Southern History Department (Birmingham Public Library System)

If you've ever wondered about some of our more unique items, we've got a program for you! http://www.cobpl.org/calendar/?trumbaEmbed=view%3Devent%26eventid%3D172667080

https://bplolinenews.blogspot.com/2024/06/check-out-our-willie-mays-catalog-at.html

Check Out Our Willie Mays Collection at the Birmingham Public Library & JCLC The Birmingham Public Library & other libraries in Jefferson County have 198 books & DVDs about Willie Mays and the Negro League. BPL's di...

FamilySearch is offering live workshops on different aspects of African American history and genealogy!

Juneteenth at FamilySearch • RootsTech • FamilySearch Join us every Wednesday in June for LIVE discussions with leading experts on African American heritage and genealogy.

Learn More about the Hitachi San Puppet in BPL's Southern History Department BPL's Paul Boncella with Hitachi San, 4-foot puppet on display in the Southern History Department. Hitachi San converted into a Japan...

Many thanks to the Alabama Branch Sons and Daughters of Pilgrims for their donation!

Although sold here briefly in 1952, Birmingham's first stand alone Krispy Kreme opened in 1958. Happy National Donut Day!

Here is the front page of our local paper 80 years ago.

How our friends in Birmingham, England covered the D-Day landings.

- To mark the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings on 6 June 1944, here’s how the Birmingham Gazette reported the event the following day

Keep your phone handy as it can aid your research in some very clever and unexpected ways.

Finding Your Roots With Help From Your Phone (Gift Article) Everyday tools and free apps on your mobile device can help you collect, translate and digitize new material for your family-tree files.

Looking to spend more time on genealogy this summer? We've got you covered.

2024 Summer Reading: Southern History Programs Spotlight Want to research your family tree? You can do that and more as the Birmingham Public Library's Southern History Department hosts genealogy w...

Happy National Cheese Day! During World War II, the American cheese industry switched to producing cheddar cheese exclusively. After the war ended, America was ready for more variety. Take a look at this explanation of how and when that would happen.

All Birmingham Public Libraries that normally open on Saturday mornings will be closed during morning hours for a Summer Reading Kickoff event happening at Avondale Park this Saturday, May 11. The public is invited to join us for the Summer Reading Kickoff from 10 a.m. through 12:30 p.m. The libraries will reopen at 2 p.m. this Saturday.

We love being a part of this project!

On May 8, 1945, the war in Europe ended and V-E Day was "unofficially" celebrated. https://www.defense.gov/Multimedia/Experience/VE-Day/

In just 2 weeks, the 2024 Genealogy Series from the US National Archives begins! Make plans to tune in.

2024 National Archives Genealogy Series May and June 2024 Free and no registration! Videos and presentation materials remain available after the premiere date. Chat in real time with the presenters during each session's video premiere. ⇒ About the program ⇒ Participation instructions ⇒ YouTube playlist ⇒ Schedule with session desc...

May the 4th Be With You!

May is Historic Preservation Month! The Birmingham Historic Preservation Staff have some great programs lined up. https://www.birminghamal.gov/preservation

Happy DNA Day! Celebrate with free classes from FamilySearch.

DNA Day 2024 Check out the classes coming up on April 25, 2024!

Take advantage of this free genealogy expo hosted by IGHR - Institute of Genealogy & Historical Research!

Happy National Library Workers Day!

Tune in to Finding Your Roots tomorrow! One of the featured guests is from right here in Birmingham!

Alabama Woman Learns Family Secret Tuesday night, three everyday Americans, including Terrie Morrow from Birmingham, learn about their family histories on FINDING YOUR ROOTS.

Did your Irish ancestors have any connection with the Guinness Brewery? Check out these newly digitized records that are free on Ancestry.com through March 22! https://www.cnn.com/2024/03/08/world/irish-ancestry-guinness-brewery-archives-cec/index.html

A new trove of records could help many reconnect with their Irish roots. They come from a surprising source | CNN Records from Ireland’s famed Guinness brewery, newly digitized and available on Ancestry.com, could be the key to unlocking many family history puzzles.

More treasures generously donated! A 1948 yearbook from Carraway Hospital's School of Nursing and a compilation of photos from the Civilian Conservation Corps published in 1934! These will soon be on the shelves for patrons to enjoy.

Wow! Read about the new AI index being developed by FamilySearch.

GAMECHANGER!!! BIG news from FamilySearch at RootsTech FamilySearch today opened public access to an experimental search function that can search every word of text -- including every name -- even in handwritten documents that haven't been indexed by the hordes of volunteers who generally go through records to

The world's largest family history conference starts today! Have you registered for RootsTech yet? https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/?lang=eng

The Search Continues for Birmingham’s Oldest African American Genealogy Group By Sym Posey | The Birmingham Times As February comes to a close, Black History continues for Dora Marrisette, President of The Birmingham African American Genealogy Group Inc. (BAAGG) and members …

Check out #16 taken in the stacks at BPL. Kelsey Justice, Birmingham Public Library In Birmingham, Alabama, USA

40 Breathtaking Wedding Pictures Selected As The Best Of 2023 By Junebug Weddings
https://www.boredpanda.com/top-wedding-photos-2023.../

Quick reminder: the Birmingham Public Library will be closed tomorrow, Thursday, December 14, for Inventory Day.

We look forward to serving you again on Friday, December 15 👋