(Photo) Birmingham Civil Rights Institute.

Piece 1: Birmingham Civil Rights District. The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute (BCRI), located at 520 16th Street North, was founded in 1992 to preserve and promote the history of the civil rights movement in Birmingham, Alabama. The institute is located in the heart of Birmingham’s historic Civil Rights District, which was the site of many pivotal events during the struggle for racial equality in America.

The BCRI houses a collection of artifacts, photographs, documents, interactive displays, multimedia presentations, personal testimonies, and compelling exhibits. Two of the most interesting installations at BCRI are a restored armored riot car used by Commissioner of Public Safety Bull Conner and a replica of a Freedom Riders bus.

Just across 6th Avenue North from BCRI is the historic 16th Street Baptist Church, which has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1873.

Over the years, the church grew in size and influence within the Birmingham community, becoming a hub for civil rights activism during the 1950s and 1960s. However, that activism came at a cost when on September 15, 1963, four young girls were killed in a bombing carried out by white supremacists targeting the church.

The tragedy at 16th Street Baptist Church shocked the nation and became a turning point in the civil rights movement. An exhibit on the church’s lower level memorializes the victims; Addie Mae Collins, Carole Robertson, Cynthia Wesley and Denise McNair.

Another key landmark in the Birmingham Civil Rights District is Kelly Ingram Park, a 4-acre area located across 16th Street from BCRI.

The park served as a gathering place for civil rights activists and was the site of violent clashes between protesters and law enforcement. Public art installations there depict how water hoses and police dogs were used against peaceful protestors during a demonstration in 1963.

View of Birmingham Theater District

Piece 2: Vulcan Park, Theater District, and Dreamland Barbecue. Vulcan Park and Museum (located at 1701 Valley View Drive) is home to a 56-foot-tall statue of Vulcan, the Roman god of fire and metalworking, and a museum featuring interactive exhibits about Birmingham’s history and its role in shaping the iron and steel industries in America.

The iconic statue of Vulcan has been a symbol of the city since it was unveiled in 1904 as Birmingham’s entry for the Louisiana Purchase Exhibition at the St. Louis World’s Fair, and park visitors can take an elevator to the top of the statue to enjoy breathtaking views.

Vulcan Park also has several walking trails that wind through lush green spaces, so wear your walking shoes.

About a 10-minute drive north from Vulcan Park into downtown Birmingham is the city’s “Theater District” featuring two historic venues, the Alabama and the Lyric.

The Lyric Theater (located at 1800 3rd Avenue North) opened in 1914 as a vaudeville theater and was later converted into a movie palace in the 1930s. The Alabama Theater (located at 1817 3rd Avenue North) opened in 1927 as a movie palace and is known for its elaborate interior design, including murals and an ornate ceiling.

The theaters played a significant role in the cultural life of Birmingham during the mid-twentieth century. However, by the 1970s, both had fallen into disrepair and were threatened with demolition.

Local citizens formed the Birmingham Landmarks organization to save the venues, and both the Alabama and Lyric were beautifully restored. Today, the theaters are very active hosting live performances, film screenings, and community events. We have seen concerts at both venues and the acoustics and site lines are great.

A unique feature of the Alabama is the almost century old Mighty Wurlitzer Pipe Organ known as “Big Bertha”, which is traditionally played before movies at the theater. The majestic instrument slowly rises from a storage space beneath the stage for each performance, to the delight of the audience.

About an 8-minute drive south from the Alabama Theater is one of the “obligatory food experiences” in the Birmingham area, Dreamland Barbecue (located at 1427 14th Street South).

Founded by John “Big Daddy” Bishop in the 1950’s, Dreamland started as a small roadside stand in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The restaurant quickly gained popularity for its signature dish, hickory-smoked ribs. In 1993, Bob Parker purchased the restaurant and expanded it to Birmingham and other cities across the country.

Today, Dreamland’s Birmingham location is known for its delicious barbecue ribs (always served with light bread) and casual atmosphere. Bring your appetite!

View of Railroad Park

Piece 3: Baseball Stadiums and Railroad Park. Rickwood Field, built in 1910, is the oldest surviving professional baseball park in the United States. Located at 1137 2nd Avenue West in Birmingham, the stadium has been home to several minor league and Negro league teams over the years, including the Birmingham Barons and the Birmingham Black Barons.

In addition to its role as a sports venue, Rickwood Field also played an important part in civil rights history. In 1948, Jackie Robinson played at there during a game between the Brooklyn Dodgers and the Birmingham Barons, marking one of his first appearances on a Southern baseball field.

Rickwood has also been used as a filming location for several movies and television shows, including “Cobb” and “42”.

The stadium is open for tours and hosts various events throughout the year, including the Rickwood Classic baseball game featuring the Birmingham Barons.

About a 10-minute drive east from Rickwood is Regions Field (1401 1st Avenue North), a state-of-the-art minor league baseball stadium and current home of the Birmingham Barons, a Double-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox.

Opened in April 2013, the stadium boasts a seating capacity of 8,500 and features modern amenities such as luxury suites, party decks, and a grassy berm for fans to enjoy games from. The facility also offers spectacular views of downtown, including the colorful Children’s Hospital building.

Finally, observant visitors will notice that Regions Field has a unique design that pays homage to Birmingham’s industrial history, with steel beams and metal accents throughout the facility.

Right across 1st Avenue North from Regions Field is Railroad Park, a 19-acre green space that has become one of the city’s most popular gathering spots.

The park was opened in 2010 and was designed to be a celebration of Birmingham’s industrial past. Visitors can watch trains pass by on the tracks that run through the park or explore the old train trestle that has been repurposed into a pedestrian bridge.

Railroad Park features an expansive lawn, walking trails, a lake, and several pavilions. A great recreational attraction. Bring a picnic lunch!

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