Help document, preserve Huntsville’s Black history during Preservation Month event
Published on May 11, 2023
The City of Huntsville invites citizens to a unique event focused on identifying, documenting and preserving our community’s Black history.
History Harvest, a first-time event to be held during Historic Preservation Month, will occur Saturday, May 13, from 2-3:30 p.m. at the H.C. Blake Art & History Center. Joined by Huntsville Revisited founder William Hampton, City Preservation Planner Katie Stamps hopes the public will come out in support of this effort.
“Taking the time to recognize and remember the ways in which the Black community has helped shape Huntsville history is a critical piece of our Preservation Month initiative,” she said. “We encourage anyone with documents, photos or artifacts related to Huntsville’s Black history to join us.”
More details
The event will take place at the Huntsville Revisited Museum on 2007 N. Memorial Parkway, Suite O. Home to a wide range of artifacts, pictures and stories, this cultural space run by Hampton educates guests from across the world about the history of Huntsville each year.
Hampton urges anyone with information about African American history to participate in History Harvest, which is free and open to the public.
Can’t make the event but would like to contribute? Contact Hampton at 256-683-7160 or william@huntsvillerevisited.com. The organization is also active on Facebook and Instagram.
Preservation events
Historic Preservation Month is a yearly event that promotes the social and economic benefits of preservation. Spearheaded by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the observance seeks to heighten awareness about the wonderful buildings and places that are part of our shared history.
History Harvest is one of several events to be held during Preservation Month. Mark your calendar for these upcoming dates:
Preservation Happy Hour
Thursday, May 18, from 5-6:30 p.m.
If you’re interested in history and preservation and would like to meet and network with like-minded professionals, property owners, advocates and volunteers, come to Baker & Able, the rooftop bar located at 106 Jefferson Hotel, on May 18! This casual event is open to the public and does not require tickets or reservations. Beverages and small plates will be available for purchase.
Downtown Huntsville Walking Tour
Saturday, May 20, at 10 a.m.
The free Downtown Huntsville Walking Tour brings to life the evolution and history of Huntsville’s downtown commercial district from the City’s earliest settlers to the Space Age and beyond. Attendees will learn about local history, notable citizens and a diverse collection of architectural styles. Central to the tour is how urban renewal impacted Huntsville’s city center and how those changes were a catalyst for national and local preservation movements.
This event will include a bonus tour of “Brick by Brick: The Legacy of Henderson and Daniel Brandon” at Harrison Brothers Hardware led by Historic Huntsville Foundation Executive Director Donna Castellano. The walking tour begins and ends at the historic First National Bank on West Side Square and lasts approximately 1.5 hours. Reservations are not required. Strollers and leashed dogs are welcome.
Huntsville-Madison County Public Library – Career Academy
Each Saturday in May from 1-3 p.m.
Do you know a young person interested in history? Huntsville-Madison County Public Library (HMCPL) Special Collections is offering a series of workshops featuring activities that will focus on careers that help preserve knowledge and history.
The workshops are ideal for students who work well on their own with mild-to-moderate guidance. Registration is required. You can sign up on the HMCPL calendar or call the Youth Services Department at 256-532-5949.
Learn more about the event and other programming at HuntsvilleAL.gov/savingplaces.