Birmingham History Collection

In 2018, Vulcan Park Foundation acquired the collection of the Birmingham History Center after they moved from their location in downtown Birmingham and eventually disbanded.  This allowed the Foundation the opportunity to become the area’s preeminent source for Birmingham’s history.  With this collection, we can create exhibits that comprehensively tell the history of our diverse region.

For information about donating or giving Vulcan Park & Museum temporary custody of artifacts please click the link below.

temporary custody Form

 

What is Vulcan’s Museum Collection?

1. Where to start?

Since Vulcan’s restoration in the early 2000’s the Collection has been small. With the new acquisition of a collection from the Birmingham History Center the Collection has expanded to over 14,000 items. Within this number Vulcan has accumulated a variety of items which a few are on display in few notable locations. These places include Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport, The Alabama Theatre, The Tutwiler Hotel, and Mountain Brook City Hall. Beside these locations and the Museum, the remaining items are stored for future generations and opportunities.

2. What is the procedure for donations or loans to the museum?

While Vulcan Park and Museum would love to collect and collaborate as much as possible with everyone on any inquiry that they may have. The first step would be to fill out the form below or send our Collection Manager an email at cbaxley@visitvulcan.com. Keep in mind this does not guarantee that your item will be accepted into the Collection. From here the item will go into careful consideration by our Collection Staff to determine the best outcome for your inquiry. Vulcan Park and Museum cannot guarantee that your item will be put on display. Vulcan Park and Museum does not consider any unsolicited offers.

3. I or a family member has donated and object to Vulcan or the Birmingham History Center. Is it available for viewing?

To better accommodate you and your request please reach out to our Collections Manager at cbaxley@visitvulcan.com.

4. What is the ‘Small Case’ series?

‘Small Cases’ are rotating cases highlighting a selection of artifacts from Vulcan Park & Museum’s collection. Rotating on a bi-monthly basis, the\ two cases are located outside The Anvil in Vulcan Center and in our museum in the ‘Birmingham Today’ exhibit.

5. I’m a college student or an affiliate with a Historical Society could I view or use an item for research purposes?

The Collection is not available for the public’s viewing unless authorized by Collections Manager therefore please contact cbaxley@visitvulcan.com.

 

For any other questions referring to the collection, a loan, or a donation please contact our Collections Manager at cbaxley@visitvulcan.com.

 

Linn-Henley Gallery

The history of Birmingham’s first Middle Eastern community began with the arrival in 1910 of Christian immigrants from the areas known today as Syria and Lebanon. Birmingham’s Early Middle Eastern Community: Celebrating Life and Liturgy, created in collaboration with the St. Elias and St. George congregations, features artifacts highlighting the religious, economic, and social lives of the community.

Birmingham’s Early Middle Eastern Community runs from January 29, 2023 through January 2024.  The exhibit is located in the Linn-Henley Gallery inside Vulcan Center. Vulcan Center is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The exhibit is included in the cost of admission. Birmingham’s Early Middle Eastern Community continues our exploration of the people and cultures who have made Birmingham what it is today.

This exhibit is sponsored by Alabama Humanities Alliance, Zyne Family Foundation, Benjamin & Francis David Foundation, The St Elias Maronite Catholic Church, The Saint George Melkite Greek-Catholic Church with additional support provided by: Birmingham Coca-Cola Bottling Co., Protective, Vulcan Materials, and Regions.