Claim OwnershipCoffee & History: A Conversation with Alabama Heritage
Subscribed: 1Played: 39
Subscribe
© 2025
Description
Welcome to Coffee & History: A Conversation with Alabama Heritage, a weekly podcast where our hosts will share the most fascinating stories in Alabama's historical community over a hot (or cold) beverage of your choosing. Join us over the summer as we take our podcast on the road!
42 Episodes
Reverse
We're back at the Alabama Department of Archives and History for an incredible episode with Jeanie Thompson—poet, visionary, and champion of Alabama's literary arts. From founding the Alabama Writers Forum and the Writers Hall of Fame to creating transformative programs like Writing Our Stories for justice-involved youth, Jeanie has spent decades shaping the cultural landscape of the South. In this episode, she shares her journey from MFA student to award-winning author, her passion for collaboration across art forms, and the story behind her latest creative venture: turning poetry into music. Discover how Jeanie's work continues to empower voices, preserve heritage, and prove that art can change lives. Subscribe to Alabama Heritage at alabamaheritage.com *Larry Mitchell is a Grammy award-winning producer who works with Jeanie Thompson Coffee & History: A Conversation with Alabama Heritage is brought to you in partnership with the Poarch Band Creek Indians
In our latest "At The Archives" episode, Coffee and History: A Conversation with Alabama Heritage goes behind the scenes at the Alabama Department of Archives and History with Ryan Blocker, Museum Collections Coordinator. With more than 15 years of experience, Ryan shares her passion for textiles, historic clothing, and the stories woven into Alabama's past—from the iconic Freedom Quilting Bee to the state's official Pine Burr quilt pattern. Discover how artifacts, from brooches to military uniforms, help tell the story of Alabama's people, and learn what it takes to preserve over half a million objects for future generations. If you love history, fashion, or fascinating behind-the-scenes details, this episode is a must-listen! Coffee & History: A Conversation with Alabama Heritage is brought to you in partnership with the Poarch Band Creek Indians.
We are back on the road! We're at the Alabama Department of Archives and History in Montgomery with Meredith McDonough, head of digital assets. Discover how her team digitizes priceless collections—from Civil War documents to historic TV footage—while tackling challenges like fragile scrapbooks and fading handwriting. Learn how YOU can help transcribe historic records and uncover hidden treasures like civil rights photography. Coffee & History: A Conversation with Alabama Heritage is brought to you in partnership with the Poarch Band Creek Indians
Continuing our Alabama Department of Archives and History tour, hosts Rebecca Minder and Caroline Gazzara-McKenzie sit down with Alex Colvin, Exhibits, Publications, and Programs Coordinator at the Alabama Department of Archives and History. From limestone caves and military galleries to women's suffrage and Native American history, Alex shares the stories behind Alabama's evolving exhibits and her own research into Creek kinship networks. It's a rich, inspiring conversation you won't want to miss. Coffee & History: A Conversation with Alabama Heritage is brought to you in partnership with the Poarch Creek Indians.
We're back at the Alabama Department of Archives this week! Rebecca Minder and Caroline Gazzara-McKenzie sit down with Debbie Pendleton, a beloved figure at the Alabama Department of Archives and History. With nearly 40 years of service, Debbie shares stories from her career, including the creation of the Museum of Alabama, the evolution of archival programming, and her work on the WSFA news film project. Plus, hear about quirky murals from a French chateau, pandemic pivots, and the joys of historical research! Coffee & History: A Conversation with Alabama Heritage is brought to you in partnership with the Poarch Creek Indians.
Coffee & History is back in Montgomery for a lively chat with Sulyn Cresswell and Kristin Law of Black Belt Treasures Cultural Arts Center. Discover how these Camden creatives are transforming Alabama's Black Belt through art, education, and community pride. From pottery to poetry, this episode celebrates the power of place and the stories that shape it. Tune in for inspiration, laughs, and a few surprises—like possums and Girl Scout cookies! Coffee & History: A Conversation with Alabama Heritage is brought to you in partnership with the Poarch Creek Indians.
We're on the road! In this episode of Coffee and History: A Conversation with Alabama Heritage, hosts Rebecca Minder and Caroline McKenzie sit down with Hayden McDaniel and Richard Trammell Jr., two education curators from the Alabama Department of Archives and History. From engaging thousands of K–12 students with theatrical storytelling to empowering teachers through hands-on professional development, Hayden and Richard share how they make Alabama's rich and complex history accessible and inspiring. Discover hidden archival treasures, the surprising origins of the Black Panther Party in Alabama, and how land ownership shaped civil rights activism. Plus, enjoy fun personal stories—including Richard's journey from chemistry to theater, and Hayden's love for peanuts and her splooting hedgehogs, Tahini and Biscuit. Coffee & History: A Conversation with Alabama Heritage is brought to you in partnership with the Poarch Creek Indians.
In this episode of Coffee and History, we sit down with Samyra Snoddy—community leader, founder of the West Alabama Multicultural Alliance, and a driving force behind the Tuscaloosa Civil Rights Trail. Samyra shares the powerful story of Bloody Tuesday, the legacy of Reverend T.Y. Rogers and Reverend Thomas Linton, and the importance of preserving Tuscaloosa's civil rights history. We also explore her work creating the Tuscaloosa Heritage Festival, celebrating global cultures through music, food, and storytelling. From museum preservation to youth education, Samyra's vision for a more inclusive and informed Tuscaloosa shines through. It's a joyful, inspiring, and deeply meaningful conversation. Coffee & History: A Conversation with Alabama Heritage is brought to you in partnership with the Poarch Creek Indians.
In this episode of Coffee and History, independent researcher George Adair uncovers Alabama's coal mining legacy—from convict labor and environmental battles to tragic mining disasters. We explore the devastating fire at Lucille Mines, the Bryce Hospital flooding incident, and the broader impact of coal mining on communities and landscapes. George also shares insights into his preservation work on the McMillan family homestead, the effects of fracking and longwall mining, and his upcoming research on river and harbor improvements in Tuscaloosa. Coffee & History: A Conversation with Alabama Heritage is brought to you in partnership with the Poarch Creek Indians.
In this episode of Coffee and History, we sit down with Dr. John Young—professor, historian, theologian, and lifelong Alabamian. From the Dust Cave excavation to the legacy of blues legend Johnny Shines, Dr. Young shares insights into Alabama's rich cultural and religious history. We also explore his work at Amridge University, his passion for teaching, and how his own childhood in Florence shaped his scholarly path. Coffee & History: A Conversation with Alabama Heritage is brought to you in partnership with the Poarch Band Creek Indians.
In this vibrant episode of Coffee and History, hosts Caroline Gazzara-McKenzie and Susan Reynolds take listeners behind the scenes of Alabama Heritage Issue 158 (Fall 2025). From the whimsical art of Butch Anthony and his Museum of Wonder to the untold stories of Alabama's reluctant Confederates, this issue is packed with colorful personalities, compelling history, and a touch of fall flavor. Grab your cup of coffee and tune in! Purchase a copy or become a subscriber today at alabamaheritage.com. Coffee & History: A Conversation with Alabama Heritage is brought to you in partnership with the Poarch Band Creek Indians.
On today's episode of Coffee & History: A Conversation with Alabama Heritage, we sit down with Jerran Hill, the executive director of the University of Alabama's Blackburn Institute. Established in 1994, the Blackburn Institute is a leadership development and civic engagement program specifically focusing on improving Alabama. With more than 30 years of experience, Hill talks about the Institute's mission, the students that get involved, and how the state has responded to the Institute's involvement. Coffee & History: A Conversation with Alabama Heritage is brought to you by Windcreek Hospitality.
University of Alabama alumnus Preston McGee joins us in the studio this week to share his journey. McGee is the community outreach coordinator at the University of Alabama for the Selma Resilience Initiative, which aims to elevate Selma, Alabama. Originally from Dallas County, Alabama, McGee grew up learning about the civil rights movement in Selma. Now as an adult, McGee is creating meaningful connections while investing in the community. Coffee & History: A Conversation with Alabama Heritage is brought to you by Windcreek Hospitality.
Alabama Public Radio's account executive Megan York joins the Coffee & History team. York, a former Million Dollar Band member and an alumna of the University of Alabama, shares her journey into radio, her connection with co-host Caroline Gazzara-McKenzie, and her many community partnerships. York works across the state to promote Alabama Public Radio's mission and is a big proponent of Coffee & History: A Conversation with Alabama Heritage. Coffee & History: A Conversation with Alabama Heritage is brought to you by Windcreek Hospitality.
Lesa Carnes Shaul, an author and an English professor at the University of West Alabama, joins the Coffee & History team this week to share her stories of Alabama. Hailing from Sand Mountain, Alabama, Shaul dives into the mysteries that surround her hometown, her upcoming feature article in Alabama Heritage magazine, the history of snake handling and Sacred Harp singing. Coffee & History: A Conversation with Alabama Heritage is brought to you by Windcreek Hospitality.
On today's episode of Coffee & History: A Conversation with Alabama Heritage, we sit down with Historic Tuscaloosa's executive director, Will Hawkins. Hawkins has spent the majority of his career sharing the importance of Tuscaloosa's history through art and architecture, guiding citizens to learn more about the world around them, and inspiring the next generation of art historians. Hawkins also had the joy of working with Jack Warner's private art collection, one of the largest private collections in the country. Coffee & History: A Conversation with Alabama Heritage is brought to you by Windcreek Hospitality.
[RE-RELEASE] In this episode of Alabama Heritage, we revisit a powerful conversation with UAPD Officer Marshall Wade and his K-9 partner, Kenny—trailblazers in the University of Alabama's new Community-Oriented Policing Division. Kenny isn't just a working dog—he's a bridge between law enforcement and the student body, helping foster trust, connection, and community on campus. As one of only a few programs of its kind nationwide, UA's initiative is setting the stage for future expansion and innovation in campus policing. This episode is brought to you by Wind Creek Hospitality and the Poarch Creek Indians.
[RE-RELEASE] One of our most celebrated episodes is back! In this listener-favorite conversation, Wayne Flynt sits down with Alabama Heritage to reflect on his Southern upbringing, pivotal college years at Howard College, and the deeply personal evolution of his views on class, religion, and race. As an acclaimed historian of Southern politics and religion, Flynt offers rich insight into the roots of his Southern identity and the culture he holds dear. Originally released as one of the most popular episodes in our podcast's history, this encore presentation brings his unforgettable storytelling back to the forefront. Coffee & History: A Conversation with Alabama Heritage is brought to you by Wind Creek Hospitality and the Poarch Creek Indians.
[RE-RELEASE] Welcome (back) to the very beginning! We're re-sharing our very first episode — an introduction to the podcast and the voices behind the mic. Whether you're new here or just feeling nostalgic, this episode dives into the heart of why we started the show and what you can expect moving forward. Meet your hosts, learn about the journey, and enjoy this look back at where it all began. Originally released in December 2024 , this special re-release is a chance to revisit our roots and celebrate how far we've come. Coffee & History: A Conversation with Alabama Heritage is brought to you by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians and Windcreek Hospitality.
Graphic designer and illustrator Laura Murray joins the Coffee & History gang in Auburn, Alabama, to discuss using history to create meaningful art. Murray is the illustrator of "The Amazing Alabama," a coloring book series, along with several other creations. She is also a member of the Alabama chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolutionary War, detailing the importance of understanding history. Coffee & History: A Conversation with Alabama Heritage is brought to you in partnership with the Poarch Creek Band Indians.
Comments
Download from Google Play
Download from App Store
United States