Pell City will play host to a free traveling Smithsonian Institution exhibition starting Saturday, July 19.
"The Way We Worked," part of the Smithsonian's "Museum on Main Street" series, will feature photographs, narratives and interactive elements from the National Archives showing the racial and and ethnic diversity of the American workforce during the past 150 years. It will be on display through Aug. 23 at CEPA, the Center for Education and Performing Arts, 25 Williamson Drive in Pell City, with additional events at Pell City Library, 1923 First Ave. North.
In addition to the national exhibits, artifacts, films and oral histories, 25 Pell City residents been contributed narratives – oral histories produced by Alabama Public Television for the Smithsonian's program. They will be shown throughout the exhibition.
Other exhibits detail the work and history from around St. Clair County, Avondale Mills, the construction of Logan Martin Dam and Lake, U.S. 231 and other significant events from the region's past.
"Our committee has been working hard to make this a signature event for our city and our region," said Project Director Pam Foote. "We think visitors will be surprised at the depth and creative of our exhibit, and we hope they will enjoy exploring our city's and our country's history along with us."
By adding the local elements, Foote hoped to give the community opportunities to reminisce, learn and understand local history.
"Our committee of planners is busy gathering old photographs and artifacts from all sectors of the community to transform the grand lobby of CEPA into an impressive exploration into our past," she said.
Special events will be held throughout the exhibition, which closes on Aug. 23, including performances by the Pell City Players and storyteller Dolores Hydock, and a lecture by Alabama Humanities Foundation scholar Joyce Cauthen on old-time fiddlers.
"Assistant Library Director Susan Mann, along with CEPA Artistic Director Kathy McCoy have done an incredible job putting together a series of free events that follow our theme," said Foote.
In addition to the Smithsonian and Alabama Humanities Foundation, sponsors include Norfolk Southern Railroad and Alabama Power. Foote hoped the event will create momentum for establishing a museum in Pell City.
"Pell City does not have a museum, and discussion is now centering on this event being a springboard for the establishment of a museum for the city," she said.
Here is the lineup of events:
Wednesday, July 16, noon. "Songs and Stories from the Porch." Include "Avondale Mills," by Sarah Love Rast; "Pell City Grocery," by Betty Turner; "On the Field and Beyond," by Pete Rich; "And the Music You'll Remember," by Michael Barber and friends. Pell City Library, 1923 First Ave. North.
Saturday, July 19, 10 a.m. "The Way We Worked" opening ceremony. Ribbon cutting, Pell City Players in period costumes. APT's oral histories film will play in the theater continuously throughout the exhibition. CEPA, 25 Williamson Dr.
July 22, 10 a.m. Farm Day, stories and displays of old-time farm implements. Pell City Library.
July 26, 7 p.m. Storyteller Dolores Hydock presents a program about Norman Rockwell and "the way he worked." CEPA.
July 29-31, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Alabama Robotics Technology Park Mobile Lab. Demonstrations on how work now and in the future. CEPA.
July 30, noon. Now and Then with Pell City Flower and Gift Shop, Flower Arranging 101, Cindy Luby and Bob Hollis. Pell City Library.
Aug. 6, noon. The Life and Times of Coach William Glover. Retired Pell City head football coach tells his story. Pell City Library.
Aug. 13, noon. Fiddlers, Banjo Players and Strawbeaters: Alabama's First Pop Musicians. Alabama Humanities Foundation's Joyce Cauthen talks about old-time fiddlers and fiddles. Jim Cauthen will perform, backed up by Joyce on guitar, banjo or broom straws. Pell City Library.
Aug. 18-20, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Ag in Action Trailer. Lab features videos, computer stations, farm games and interactive station. CEPA.
Aug. 20, noon. Books, Blue Jeans and Bluegrass. Avondale Denim Day features music, sweet tea and the finale for the Adult Summer Reading program. Wearing denim is encouraged to honor Avondale Mills. Pell City Library.
Aug. 23, 8 a.m.-noon. Closing Day. CEPA.
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