7:00 PM
  • Birmingham Botanical Gardens Auditorium
  • Free and open to the public

Available NOW!

BUY HERE ON AMAZON.COM
or support our local vendors: Shoppe in Forest Park and Thank You Books in Crestwood

What’s Your Birmingham IQ? with Birmingham boosters Tom Cosby and Stewart Dansby

Cosby and Dansby are former public relations and marketing officers of the Birmingham Regional Chamber of Commerce and leaders in our city and in the saving and conserving of its landmarks, notably Vulcan, Rickwood Field, and the Lyric

And featuring Birmingham Historical Society’s annual cake contest with this year’s theme: Cakes with a Past

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!

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.