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This week, ϲͼ Archives received a special plaque commemorating its outstanding contribution to Alabama’s recent bicentennial celebration.
Between Mar. 3, 2017, and Dec. 14, 2019, every county, more than 200 local community committees and dozens of organizations throughout the state participated in Alabama’s bicentennial commemoration. They undertook hundreds of projects and activities over the three-year celebration. From those, the Alabama Bicentennial Commission selected 21 projects to receive legacy awards and 41 to receive commendations. All made a significant and/or lasting contribution to the state’s commemoration.
“Alabama people, communities and organizations showed their creativity and resourcefulness throughout the commemoration, but nowhere more than in the programs and projects they brought to life,” notes Alabama Bicentennial Commission executive director Jay Lamar. “They helped ensure the bicentennial engaged all ages and interests. The bronze plaques are permanent testimonies to their contributions.”
The specially made bronze plaque names the ϲͼ Civil Rights Historic Trail as recipient and will be displayed at the ϲͼ Archives.
“We are honored to have been chosen by the Alabama Bicentennial Commission for this recognition. This project speaks to the continued work between the City of Tuskegee and the University as we look to our past while embracing the future.” Dana Chandler, University Archivist.
Among the award recipients were exhibitions, school projects and city murals. Many initiatives were locally focused, while others involved regional or even statewide interests. Many are especially notable for their long-term relevance and impact.
The awards also represented every region of the state and ranged from small towns to major metropolitan centers. Community partners included junior colleges, county commissions and historic sites.
For more information about the Alabama Bicentennial Legacy Awards and the bicentennial commemoration, visit or call 334-242-4537. A full list of awards follows:
Alabama Bicentennial Legacy Awards
Athens Bicentennial Mural (City of Athens)
Limestone County Courthouse Bell and Judge Rosenau Memorial (Limestone County Commission)
Baldwin County Bicentennial Marker Series and Bicentennial Battle Site Paintings (Baldwin County Department of Archives and History)
Lightning Point Restoration Project (Alabama Nature Conservancy)
Evergreen Cemetery Summer House Restoration (Elba Chamber of Commerce)
WWI and WWII: Memories of Baldwin County (Baldwin County Heritage Museum)
Alabama Constitution Hall Park Restoration (EarlyWorks Family of Museums, Huntsville)