NASHVILLE, TN – The American Association for State and Local History (AASLH) congratulates Pope’s Tavern for receiving an Award of Excellence for its “Slavery in the Shoals Exhibit.” The Award of Excellence is part of the AASLH Leadership in History Awards, the most prestigious recognition for achievement in the preservation of state and local history.
The “Slavery in the Shoals” exhibit, located in a small building on the grounds of historic Pope’s Tavern, is the first permanent exhibit to explore the institution of slavery in North Alabama combining historical research, first-hand accounts, artifacts, biographical information, and tactile components. The exhibit explores the difficult topic of slavery through cotton production by tying the stories of enslaved people to primary documents, census information, images, and artifacts. The centerpiece of the exhibit is a commissioned textile artwork by author/architect/artist Valerie S. Goodwin, whose piece “In the Name of King Cotton” serves as both an exterior identifier and interior backdrop. Ms. Goodwin is descended from enslaved people in Florence.
The exhibit captures many long-overlooked voices of people enslaved in the Shoals area to create a human-centered narrative about the institution of slavery in northwest Alabama.
This year, AASLH is proud to confer 53 national awards honoring people, projects, exhibits, and publications. The winners represent the best in the field and provide leadership for the future of state and local history.
The AASLH awards program was initiated in 1945 to establish and encourage standards of excellence in the collection, preservation, and interpretation of state and local history throughout the United States. The AASLH Leadership in History Awards not only honor significant achievement in the field of state and local history, but also bring public recognition of the opportunities for small and large organizations, institutions, and programs to make contributions in this arena. For more information about the Leadership in History Awards, contact AASLH at 615-320-3203, or go to www.aaslh.org.
Pope’s Tavern, one of four museums owned and operated by the City of Florence, is located at 203 Hermitage Drive, Florence, AL and is open Tuesday-Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Media Release/Brian Murphy, Florence Arts and Museums
