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. Their main job is to protect and save important old buildings and places. They make sure these historic spots stay safe for everyone to learn from and enjoy. This group was started in 1966 by the state government.
The Commission has twenty members. These members are chosen by the state governor. They include people like architects, historians, and archaeologists. Their goal is to find, protect, and teach people about Alabama's amazing historic sites.
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Protecting Alabama's History
The Alabama Historical Commission works hard to save important places. They team up with other groups to do this. One thing they do is publish a report called Places in Peril. This report tells everyone about historic places in Alabama that are in danger. They also highlight success stories where old places were saved.
What is Historic Preservation?
Historic preservation means keeping old buildings and sites safe. It's about making sure these places last for a long time. This way, future generations can learn about the past. The Commission helps decide which places are important enough to be protected.
The leader of the Commission is called the State Historic Preservation Officer. This person is in charge of suggesting historic places in Alabama. These places can then be added to the National Register of Historic Places. This is a list of important historic sites across the entire United States.
Famous Places They Protect
The Commission also keeps its own list called the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage. This list includes many different kinds of historic places. It has everything from old cemeteries to rebuilt buildings.
The Commission owns or helps take care of 26 historic properties. These places are all over Alabama. Some of the famous ones include:
- Alabama State Capitol
- Bottle Creek Indian Mounds
- Fort Morgan
- Freedom Rides Museum
- Old Cahawba
- Pond Spring
These sites help tell the story of Alabama's past.
Historical Markers Program
Since 1975, the Commission has had a special program for historical markers. These are signs that tell you about important buildings, sites, or events. They help people learn about history as they travel around the state.
If a group or person wants a marker, they need to pay for it. The state does not provide money for these signs. To get a marker, the place must be:
- On the National Register of Historic Places.
- Or on the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage.
- Or part of a historic district on one of these lists.
- Or listed in the Alabama Historic Cemetery Register.
This program helps share Alabama's rich history with everyone.
