History

In the beginning …

In 2014, Pell City had an incredible opportunity to host a Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibit called The Way We Worked. This Museum on Main Street program from Alabama Humanities Alliance became more than opportunity to bring this national historic exhibit to our doorstep, it became the catalyst for creating the beginnings of a museum to tell Pell City and St. Clair County’s story.

The community – individuals, companies and organizations –  came together to financially support the creation of the Pell City Works exhibit, which centered around Avondale Mills, Pell City’s grandfather industry.

Avondale’s history is at the heart of the city’s history. After all, the town grew up around it. It was its livelihood, of course, but it also meant its schools, its recreation, its stores and its families.

A group of dedicated volunteers with the help of  professional designers put together an impressive exhibit of the city’s history which was viewed by thousands of people during the exhibition. It would become the inspiration for the state’s bicentennial exhibit, Making Alabama.

Over the next several years, that exhibit would be stored intact in hopes of its becoming the nucleus of a museum for the city.

That day came.

Creating the Legacy …

The City of Pell City, believing in the need to preserve the city’s history, generously agreed to provide a 4,000 square foot suite in the Municipal Complex as the home for our museum.

In addition, Alabama Humanities Foundation, now Alabama Humanities Alliance, awarded our city with the Making Alabama. A Bicentennial Exhibit as a permanent display.

Blending impressive artwork and interactive displays, the Making Alabama exhibit reflects eight periods of Alabama history – celebrating 200 years of statehood. This exhibit perfectly complements the Pell City exhibit.

The Pell City Works exhibit tells the story of how we worked and lived in Pell City, drawing from countless families whose roots run deep in Pell City and St. Clair County soil.

The Museum of Pell City is not only a destination point for citizens, visitors and local students, we see it as a chance to host Alabama History students from around the region – a boon to education and tourism.

Tours are led by a volunteer force of knowledgeable docents, and our living history recording studio and program provide opportunities to tell and preserve personal stories of days gone by.