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www.EtowahHistory.com Etowah Historical Society since 1954
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Check our photos page HERE The Society does not have genealogical research materials. Instead, check with the Northeast Alabama Genealogical Society at: www.neags.com
For example, we now have many exhibits on
display, a large history library, over 15,000 digitized local
historical
photos, genealogy information and nearly all issues of the
Gadsden Times dating from 1867 to a few months ago.
We are located at Elliott Community Center, 29th Street and Meighan Blvd. (U.S. Hwy. 431) and open 10 AM till 4 PM. Come and enjoy!!! Old 1890-1950 Etowah County Courthouse Etowah Historical Society & Etowah Heritage Museum The Etowah Historical Society had its beginning in 1953 as an outgrowth of a committee who placed two markers at Black Creek. These were to the memory of Confederate heroine Emma Sansom and a soldier killed named Robert Turner.Under gunfire, teenage heroine Emma Sansom guided Gen. Forrest's troops across swollen Black Creek on May 2, 1863 after the main bridge was burned by Federal officers. The following day, in part because of Emma’s bravery, Confederate Forces captured Union Col. Streight and his entire command of 1,466 men near Cedar Bluff. Of interests, Emma Sansom’s mother was a niece of Chief James Vann. It was at this time that these committee members and others interested realized the need of an organization for research, and especially for maintaining memorials. So with the marker committee as a nucleus, the Etowah Historical Society came into being the following year. To this day, it is the oldest continuous historical society in the state of Alabama. When it was formed, members met in each other's homes and took turns with refreshment and programs but times change and the historical society had growing pains. Over the years there have been many changes in the Society. At one time you had to be voted in. In the last four years, it has grown to a small museum with many exhibits on display, a large history library with many Native American books and materials, over 25,000 digitized historical photos, genealogy information and nearly all issues of the Gadsden Times dating from 1867. The Jerry B. Jones Historical Research library contains documentary collections of Etowah County, the surrounding area and Northeast Alabama. It also is a depository that preserves all types of historical research materials relating to this area. It includes historical files donated by Jerry B. Jones, as well as manuscript collections, books, periodicals, rare maps, newspapers, audio and video materials, and photographs. There are also computers, rare books, files, and various materials for serious historical research. Over the years the Etowah Historical Society has released many publications including books, CDs, newsletters, etc. on the history of Etowah County’s people, places and things. The Etowah Heritage Museum has accumulated a mass of historical collections and information of this area. Our museum includes displays of local history, Civil War, Indians, WWII, Alabama Power Company, much rare & valuable plantation era furniture and more. There is also a display of the rich Black heritage that goes many years back from before and during the Civil War through the Civil Rights Movements, to the famous singers and professionals of today. The Society also assists in getting appropriate places in Etowah County designated by historical markers or identified as historic sites and listed on State and National Registers. Many special events to the public are available. Our monthly meetings offer many well-known speakers of historical topics. On each Tuesday we have a Coffee Club where just like 1st grade you can show & tell or come ask the history experts for an answer on a historical question. Twice a year, the Society has tours to historical places near our area. A few sample trips from the past have been to Fort Payne, Ohatchee, Cherokee County, Marshall County as well as other historic places. Looking toward the future, the Etowah Heritage Museum is undergoing plans to build a Trail of Tears Interpretive Center. This will memorialize both Cherokee and Creeks. The Society supports research on the Trail of Tears sites in this area of which both were removed from Etowah County. Also, the Society is planning a new museum and has been collecting early transportation related items, all to be placed at Attalla’s Junctions Park. So far collections has included an old Chessie caboose, 1922 L&N passenger train, 1880’s haunted truss bridge, 1916 lightweight trolley, 1934 Birney trolley, five log cabins and more. Danny K. Crownover Etowah Historical Society NEWSLETTERThe Etowah Historical Society publishes a monthly newsletter, highlighting interesting historical information, introducing new research and informing the membership of upcoming events and activities. Become a member to receive this!
To become a member of the Etowah Historical Society! Click here print & mail
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The Etowah Historical Society P.O. Box 8131 Gadsden, AL 35902 (Physical address at 2829 W. Meighan Blvd.)
Danny Crownover President E-mail:
Officers & Board MembersPresident ...........................Danny Crownover 1st Vice President ..................Traci Pondick 2nd Vice President ............Sharyon Ramsey Recording Secretary ...................Joan Mims Corresponding Secretary ..Molly Cheatwood Treasurer ............................Gorden Maddox Historian .................................Patsy Hanvey Devotional ..................................W.A. Lewis
NOTICE The Society meets every 2nd Friday night each month at Elliott Community Center, corner of 29th Street & Meighan Blvd. at 6:00pm. Each month we have an enjoyable presentation and refreshments. Come and enjoy!!!
Total visitors since 11/1/09
Free Guestbook by UltraGuest.com
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The
Etowah Historical Society has been around since 1954 when Mary
Harrison Lister and several others gave birth to this new
organization. Over the years there has been many changes in the
Society. At one time you had to be voted in and the meeting was
held in the homes of the members. 
ility
at Elliott Community Center. Since 2008, we have accumulated a
mass of historical collections and information of this area. 
