Optional Conference Activities
Thursday, June 8th
3:30-4:30pm
Campus tour - Hallowed Grounds: Race, Slavery, and the University
Dr. Erin Stoneking, University of Alabama, Assistant Professor of Gender and Race Studies
Creator: In 2016 by Dr. Hilary N. Green, James B. Duke Professor of Africana Studies at Davidson College developed the Hallowed Grounds Tour when at the UA. This tour seeks to shed light onto the lives, experiences, and legacy of the many enslaved men, women, and children who lived, worked, and even died at the University of Alabama, 1829-1865.
Visit: Dr. Green’s website for more information about the Hallowed Grounds Project https://hgreen.people.ua.edu/hallowed-grounds-project.html
Departure: The tour departs and ends at the Gorgas House near the Quad (green space) in the center of campus. Please note the tour is an outdoor walking tour. Participants should dress with comfortable shoes and bring water. There is no cost for this tour, but space is limited.
Friday June 9th
4:15 PM – 6:30 PM Tuscaloosa Civil Rights History Trail Tour
Sponsored by the Tuscaloosa Civil Rights History and Reconciliation Foundation
To understand Tuscaloosa’s place in civil rights history, it is necessary to consider the factors that led to the local movement. Our trail includes stories of enslaved people auctioned before the Civil War, Native Americans exiled from their homelands, exclusionary legislation passed at the Alabama State Capitol in Tuscaloosa, lynchings in the local area, and the presence of the United Klans of America, headquartered in Tuscaloosa. It also includes stories of segregated schools, churches, stores, restaurants, and movie theaters. Most importantly this trail is the history of how Tuscaloosa’s color barrier was broken by the courageous efforts of many Black and a few white foot soldiers.
Time: Tour bus departs from Hotel Capstone at 4:15 PM and returns by 6:30 PM.
Cost: There is no cost for this tour, but space is limited. Cash donations are accepted.
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM Live at the Plaza: Free Outdoor Music in Downtown Tuscaloosa
Free, Live, Local Music at the Government Plaza Downtown, 618 21st Avenue
Sponsored by Coca-Cola and Avenue Pub + The Wine Market, join us every Friday in June and July from 6:00 – 9:00 PM, on Government Plaza for free, live, and local music (The 3 Thirty Three Band (6:00 – 6:45) and John Wilson Band (7:00 – 9:00). Live at the Plaza is family (and pet!) friendly with a Kid Zone available for fun activities.
Self-Paced Walking tours:
Autherine Lucy: Forgotten Hero
An Alternative Campus Tour on Race & Memory at the University of Alabama
Created by Dr. Meredith M. Bagley
Hallowed Grounds Self-Paced Tour (via Google Maps)
3:30-4:30pm
Campus tour - Hallowed Grounds: Race, Slavery, and the University
Dr. Erin Stoneking, University of Alabama, Assistant Professor of Gender and Race Studies
Creator: In 2016 by Dr. Hilary N. Green, James B. Duke Professor of Africana Studies at Davidson College developed the Hallowed Grounds Tour when at the UA. This tour seeks to shed light onto the lives, experiences, and legacy of the many enslaved men, women, and children who lived, worked, and even died at the University of Alabama, 1829-1865.
Visit: Dr. Green’s website for more information about the Hallowed Grounds Project https://hgreen.people.ua.edu/hallowed-grounds-project.html
Departure: The tour departs and ends at the Gorgas House near the Quad (green space) in the center of campus. Please note the tour is an outdoor walking tour. Participants should dress with comfortable shoes and bring water. There is no cost for this tour, but space is limited.
Friday June 9th
4:15 PM – 6:30 PM Tuscaloosa Civil Rights History Trail Tour
Sponsored by the Tuscaloosa Civil Rights History and Reconciliation Foundation
To understand Tuscaloosa’s place in civil rights history, it is necessary to consider the factors that led to the local movement. Our trail includes stories of enslaved people auctioned before the Civil War, Native Americans exiled from their homelands, exclusionary legislation passed at the Alabama State Capitol in Tuscaloosa, lynchings in the local area, and the presence of the United Klans of America, headquartered in Tuscaloosa. It also includes stories of segregated schools, churches, stores, restaurants, and movie theaters. Most importantly this trail is the history of how Tuscaloosa’s color barrier was broken by the courageous efforts of many Black and a few white foot soldiers.
Time: Tour bus departs from Hotel Capstone at 4:15 PM and returns by 6:30 PM.
Cost: There is no cost for this tour, but space is limited. Cash donations are accepted.
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM Live at the Plaza: Free Outdoor Music in Downtown Tuscaloosa
Free, Live, Local Music at the Government Plaza Downtown, 618 21st Avenue
Sponsored by Coca-Cola and Avenue Pub + The Wine Market, join us every Friday in June and July from 6:00 – 9:00 PM, on Government Plaza for free, live, and local music (The 3 Thirty Three Band (6:00 – 6:45) and John Wilson Band (7:00 – 9:00). Live at the Plaza is family (and pet!) friendly with a Kid Zone available for fun activities.
Self-Paced Walking tours:
Autherine Lucy: Forgotten Hero
An Alternative Campus Tour on Race & Memory at the University of Alabama
Created by Dr. Meredith M. Bagley
Hallowed Grounds Self-Paced Tour (via Google Maps)
Activities beyond the conference
There is plenty to do in Tuscaloosa, both within the university as well as around town!
The University of Alabama hosts many historical buildings and sights. Built in 1829, the Gorgas House Museum is the oldest structure on campus. Built in 1939, the Foster Auditorium is listed on the U.S. Civil Rights Trail. Outside the auditorium stands the Malone-Hood Plaza and Autherine Lucy Clock Tower, which honors the three people who integrated the University of Alabama. Conference participants can also explore the Walk of Champions, Bryant-Denny Stadium, Paul W. Bryant Museum, and Adapted Athletics Facility (first of its kind in the country). The Alabama Museum of Natural History (Smith Hall), the oldest museum in the state, exhibits Alabama’s rich natural history included fossil tracks, skulls, and skeletons. They house a replica of a Basilosaurus cetoides, an Eocene whale that has been designated as the State Fossil. For more information about these (and other!) museums affiliated with UA, check out https://museums.ua.edu/.
Additionally, opportunities for enjoying the outdoors right on campus abound. Marr’s Spring, a spring and man-made lake, offers a surrounding walk path and multiple benches to unwind and enjoy the outdoors on campus. Manderson Landing, the former lock on the Black Warrior River, features a view of the river and boat house, a walking trail, picnic areas, and hosts the Tuscaloosa Marketplace on the Tuscaloosa Riverwalk.
The Strip (University Blvd.) is a retail and nightlife district that is a favorite destination for students and visitors. It has many options for dining from casual to upscale and everything in between for any budget. These local and franchised restaurants include (but are not limited to): Buffalo Phils, Chipotle Mexican Grill, Firehouse Subs, Glory Bound Gyro Co., Mediterranean Sandwich Co., Rounders, Ruan Thai, Smoothie King, and VooDoo Wing Co.
Continuing West past The Strip, you’ll make your way into Downtown Tuscaloosa. The Government Plaza is a beautiful five-acre park located in the center of downtown near local breweries and restaurants. A free summer concert series called “Live at the Plaza” is hosted at Government Plaza each summer, with free concerts typically being held every Friday evening. The plaza is near Tuscaloosa Federal Courthouse Murals which shows Alabama history through art. Sixteen murals in the Greek-style building represent the history of Tuscaloosa, north Alabama, and the nation. Enjoy the local and one-of-a-kind restaurants found throughout downtown Tuscaloosa.
You can also check out the microbreweries that have sprung up in Tuscaloosa, such as Black Warrior Brewing and Druid City Brewing Company. Loosa Brews offers a variety of craft beers on tap, along with a game room featuring arcade games and pinball for a fun evening out.
Enjoy all Tuscaloosa has to offer!
More information about Tuscaloosa can be found on the University of Alabama's website about Tuscaloosa and the Visit Tuscaloosa website.
Tuscaloosa experiences a humid subtropical climate. We have selected to have the mini-conference in early June to accommodate these concerns (see Best Time of Year to Visit from WeatherSpark). Tuscaloosa will offer warm summer temperatures. Fortunately, all our facilities include temperature controlled atmospheres and provide cool refreshing comfort amongst any summer heat.
The University of Alabama hosts many historical buildings and sights. Built in 1829, the Gorgas House Museum is the oldest structure on campus. Built in 1939, the Foster Auditorium is listed on the U.S. Civil Rights Trail. Outside the auditorium stands the Malone-Hood Plaza and Autherine Lucy Clock Tower, which honors the three people who integrated the University of Alabama. Conference participants can also explore the Walk of Champions, Bryant-Denny Stadium, Paul W. Bryant Museum, and Adapted Athletics Facility (first of its kind in the country). The Alabama Museum of Natural History (Smith Hall), the oldest museum in the state, exhibits Alabama’s rich natural history included fossil tracks, skulls, and skeletons. They house a replica of a Basilosaurus cetoides, an Eocene whale that has been designated as the State Fossil. For more information about these (and other!) museums affiliated with UA, check out https://museums.ua.edu/.
Additionally, opportunities for enjoying the outdoors right on campus abound. Marr’s Spring, a spring and man-made lake, offers a surrounding walk path and multiple benches to unwind and enjoy the outdoors on campus. Manderson Landing, the former lock on the Black Warrior River, features a view of the river and boat house, a walking trail, picnic areas, and hosts the Tuscaloosa Marketplace on the Tuscaloosa Riverwalk.
The Strip (University Blvd.) is a retail and nightlife district that is a favorite destination for students and visitors. It has many options for dining from casual to upscale and everything in between for any budget. These local and franchised restaurants include (but are not limited to): Buffalo Phils, Chipotle Mexican Grill, Firehouse Subs, Glory Bound Gyro Co., Mediterranean Sandwich Co., Rounders, Ruan Thai, Smoothie King, and VooDoo Wing Co.
Continuing West past The Strip, you’ll make your way into Downtown Tuscaloosa. The Government Plaza is a beautiful five-acre park located in the center of downtown near local breweries and restaurants. A free summer concert series called “Live at the Plaza” is hosted at Government Plaza each summer, with free concerts typically being held every Friday evening. The plaza is near Tuscaloosa Federal Courthouse Murals which shows Alabama history through art. Sixteen murals in the Greek-style building represent the history of Tuscaloosa, north Alabama, and the nation. Enjoy the local and one-of-a-kind restaurants found throughout downtown Tuscaloosa.
You can also check out the microbreweries that have sprung up in Tuscaloosa, such as Black Warrior Brewing and Druid City Brewing Company. Loosa Brews offers a variety of craft beers on tap, along with a game room featuring arcade games and pinball for a fun evening out.
Enjoy all Tuscaloosa has to offer!
More information about Tuscaloosa can be found on the University of Alabama's website about Tuscaloosa and the Visit Tuscaloosa website.
Tuscaloosa experiences a humid subtropical climate. We have selected to have the mini-conference in early June to accommodate these concerns (see Best Time of Year to Visit from WeatherSpark). Tuscaloosa will offer warm summer temperatures. Fortunately, all our facilities include temperature controlled atmospheres and provide cool refreshing comfort amongst any summer heat.
