Did you know? Alabama became a state on December 14, 1819. Today historians celebrate Alabama’s rich history (both the famous and infamous) in a variety of ways. Textiles play a role in this history, as members of the Alabama Department of Archives and History explain in the video below (scroll down). Both of these ladies are incredibly knowledgeable about textiles, Alabama history, and are genuinely sweet people.

Last year my family participated in Alabama’s Bicentennial in Montgomery. While it was a bit wet and cold, we loved being a part of this history. This year, I’ve been reading more about Alabama with a series of books. Most of these (see list below) include quilting and textiles in telling Alabama’s history. If you want a quick Alabama history fix, visit the online Encyclopedia of Alabama (http://encyclopediaofalabama.org) and the fantastic magazine Alabama Heritage (https://www.alabamaheritage.com). Santa is supposed to bring me this book: Alabama Quilts: Wilderness through WWII, 1682-1950 (https://www.shopalabamaoriginal.com/shop/Alabama-Quilts-by-Mary-Elizabeth-Johnson-Huff-and-Carole-Ann-King-p239040205). I promise, I’ve been good this year!

Books/Sources: Alabama: From Territory to Statehood (https://www.shopalabamaoriginal.com/shop/Alabama-From-Territory-to-Statehood-An-Alabama-Heritage-Bicentennial-Collection-p245046072), Alabama: The Making of an American State by Edwin C. Bridges (former director of Alabama Department of Archives and History)(https://www.shopalabamaoriginal.com/shop/Alabama-The-Making-of-an-American-State-by-Edwin-C-Bridges-p98148866), and Alabama Women: Their Lives and Times (https://www.shopalabamaoriginal.com/shop/Alabama-Women-Their-Lives-and-Times-p200907406).