Main Street Alabama and the Alabama Black Belt Heritage Area invite you to a half-day workshop featuring Bob Wilson, director of Mississippi Main Street Association and board member of Heritage Hills Heritage Area.

The ABBHA has more than 50 towns that could qualify for a local Main Street Program. Created by the National Trust for Historic Preservation more than 25 years ago, Main Street is the nation's most effective downtown revitalization strategy. Join us in Selma to learn how this program could benefit Black Belt communities.

If you value good materials, appreciate good craftsmanship, and love the character of antique glass, you’ll want to attend the upcoming window repair hosted by the Center for the Study of the Black Belt.
 
Renowned old house restoration expert Hilda Dent will lead a window repair workshop at the Center on July 31 from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the University of West Alabama’s Land Hall.
 

Join the Alabama Rural Heritage Center in Thomaston, Alabama, for a Summer Art Camp for children ages 9-12. The cost of the class is $10, which covers materials. Call (334) 295-5959 to register.

Sponsored by the Marengo County Extension System

Join the Alabama Rural Heritage Center in Thomaston, Alabama, for a Summer Art Camp for children ages 9-12. The cost of the class is $10, which covers materials. Call (334) 295-5959 to register.

Sponsored by the Marengo County Extension System

Join the Alabama Rural Heritage Center in Thomaston, Alabama, for a Summer Art Camp for children ages 9-12. The cost of the class is $10, which covers materials. Call (334) 295-5959 to register.

Sponsored by the Marengo County Extension System

March 18, 2010

The University of West Alabama on March 9 hosted Black Belt service organizations for a Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) workshop sponsored by the Alabama Black Belt Heritage Area (ABBHA).

The one-day forum brought together VISTA representatives working in the 19-county service area of the ABBHA. Participants gained insight on the history and economics of the Black Belt region and its existing economic development initiatives.

Oct. 22, 2009

In a ceremony held Oct. 14 at the Selma Public Library, the Alabama Black Belt Heritage Area (ABBHA) received a check for a $10,000 grant from the Tombigbee Resource Conservation and Development Council (RC&D).

The ABBHA is a 19-county initiative with five counties located in the Tombigbee RC&D area, including Pickens, Bibb, Greene, Hale and Sumter. The Center for the Study of the Black Belt at UWA serves as the management entity for the ABBHA.

Rep. James L. Thomas addressed task force members at the ceremony, showing his support for the organization and its efforts.

Alabama’s U.S. Senators Richard Shelby (R-AL) and Jeff Sessions (R-AL) in December introduced the “Alabama Black Belt National Heritage Area Act” to establish Alabama’s 19 Black Belt counties as a national heritage area.

Receiving the support of Alabama’s nine congressmen, the anticipated designation will allow for promotion of the favorable characteristics of the culturally-rich Black Belt by expanding its offerings to residents and tourists alike.

Twelve of Alabama’s most notable streetscapes are the subject of the Black Belt Heritage Area’s 2010 calendar. The scenes commemorate what the Alabama Tourism Department has dubbed “The Year of Small Towns and Downtowns.”

Featuring photographs by Robin McDonald, the calendar offers a tour through the historic downtown regions of Alabama’s Black Belt. It also provides an extensive list of events and attractions held across the region during the year.

Location: Monroeville, Old Courthouse Museum- Downtown Square
All-inclusive ticket $75.00
Mingle with old friends and new and soak up the "Maycomb" atmosphere as you enjoy the beautiful Old Courthouse lawn before the performance. Then sit back, relax and enjoy the two-act "To Kill a Mockingbird" play. An exclusive reception with the entire cast, including special guest, Mary Badham (who played Scout in the film) will follow the performance. 7 pm- 11pm. For more information, contact the museum, (251) 575-7433. www.tokillamockingbird.com.