In 1986, under the inspiring editorship of founder Suzanne Wolfe, Alabama Heritage published its first issue. Now, 140 issues later, the magazine is proud to celebrate thirty-five years of publishing a magazine that was created with a broad conception of “heritage” and incorporates more than traditional history. Alabama Heritage, published quarterly, tells the stories of Alabama that educate, inspire, and entertain.
Bill Barnard, who was chair of the University of Alabama’s history department, recruited Wolfe to help create a state history magazine. In the mid-1990s, proration of state education budgets jeopardized Alabama Heritage’s continued service; however, the community rallied and came to the publication’s rescue. Co-published by the University of Alabama, the University of Alabama at Birmingham, the Alabama Department of Archives and History, the magazine’s “Friends of Alabama Heritage” program and corporate sponsors stand as key pillars of the magazine’s long-term survival.
Alabama Heritage’s award-winning feature writing has made an impact in many areas throughout the state from historic preservation to politics. Each year, Alabama Heritage highlights the Alabama Historic Commission and Alabama Trust for Historic Preservation’s list of endangered landmarks throughout the state in its “Places in Peril.” The media attention the magazine gave the Queen City Pool in Tuscaloosa inspired a couple to purchase the building. The property is now restored and serves as the Mildred Westervelt Warner Transportation Museum. The magazine’s feature on the Scottsboro Boys inspired support for efforts to pardon the men posthumously, which met with success in 2013. Alabama Heritage continues to be intertwined with the missions and welfare of numerous organizations around the state. Closely allied with the Alabama Bicentennial Commission, Alabama Heritage produced special commemorative issues to help celebrate Alabama’s 200th birthday as a territory and state, which culminated in its first-ever book, Alabama from Territory to Statehood.
Many of Alabama Heritage’s features are now available for purchase online. Social media allows the magazine to reach nearly 20,000 people every day with history-related education and news. Alabama Heritage also enjoys a loyal online following, due to its exclusive bonus material.
Alabama Heritage is available for purchase at the University of Alabama Supply Store, at statewide Barnes & Nobles and Books-a-Millions, and online at www.alabamaheritage.com. Readers can also follow the magazine on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, and YouTube.
Alabama Heritage’s award-winning feature writing has made an impact in many areas throughout the state from historic preservation to politics. Each year, Alabama Heritage highlights the Alabama Historic Commission and Alabama Trust for Historic Preservation’s list of endangered landmarks throughout the state in its “Places in Peril.” The media attention the magazine gave the Queen City Pool in Tuscaloosa inspired a couple to purchase the building. The property is now restored and serves as the Mildred Westervelt Warner Transportation Museum. The magazine’s feature on the Scottsboro Boys inspired support for efforts to pardon the men posthumously, which met with success in 2013. Alabama Heritage continues to be intertwined with the missions and welfare of numerous organizations around the state. Closely allied with the Alabama Bicentennial Commission, Alabama Heritage produced special commemorative issues to help celebrate Alabama’s 200th birthday as a territory and state, which culminated in its first-ever book, Alabama from Territory to Statehood.
Many of Alabama Heritage’s features are now available for purchase online. Social media allows the magazine to reach nearly 20,000 people every day with history-related education and news. Alabama Heritage also enjoys a loyal online following, due to its exclusive bonus material.
Alabama Heritage is available for purchase at the University of Alabama Supply Store, at statewide Barnes & Nobles and Books-a-Millions, and online at www.alabamaheritage.com. Readers can also follow the magazine on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, and YouTube.
