Historic Selma Audio Tours

Official Unveiling of the Audio Tour project

Most of the month of June was dedicated to completing our Historic Selma Audio Tours, with a total of 75 sites on the tour!  This project took approximately two years to complete and was made possible by a grant provided by the Alabama Black Belt Heritage Area. Each site features a short oral history recorded by local citizens with connections to the sites.

Signs with a QR code, phone number, and photograph have been placed in front of each location. In order to access the audio, visitors will use their cell phones to either scan the QR Code or dial the phone number. This project will allow visitors to learn about Selma's intriguing history at their own pace.

With Selma having the largest historic district in Alabama, it is no surprise that it also has a large number of sites on its new Audio Tour. In order to navigate to each of the 75 sites, Selma and Dallas County Tourism has partnered with Madden & Associates to create a map brochure with names and addresses of each site. The map brochures is available at the Centre for Commerce as well as other locations in downtown Selma.

Map brochures are available at the Centre for Commerce

We encourage you to try out as many of the Audio Tour sites as possible while you are in Selma!

A large crowd gathered at the Centre for Commerce for the Official Unveiling of the Audio Tour project.  Pictured above is Brian Jones from the Alabama Tourism Department and Wimberly Comer from the Alabama Black Belt Heritage Area, with Selma Tourism Director Ashley Mason.

May Tourism Highlights

May is not nearly as busy as April in terms of events; however, we still have hundreds of tourists coming to Selma to walk across the Edmund Pettus Bridge and visit our many historic sites.  It is also the beginning of the summer family reunion season and wedding season, so we are constantly fulfilling information requests.

We had our first planning meeting for the Selma Museum Tours and it is going to be an even better event than last year.  Last year, we partnered with our local museums to offer visitors the opportunity to tour 7 sites for only 7 dollars!  This year, we have 10 sites for 10 dollars.  More information will be released as plans are finalized, but go ahead and save the date for the Selma Museum Tours on August 7 and 8, 2015.

In a previous blog post, I encouraged readers to vote for the Edmund Pettus Bridge for Best Historic Southern Attraction.  This national landmark was nominated by USA Today for this 10Best Readers' Choice Award.  Voting closed on May 25 and winners were announced at the end of the week - the Edmund Pettus Bridge was ranked 4th!  Out of the 20 nominations, only the top 10 are chosen for this recognition and we came in 4th, which isn't too bad when you think of how many historic attractions there are in all of the southern states.  We are proud to have been nominated and thrilled to be listed in the top 10!

A large portion of my time this month was devoted to finalizing our Audio Tour project.  After coordinating with each site and placing flags in all 75 locations for the posts to be installed, I then had to give all of the signs to Public Works for them to drill holes in each sign.  After the holes are finished, we will begin installing posts at all 75 sites and we will have an unveiling to officially announce the completion of the project.  Stay tuned for a blog post later this month about the Audio Tours!

Edmund Pettus Bridge - USA Today Nomination

We have great news!

Photo from the Alabama Tourism Department

The Edmund Pettus Bridge has been nominated for Best Historic Southern Attraction by USA Today's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards.  It is truly an honor just to be nominated.  Think about it.  Out of all of the Southern states, only 20 attractions were nominated for this title.  Out of the 20 nominations, only three attractions were chosen from Alabama.  All three attractions are civil rights sites, but only one has become a symbol of the bravery and sacrifice of the foot soldiers.  Don't get me wrong, each of these sites are significant historic attractions.  But were any others just visited by the President of the United States and his family, former President and First Lady, and over 100,000 other people?  Were any of the other sites broadcast GLOBALLY?

The Edmund Pettus Bridge will be 75 years old this year and the opening celebration was May 24-26, 1940.  The last day to vote for this category is May 25 - coincidence?

Our most famous Selma attraction should no doubt win the title of Best Historic Southern Attraction, but we need YOUR help!  Please follow this link and vote everyday until May 25.  Share with your family, friends, and the media.  We need you!

April Tourism Highlights

April is probably one of the busiest months for tourism in Selma because there are so many events during the week and multiple events on the weekends.  We won't complain about having too many things to do though!  Here are a few of the highlights from April:

150th Anniversary Observance for the Battle of Selma

The April 1865 Society held the 150th Battle of Selma Official Observance and Unveiling on April 2 to commemorate the Battle of Selma.  Nearly 100 people gathered at ArtsRevive to learn about the Battle of Selma and the new series of historic markers.  The seventh in a series of historic markers was unveiled near ArtsRevive and a Brooke Cannon was fired to conclude the commemoration.

Alabama River Chili Cook-off

Over a thousand people sampled all kinds of chili at the annual Alabama River Chili Cook-off.  Proceeds from the event were donated to SABRA Sanctuary in the amount of $12,500!

April 1865 Society Historic Marker Unveilings

A total of 10 historic markers were unveiled before the 150th Battle of Selma Re-enactment this year.  Each historic marker is complete with a map and a QR Code on the back.  The April 1865 Society has plans to install an additional 10 historic markers in the coming months.  Contact us at tourism@selmaalabama.com if you would like a complete list of the locations of the first 10 historic markers.

Central Alabama Crawfish Festival

The Selma Lions Club held its first annual Central Alabama Crawfish Festival this year.  It was a huge success with nearly 1,000 people in attendance for this first-time event.  We are already looking forward to next year!

Alabama Legislative Tourism Bash

I attended the Alabama Legislative Tourism Bash in Montgomery for the second year in a row and enjoyed meeting with other tourism professionals from across the state.  Also, there was a giant astronaut at the event.

Low Country Boil at the Old Depot Museum

The Old Depot Museum held its annual Low Country Boil to raise money for the museum.  Hundreds of people attended the event to eat delicious crawfish and to support the Old Depot.

ArtsRevive Roots and Wings Art Show

The annual ArtsRevive Roots and Wings Art Show features work from artists throughout Alabama.  Every space imaginable in the ArtsRevive building had a piece of art either for sale or for show.

Battle of Selma Living History Tours

Over 1,000 students from all over Alabama, and even a group from California, visited Selma to attend the Battle of Selma Living History Tours.  The students had the opportunity to see firsthand how soldiers fought, dressed, and lived during the Civil War.

April Walking Tours

Each year, the Alabama Tourism Department organizes the April Walking Tours in cities throughout the state so that visitors can learn more about Alabama and the various cities.  The tours last approximately one hour each Saturday in April.  On our last walking tour this year, we had 13 visitors (some not pictured) that toured our historic downtown and learned a small portion of Selma's history.

Rock N Ribs Benefit

Blackbelt Benefit Group held another incredible Rock N Ribs Benefit with all-you-can-eat ribs and hors d'oeuvres, as well as live music throughout the day.

Battle of Selma Grand Military Ball

One of the favorite events during the Battle of Selma Re-enactment weekend each year is the Grand Military Ball.  Guests are required to dress in period costumes and have the opportunity to dance the night away with dances from the 1800s.  Visit www.battleofselma.com for information about next year's Re-enactment and Grand Military Ball.

Battle of Selma Re-enactment

Over 1,500 re-enactors from across the United States came to Selma to participate in the 150th Battle of Selma Re-enactment.  An estimated 5,000 spectators were in attendance for the battles on Saturday and Sunday.

Mayor George Evans also surprised the Re-enactors one evening by providing boxed dinners and distributing 150th Anniversary coins.

And it wouldn't be tourism season without at least one interview in an antebellum dress and an interview at 6:00 AM, but it is always worth it!

March Tourism Highlights

Where do I even begin for March tourism?  As you probably already know, we had quite a few visitors (easily over 100,000) in Selma the first weekend in March for the annual Bridge Crossing Jubilee and also for President Obama's speech the day before.  It was definitely an experience I will never forget.  I had the privilege of helping at the Joint Information Center with the media crews that were covering the events.  We answered any questions they had and provided water, coffee, and free Wi-Fi for them.  Many of the crews were there for 24 hours a day for 3 to 4 days straight to cover the events.  I also had the opportunity to hear President Obama's speech along with 41,000 other people in attendance and millions of viewers throughout the nation.

Just a small portion of the 41,000 people in attendance for President Obama's speech.

Leading up to this 50th Anniversary, the local faith community came together on March 1 for a Faith and Unity Walk.  Over 2,000 locals walked across the Edmund Pettus Bridge for this event to show the world that Selma is united as one.

Over 2,000 locals came together to show unity in Selma.

March 5 - 9 was busy with events to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Voting Rights Movement and the brave men and women who fought for equal rights.  At one point I was standing right beside Martin Luther King, III and all I could do was stare at him because I just could not believe that was really him.  (Sorry for staring, Martin!).

Over 100,000 people in Selma at one time to cross the Edmund Pettus Bridge.

The next week, the April 1865 Society unveiled the fifth in a series of historic markers.  These are some of the most advanced historic markers because they feature a map and QR Code on the back.  About a week later, they unveiled the sixth marker with plans to install four more before the annual Battle of Selma Re-enactment April 23 - 26.

Historic Marker #5: Located at Battery Avenue and Summerfield Road

Historic Marker #6: Located at Lapsley Street and the Railroad Track.

March 20 - 21, the Selma-Dallas County Historic Preservation Society held the 40th Annual Historic Selma Pilgrimage, which featured both Civil War and Civil Rights sites.  I personally visited every site and even rode the welcome wagon and I did not realize how many churches had such beautiful stained glass windows!  All seven churches on the tour had magnificent stained glass windows and if you ever have the opportunity to tour them - do it! You will not regret it.

Stained glass window at St. Paul's Episcopal Church designed by Clara Weaver Parrish.

Immediately following Pilgrimage, I traveled to Shreveport, Louisiana to represent Selma and Dallas County at the Travel South Showcase.  I spoke one on one with dozens of writers and travel companies to encourage them to visit Selma.  Many of them had no idea that Selma had so much to offer!  I suspect many of them will be booking tours to Selma and writing stories about Selma, especially since we just had a global audience.  Also, I won a gift card by putting at the Group Tour Media booth!

They even put my name on the board!

March did not disappoint with all of the exciting Tourism events and April will bring just as many.  Stay tuned for next month's blog on the April events!

February Tourism Highlights

I hear a lot of people say there is nothing to do in Selma.  I have to laugh at them because there is ALWAYS something going on here!  Just in February, we have had events going on each week and hundreds (possibly even thousands) of visitors in our city.  Here are just a few of the great things happening with Selma and Dallas County Tourism: 

At the beginning of the month, we went to Orange Beach, Alabama to participate in the Alabama Lifestyles Expo and to encourage thousands of snowbirds to visit Selma.  Most of the attendees were from the northern states or from Canada and would be driving back home within a few weeks - with a good bit of them planning on stopping in Selma!

Selma held its first Mardi Gras parade on February 7.  I grew up in Mobile, so it was especially exciting for me to see another Alabama city celebrating Mardi Gras. Selma was first recorded on a map in the 1700s as Écor Bienville and I think it's wonderful to celebrate this part of Selma's history. There were hundreds of people out there - a great turnout for this to be the first Mardi Gras parade in Selma.

ArtsRevive held its opening of "The Spider Martin Restrospective" exhibt on February 7 and continues to show the exhibit throughout the month of March.  Spider Martin was an Alabama photojournalist that covered many of the tragic events of the Voting Rights Movement, including "Bloody Sunday."  Be sure to visit the exhibit to walk through history through Spider's eyes. Visit www.artsrevive.com for more information.

The City of Selma held its annual Black Heritage Field Trips in which elementary school students visit some of the museums and churches with history of the Voting Rights Movement.  Some of the locations they visit are First Baptist Church, Brown Chapel AME Church, Old Depot Museum, Selma Interpretive Center, and the National Voting Rights Museum & Institute.

The April 1865 Society and Mayor George Evans unveiled the fourth in a series of historic markers on February 26. Along with being one of the most advanced historic markers complete with a map and QR code on the back, this marker is especially significant as it is located on the actual battle site. This marker is located near CVS on Summerfield Road and Highland Avenue.  A total of 10 markers are set to be unveiled before this year's Battle of Selma Re-enactment the last weekend in April.

On February 27, the City of Selma held a Youth Explosion Talent Show with over 20 acts from local students and a performance by Jamarcus Legg, a talented artist and the emcee for the show.  Trophies and gift cards were awarded to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place.  

Pictured (L-R): Sonya McCall, Performer Jamarcus Legg, Mayor George Evans, Councilwoman Angela Benjamin, Ashley Mason, and Saprina Simmons.

Selma's faith community came together as one for a unity walk across the Edmund Pettus Bridge on March 1. An estimated 2,000 people attended the event and prayed for our city.

The next few months will no doubt be the busiest months of the year, but great things are on the horizon for Selma!  Be sure to check www.selma50.com and www.selma50iwasthere.com for 50th anniversary commemoration events and www.SelmaAlabama.com for other upcoming events.

Ashley S. Mason
Tourism Director

January Tourism Highlights

There were a number of great events throughout the month of January, but the two I want to highlight on this post are the Prayer Vigil/Concert/Red Carpet event and the Centre for Commerce Annual meeting in which we presented the first annual Tourism Awards.

On January 18, stars from the "Selma" movie visited Selma to participate in a Prayer Vigil at City Hall, which ended with a march from City Hall to the Edmund Pettus Bridge.  At the Bridge, John Legend and Common performed their Academy Award winning song "Glory." The cast, director, and producers of the film, along with Alabama officials then attended a red carpet screening of "Selma" at the historic Walton Theatre.  After the screening, the cast, director, and producers took the stage for a question and answer session on the film.

Front Row (L-R): Ava DuVernay ("Selma" Director), David Oyelowo (Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.), Oprah Winfrey (Annie Lee Cooper), Dede Gardner (Producer), Jeremy Kleiner (Producer). Back Row (L-R): Paul Garnes (Producer), Common (James Bevel and co-writer of "Glory"), and John Legend (co-writer of "Glory")

Later that week on January 22, the Centre for Commerce held its annual meeting at the Convention Center.  At the end of the meeting, we presented the first annual Tourism Awards.  The community voted on Event of the Year and Attraction of the Year and there were almost 500 votes for these awards.  We also surprised the crowd and presented two additional awards - Tourism Partner of the Year and Media Advocate of the Year.  Thank you to One Way Book Store for creating these beautiful awards!

Congratulations to the winners of the 2014 Tourism Awards!  Attraction of the Year - Old Cahawba Archaeological Park; Event of the Year - Integrity Worldwide 5K; Media Advocate of the Year - Selma Times-Journal; and Tourism Partner of the Year - Madden & Associates.

Congratulations to Dr. Alston Fitts, III for being inducted into the Blackbelt Hall of Fame on January 30!

Be sure to check the blog on the first Monday in March for the next Tourism update.