Alabama Historical Commission facts for kids
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| Formation | 1966 |
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| Type | Government organization |
| Purpose | Historic preservation |
| Headquarters | 468 South Perry Street Montgomery, Alabama United States |
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Region served
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Alabama |
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Membership
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20 |
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Executive Director
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Lisa Jones |
The Alabama Historical Commission is a special group in Alabama that works to protect and save old buildings and important historical places. It was started in 1966 by the state's lawmakers to make sure Alabama's history is kept safe.
This commission has 20 members. These members are chosen by the state governor or hold certain official jobs. They come from different backgrounds, like architects, historians, and archaeologists. Their main jobs are to find, buy, and protect historic places. They also teach people about Alabama's rich history.
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Protecting Alabama's History
The Alabama Historical Commission works hard to save important historical sites. They team up with other groups, like the Alabama Trust for Historic Preservation. Together, they publish a yearly report called Places in Peril. This report tells everyone about the historical places in Alabama that are most in danger of being lost.
They also work with the Alabama Preservation Alliance and the University of West Alabama. They create a publication called the Preservation Scoreboard. This scoreboard shares good news about historical places that have been saved. It also points out new chances to save places and mentions any demolitions that have happened.
National Recognition for Historic Sites
The leader of the commission is called Alabama's State Historic Preservation Officer. This person has a very important job. They are in charge of suggesting historic buildings and sites to be added to the National Register of Historic Places. This is a list of places across the United States that are important to history. They also help get places named as National Historic Landmarks, which are even more special.
The State Historic Preservation Officer also carries out tasks given to Alabama by the United States government. This helps make sure Alabama's history is recognized and protected at a national level.
Alabama's Own Historic List
The commission also keeps its own list called the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage. This list includes properties that the commission believes are important to preserve. These places can be anything from old cemeteries to buildings that have been rebuilt. Some of these might not qualify for the national list, but they are still very important to Alabama.
The commission owns, manages, or looks after 26 historic properties all over Alabama. Some of these amazing places include the Alabama State Capitol, Belle Mont, Bottle Creek Indian Mounds, Fort Morgan, and Old Cahawba.
Historical Markers Program
Since 1975, the commission has had a special program for historical markers. These markers are signs that tell people about important buildings, sites, objects, cemeteries, and areas in Alabama. They help everyone learn about the history right in front of them.
If a person or group wants a marker, they need to pay for it themselves. The state does not provide money for these signs. To get a marker from the commission, a property must meet certain rules:
- It must already be on the National Register of Historic Places or the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage.
- Or, it must be an important part of a historic district that is already listed on one of those registers.
- Or, it must be listed on the Alabama Historic Cemetery Register.
Digital History with GIS
For a long time, the commission kept all its historical records on paper. You had to visit their main office to see them. But these documents are unique, and there weren't many copies.
So, the commission has been working hard to turn these paper files into a digital system. They use something called Geographic Information System (GIS) technology. This new system makes it much easier for everyone to access the information online. It also helps make sure these important historical records are saved for a very long time.
