City invites public to Preservation Month panel highlighting Indigenous history and culture
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As part of Historic Preservation Month, the City of Huntsville is proud to present “Telling the Full Story of America: Celebrating Indigenous Stories and Places in Huntsville,” a special public panel discussion exploring the deep, living history of Indigenous communities in north Alabama.
The event is Thursday, May 21, from 5:30-7 p.m. on the sixth floor of Huntsville City Hall.
Panelists will highlight key themes such as Indigenous presence in the Huntsville region—past and present, sacred and culturally significant sites in north Alabama, ethical preservation, archaeology and more.
Panelists include:
- Seth Penn, Tribal Representative, Cherokee Tribe of Northeast Alabama
- Ben Hoksbergen, Cultural Resource Manager/Officer, Marshall Space Flight Center
“Indigenous history in Huntsville is not a story of the past—it’s a living, vibrant part of our community’s identity,” City Historic Preservation Planner Katie Stamps said. “This panel invites residents to learn, listen and engage with the full narrative of our region.”
In addition to the panel discussion, the program will include a short documentary screening, audience Q&A and cultural storytelling. The City will also announce new initiatives supporting Indigenous history and preservation education.
This event is free and open to the public. Community members, educators, students and anyone interested in Huntsville’s cultural heritage are encouraged to attend.
For more information on Huntsville’s Preservation Month events, please visit the Historic Preservation Month webpage.