Tag Archives: Birmingham Southern

Birmingham Historical Society, Birmingham pioneers, BOOK, Olmsted Brothers, Parks & Recreation

Hand Down Unharmed

It’s ironic that the title of this Birmingham Historical Society book, Hand Down Unharmed, featured the important contribution of the first major donor to Birmingham Southern, M.P. Phillips. He believed so strongly in the legacy of Birmingham Southern that he gave his large lumber fortune to the college in a secret trust agreement, along with the M. Paul Phillips Library. A true visionary, how disappointed he would be in its May 2024 permanent closure. Have we handed down his legacy, unharmed? What have we lost?

from BHS newsletter dated February 2008

Phillips also celebrated green spaces and parks and brought attention to the Olmsted Brothers by funding the publication of their park plan for Birmingham. Birmingham Historical Society has published several books on the importance of this far-sightedness.

Only recently, in 2022, Birmingham Southern hosted a showing of the PBS special on Olmsted, entitled “Frederick Law Olmsted: Designing America”. Our quality of life in Birmingham owes a great debt to the vision of these men. It is our ongoing responsibility to use this legacy wisely. Thank you M.P. Phillips. Everyone who benefitted from Birmingham Southern College will remember your commitment and celebrate your legacy, even if the college cannot remain open.

Birmingham Historical Society

Birmingham Southern’s History

Photo: WVTM – NBC News

The tradition of Birmingham Southern College spans over a remarkable 168 years, a legacy that will soon come to an end as the institution prepares to permanently close its doors on May 31st, 2024. Since its establishment in 1859, this esteemed private college has been a cornerstone of education, initially opening with a modest enrollment of only 52 students. Over the decades, it has played a pivotal role in shaping the lives of tens of thousands of individuals, who have gone on to become integral contributors to the vibrant community of Birmingham. The impact of Birmingham Southern College extends far beyond its campus, as its alumni have made significant contributions to the city’s overall quality of life, enriching the local fabric with their knowledge, skills, and dedication to progress.

The campus covers 192 acres and has important buildings like Munger Hall. Munger Hall was built in 1928 to replace Owen Hall, which was built in 1898 but later demolished. Each building has its own story and adds to the history of the institution. The architecture and history of these buildings connect us to the past and show how the campus has changed over the years. These buildings are a reminder of the institution’s strength and the values of those who shaped it.

Owen Hall, 1906

Birmingham-Southern College is the result of a merger of Southern University, founded in Greensboro, Alabama, in 1856, with Birmingham College, opened in 1898 in Birmingham, Alabama. These two institutions were consolidated on May 30, 1918 under the name of Birmingham-Southern College.

from Birmingham Southern’s website
Munger Hall, 1928

The Birmingham Southern institution is a significant part of history, with a rich legacy in education, government, medicine, and commerce. As a historical society committed to preserving such important contributions, we are deeply saddened by the closure of this esteemed establishment. The impact of Birmingham Southern’s closure will continue to resonate within our hearts as we recognize its profound influence on our history.