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Bank of the State Tuscaloosa Bicentennial Exhibit Series: Civil War and Reconstruction

The Warner Transportation Museum of UA Museums was proud to present the Bank of the State Tuscaloosa Bicentennial Exhibit Series; a two-part series that highlighted the history of Tuscaloosa. The series showcased the history of the city learned from the archaeological excavations of the Bank of the State site in downtown Tuscaloosa where the Embassy Suites Hotel stands.  The second and final exhibition, Civil War and Reconstruction, highlighted the changes that affected Tuscaloosa during the war and in the years of recovery that followed.  Visitors had the opportunity to experience the histories of the people who lived on this notable block and view the artifacts recovered from the excavations.  The text panels of the first installment, Tuscaloosa and the Capital Period, were displayed in the Bryant Conference Center during fall semester 2019 to provide visitors the opportunity to see the complete series between the two locations.  We are grateful to our colleagues at the Bryant Conference Center for their cooperation and involvement.

The Civil War and Reconstruction exhibit was on display at the museum from September 17, 2019 to February 1, 2020.  Information presented in the exhibit included details on individuals such as Dr. John Drish and Daniel Cribbs, the POW Camp and counterfeit Confederate money, urban slavery, and the Union invasion and burning of The University of Alabama.  Over 2300 guests visited the museum to view the Tuscaloosa Bicentennial Exhibit Series from November 2018 through February 2020.  It was an honor to present the series to the community to celebrate the Bicentennial.

The Tuscaloosa Bicentennial Exhibit Series was developed through a collaborative partnership of the following UA Museums’ units:
the Mildred Westervelt Warner Transportation Museum, the Gorgas House Museum, the Office of Archaeological Research, and the Department of Research and Collections.

We would also like to acknowledge and thank Mr. Tom McMillan for his support and generous contribution.