By Claire Aiello
This year, we celebrate Alabama’s 200th birthday as a state. There are numerous events planned across the State throughout 2019, but we will start things off in a big way right here in Huntsville the weekend of February 22-24.
The Huntsville/Madison County Community has invited the entire Alabama legislature and their spouses for a weekend of activities, to celebrate the Bicentennial at the exact spot where the State was born. Those activities include a VIP reception at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, the unveiling of Alabama’s Bicentennial Stamp and a Special State Bicentennial Leadership Dinner at the Huntsville Botanical Garden, among other events. A limited number of tickets are available for purchase by Chamber members on hsvchamber.org.
After all, Huntsville was where it all began 200 years ago. In July of 1819, Huntsville hosted delegates from across the Territory to draft our state’s first constitution. Later that year, Huntsville played host to the first session of the Alabama Legislature.
This two-ton bell will be restored and displayed at the Madison County Courthouse as part of Huntsville’s celebration of the Alabama Bicentennial. (Photo: Jennifer Gordon)
The Chamber is excited to partner with the Huntsville/Madison County Bicentennial Committee, Huntsville/Madison County Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Alabama Legislative Services Agency for the weekend’s events. The City of Huntsville, City of Madison and Madison County are our official hosts.
All are invited to the Bicentennial Kickoff and Stamp Unveiling on Saturday, February 23 at 10 a.m. This will be held at Constitution Hall Park, located at 109 Gates Avenue SE. The U.S. Postal Service will officially debut the Alabama stamp, which features art taken at sunset at Cheaha State Park by photographer Joe Miller.
More Events Throughout the Year
There are many ways you can celebrate Alabama’s Bicentennial throughout the year. From community theatre to concerts, to library exhibits and special activities at Panoply, there’s something for everyone. Here are just a few items of note:
- Restoration of a two-ton bell at the Madison County Courthouse
- “We the People: Alabama’s Defining Documents” exhibit of the state’s six constitutions June 30-August 11 at the Huntsville Museum of Art
- Historic hikes with the Land Trust of North Alabama
- Special “Bicentennial Village” at Panoply Arts Festival, April 26-28 at Big Spring Park
Ditto Landing has commissioned a replica of the Ditto Ferry specifically for the Bicentennial year. It will be on display at Ditto Landing throughout the year, and other special events including the Bicentennial Village at Panoply. Visit al200madison.com to find more events.
This article appears in our February 2019 issue of Initiatives magazine, a publication of the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber.
Ditto Landing Ferry