Alabama Heritage

12/23/2025

☕🎙 NEW EPISODE ALERT 🎙☕

This week, Rebecca Todd Minder ventures to Fairhope, Alabama, for a captivating conversation with acclaimed historian and author John Sledge. From his deep roots in Mobile’s rich history to his adventures exploring Havana’s cultural ties, John shares fascinating stories of the Gulf Coast, maritime heritage, and the inspirations behind his 10 books. Hear about his family’s remarkable legacy, his thoughts on preserving Southern history, and even the secrets of Mobile’s Mardi Gras traditions. Whether you love architecture, coastal lore, or untold Southern stories, this episode is a journey you won’t want to miss!

🎧 Listen now ➡️ https://pod.link/1781290701
📖 Subscribe to Alabama Heritage at alabamaheritage.com

Coffee & History: A Conversation with Alabama Heritage is brought to you in partnership with the Poarch Band Creek Indians.

12/19/2025

From all of us at Alabama Heritage, thank you for your steadfast support! We are so thankful for this past year, and are excited to see what 2026 has in store.

🏢 Our offices will be closed beginning December 19, 2025, and we'll return January 5, 2026, with some exciting surprises, giveaways, and more!

❤️ Cindy, Susan, Rebecca, and Caroline

12/16/2025

☕🎙 NEW EPISODE ALERT 🎙☕

We're back at the Alabama Department of Archives and History for an incredible episode with Jeanie Thompson—poet, visionary, and champion of Alabama’s literary arts. From founding the Alabama Writers Forum and the Writers Hall of Fame to creating transformative programs like Writing Our Stories for justice-involved youth, Jeanie has spent decades shaping the cultural landscape of the South. In this episode, she shares her journey from MFA student to award-winning author, her passion for collaboration across art forms, and the story behind her latest creative venture: turning poetry into music. Discover how Jeanie’s work continues to empower voices, preserve heritage, and prove that art can change lives.

🎧 Listen now ➡️ https://pod.link/1781290701
📖 Subscribe to Alabama Heritage at alabamaheritage.com

Coffee & History: A Conversation with Alabama Heritage is brought to you in partnership with the Poarch Band Creek Indians.

Alabama Department of Archives and History

12/10/2025

Annual young writers contest held each year in Alabama for students in grades Kindergarten through Third Grade. Download entry form, rules, and guide.

12/09/2025

☕🎙 NEW EPISODE ALERT 🎙☕

In our latest "At The Archives" episode, Coffee and History: A Conversation with Alabama Heritage goes behind the scenes at the Alabama Department of Archives and History with Ryan Blocker, Museum Collections Coordinator.

With more than 15 years of experience, Ryan shares her passion for textiles, historic clothing, and the stories woven into Alabama’s past—from the iconic Freedom Quilting Bee to the state’s official Pine Burr quilt pattern. Discover how artifacts, from brooches to military uniforms, help tell the story of Alabama’s people, and learn what it takes to preserve over half a million objects for future generations. If you love history, fashion, or fascinating behind-the-scenes details, this episode is a must-listen!

🎧 Listen now ➡️ https://pod.link/1781290701
📖 Subscribe to Alabama Heritage at alabamaheritage.com

Coffee & History: A Conversation with Alabama Heritage is brought to you in partnership with the Poarch Band Creek Indians.

Alabama Department of Archives and History

12/09/2025

In our latest "At The Archives" episode, Coffee and History: A Conversation with Alabama Heritage goes behind the scenes at the Alabama Department of Archives and History with Ryan Blocker, Museum Collections Coordinator. Ryan shares her passion for textiles, historic clothing, and the stories woven into Alabama’s past—from the iconic Freedom Quilting Bee to the state’s official Pine Burr quilt pattern. Discover how artifacts, from brooches to military uniforms, help tell the story of Alabama’s people, and learn what it takes to preserve over half a million objects for future generations.

🎧 Listen now ➡️ https://pod.link/1781290701
📖 Subscribe to Alabama Heritage at alabamaheritage.com

12/07/2025

From the Vault — How Squash, Beans, and Corn Became Southern Food

As the end of year approaches, we turn to the roots of seasonal tradition. In this special feature, explore how Indigenous agricultural wisdom shaped the South’s culinary identity through the “Three Sisters”: squash, beans, and corn.

From sustainable farming practices to cultural storytelling, this piece uncovers the deep connections between nature, nourishment, and heritage.

📖 Read the full story at https://bit.ly/4rC2LJ3

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12/06/2025

We’ll never miss out on holiday fun! 🎉 Caroline joined several staff members for the annual holiday gathering to celebrate the season ❄️⛄️🎄

12/03/2025

"The only way to have a friend is to be one." —Ralph Waldo Emerson

Alabama’s history is rich, diverse, and worth preserving—but we can’t do it alone. The Friends of Alabama Heritage program is the backbone of our mission to share stories that connect generations and celebrate our state’s heritage.

When you join as a Friend, you’re not just supporting a magazine, you are also investing in:
✅ Preserving Alabama’s history for future generations
✅ Educational outreach that brings history to life
✅ Exclusive content and benefits for those who love our state’s stories

Every new Friend strengthens our ability to keep Alabama’s history alive. This Giving Tuesday, help us grow our circle of Friends and ensure these stories continue to inspire.

👉 Join today and make a lasting impact: https://bit.ly/3MIunYA

Together, we can keep Alabama’s heritage thriving. Will you be our Friend?

12/02/2025

☕🎙 NEW EPISODE ALERT 🎙☕

We are back on the road! We’re at the Alabama Department of Archives and History in Montgomery with Meredith McDonough, head of digital assets. Discover how her team digitizes priceless collections—from Civil War documents to historic TV footage—while tackling challenges like fragile scrapbooks and fading handwriting. Learn how YOU can help transcribe historic records and uncover hidden treasures like civil rights photography.

🎧Listen now ➡️ https://pod.link/1781290701
📖Subscribe to Alabama Heritage at alabamaheritage.com

Coffee & History: A Conversation with Alabama Heritage is brought to you in partnership with the Poarch Band Creek Indians

Alabama Department of Archives and History

12/02/2025

Give the Gift of History This Holiday Season!

As the holidays approach, make your gift truly meaningful with Alabama Heritage magazine. Share the stories, traditions, and rich history that connect us all. This Christmas, give a gift that lasts. Order today at alabamaheritage.com! 🎅🎁🎄

12/01/2025

The Alabama Humanities Alliance will be in Uniontown Thursday for its Info Session tour. Learn more about the event ⬇️

AHA’s 2025-2026 Info Session tour rolls on. Join us THIS THURSDAY in Uniontown! We’re excited to let more organizations in the Black Belt know about AHA’s current grant offerings and public programs.

AHA’S PUBLIC INFO SESSION
Thursday, Dec. 4 | 11:30am
Uniontown Public Library
Refreshments included!

This is a chance to ask questions and learn more about our grants, our Road Scholars Speakers Bureau, and our Healing History initiative. And to see the Smithsonian traveling exhibit we brought to Uniontown, on display next door at the Renaissance Center, thanks to our partners at C.H.O.I.C.E. Uniontown!


Black Belt Community Foundation Alabama Black Belt Heritage Area