On Thursday, many gathered to not only have great food and fun but to support one of Selma’s most historic landmarks.

The Selma Pilgrimage website states the Selma Depot Museum was built on the site of the Confederate Naval Foundry which was destroyed by Federal troops during the Battle of Selma in 1865.  The red brick, stone trimmed building of Romanesque Revival architecture was built in 1891.  It is one of 12 railroad depots in the Southeast designated by Southern Living to be of architectural and historical importance.  The building now houses the Selma Dallas County Interpretive History Museum and Archives. 

According to the site, Selma acquired a unique legacy in the history of the Civil Rights Movement due to Bloody Sunday and the March to Montgomery led by Martin Luther King. The Depot is the repository of deeply significant artifacts from a crucial period of African American history with particular respect to the path from slavery to voting rights, making the museum an unparalleled educational opportunity for area schools and the general public.

The 1891 depot contains treasures from the heritage of Selma and the Black Belt offering a glimpse into their vibrant history. Artifacts contained within the structure represent more than 200 years of life in Selma.

Tools, weapons and other items from the daily lives of tribes, as well as a bow and quiver from Indian hero Geronimo, are on display, according to the site.

We are thankful that so many people showed up to show their support of this museum and the contribution it brings to our community.

Beth Spivey works hard as the director of the museum, and her love for this community is evident in the work she puts into the museum.