Alabama History

A family’s search for their native and formerly enslaved heritage in South Alabama

The Tate Family has spent nearly two decades uncovering records that establish their ancestors' time in Alabama before its statehood.

How a Birmingham shop owner brings memories to life through books

Jim Reed has collected books and writings for more than 40 years and believes books keep memories alive.

‘When Buses Were A-Comin’: Remembering The Freedom Riders 60 Years On

A group of young civil rights activists began their journey to the South to challenge segregation on interstate buses in May 1961. The riders were taunted and beaten by white mobs – and jailed. Participants of the movement share what their fight means now.

New Exhibit At Birmingham Museum of Art Shows American History’s Violent Struggle

A new art exhibit features the work of Jacob Lawrence, widely considered one of the greatest modernist painters of the 20th century.

New Podcast Reveals “White Lies” in Selma

In 1965, Rev. James Reeb was beaten to death by white segregationists in Selma. Reeb himself was white. In an NPR podcast called "White Lies" co-hosts Andrew Beck Grace and Chip Brantley try to uncover the truth about Reeb's death.

Program Seeks to Preserve Queer History in Alabama

The South has the highest concentration of LGBTQ adults in the U.S. But they’ve largely flown under the radar, so collecting their stories has been a challenge. Enter the Invisible Histories Project, which seeks to showcase LGBTQ life in Alabama.