Coffee & History: A Conversation with Alabama Heritage

Join host Rebecca Minder on Coffee and History: A Conversation with Alabama Heritage as she sits down with two of Alabama's most dedicated educators—Jarrod Smitherman, a veteran social studies teacher at J.B. Pennington High School, and Pam Ancelet, digital learning coordinator and virtual history teacher in Albertville.   Recorded on location at Lake Guntersville State Park, this lively discussio...

Grab your coffee and join us as we preview the Winter 2026 issue of Alabama Heritage ! This issue is packed with stories you won't want to miss—life inside WWII POW camps, the mystery of actress Florence Elmore, a rediscovered Civil War grave, and the inventive genius of Max Carl Gritzner. Plus, explore Calhoun County and meet Alabama Makers. Get a sneak peek before the magazine hits your mailbox!...

Forty-three episodes. Dozens of guests. One unforgettable year. In this milestone episode, Rebecca, Susan, and Caroline share their favorite interviews, behind-the-scenes surprises, and the lessons learned along the way. It's a celebration of Alabama's history—and of you, our listeners. Join us for laughs, gratitude, and a sneak peek at what's brewing for year two!   Bonus: We're giving away our f...

This week, Rebecca Todd Minder ventures to Fairhope, Alabama, for a captivating conversation with acclaimed historian and author John Sledge. From his deep roots in Mobile's rich history to his adventures exploring Havana's cultural ties, John shares fascinating stories of the Gulf Coast, maritime heritage, and the inspirations behind his 10 books. Hear about his family's remarkable legacy, his th...

We're back at the Alabama Department of Archives and History for an incredible episode with Jeanie Thompson—poet, visionary, and champion of Alabama's literary arts. From founding the Alabama Writers Forum and the Writers Hall of Fame to creating transformative programs like  Writing Our Stories for justice-involved youth, Jeanie has spent decades shaping the cultural landscape of the South. In th...

In our latest "At The Archives" episode,  Coffee and History: A Conversation with Alabama Heritage goes behind the scenes at the Alabama Department of Archives and History with Ryan Blocker, Museum Collections Coordinator.   With more than 15 years of experience, Ryan shares her passion for textiles, historic clothing, and the stories woven into Alabama's past—from the iconic Freedom Quilting Bee...

We are back on the road! We're at the Alabama Department of Archives and History in Montgomery with Meredith McDonough, head of digital assets. Discover how her team digitizes priceless collections—from Civil War documents to historic TV footage—while tackling challenges like fragile scrapbooks and fading handwriting. Learn how YOU can help transcribe historic records and uncover hidden treasures...

Continuing our Alabama Department of Archives and History tour, hosts Rebecca Minder and Caroline Gazzara-McKenzie sit down with Alex Colvin, Exhibits, Publications, and Programs Coordinator at the Alabama Department of Archives and History. From limestone caves and military galleries to women's suffrage and Native American history, Alex shares the stories behind Alabama's evolving exhibits and he...

We're back at the Alabama Department of Archives this week! Rebecca Minder and Caroline Gazzara-McKenzie sit down with Debbie Pendleton, a beloved figure at the Alabama Department of Archives and History. With nearly 40 years of service, Debbie shares stories from her career, including the creation of the Museum of Alabama, the evolution of archival programming, and her work on the WSFA news film...

Coffee & History is back in Montgomery for a lively chat with Sulyn Cresswell and Kristin Law of  Black Belt Treasures Cultural Arts Center . Discover how these Camden creatives are transforming Alabama's Black Belt through art, education, and community pride. From pottery to poetry, this episode celebrates the power of place and the stories that shape it. Tune in for inspiration, laughs, and a fe...

We're on the road! In this episode of  Coffee and History: A Conversation with Alabama Heritage , hosts Rebecca Minder and Caroline McKenzie sit down with Hayden McDaniel and Richard Trammell Jr., two education curators from the Alabama Department of Archives and History. From engaging thousands of K–12 students with theatrical storytelling to empowering teachers through hands-on professional deve...

In this episode of  Coffee and History , we sit down with Samyra Snoddy—community leader, founder of the West Alabama Multicultural Alliance, and a driving force behind the Tuscaloosa Civil Rights Trail. Samyra shares the powerful story of Bloody Tuesday, the legacy of Reverend T.Y. Rogers and Reverend Thomas Linton, and the importance of preserving Tuscaloosa's civil rights history. We also explo...

In this episode of Coffee and History , independent researcher George Adair uncovers Alabama's coal mining legacy—from convict labor and environmental battles to tragic mining disasters. We explore the devastating fire at Lucille Mines, the Bryce Hospital flooding incident, and the broader impact of coal mining on communities and landscapes. George also shares insights into his preservation work o...

In this episode of Coffee and History , we sit down with Dr. John Young—professor, historian, theologian, and lifelong Alabamian. From the Dust Cave excavation to the legacy of blues legend Johnny Shines, Dr. Young shares insights into Alabama's rich cultural and religious history. We also explore his work at Amridge University, his passion for teaching, and how his own childhood in Florence shape...

In this vibrant episode of  Coffee and History , hosts Caroline Gazzara-McKenzie and Susan Reynolds take listeners behind the scenes of  Alabama Heritage Issue 158 (Fall 2025). From the whimsical art of Butch Anthony and his Museum of Wonder to the untold stories of Alabama's reluctant Confederates, this issue is packed with colorful personalities, compelling history, and a touch of fall flavor. G...

On today's episode of Coffee & History: A Conversation with Alabama Heritage, we sit down with Jerran Hill, the executive director of the University of Alabama's Blackburn Institute. Established in 1994, the Blackburn Institute is a leadership development and civic engagement program specifically focusing on improving Alabama. With more than 30 years of experience, Hill talks about the Institute's...

University of Alabama alumnus Preston McGee joins us in the studio this week to share his journey. McGee is the community outreach coordinator at the University of Alabama for the Selma Resilience Initiative, which aims to elevate Selma, Alabama. Originally from Dallas County, Alabama, McGee grew up learning about the civil rights movement in Selma. Now as an adult, McGee is creating meaningful co...

Alabama Public Radio's account executive Megan York joins the Coffee & History team. York, a former Million Dollar Band member and an alumna of the University of Alabama, shares her journey into radio, her connection with co-host Caroline Gazzara-McKenzie, and her many community partnerships. York works across the state to promote Alabama Public Radio's mission and is a big proponent of Coffee & H...

Lesa Carnes Shaul, an author and an English professor at the University of West Alabama, joins the Coffee & History team this week to share her stories of Alabama. Hailing from Sand Mountain, Alabama, Shaul dives into the mysteries that surround her hometown, her upcoming feature article in Alabama Heritage magazine, the history of snake handling and Sacred Harp singing. Coffee & History: A Conver...

On today's episode of Coffee & History: A Conversation with Alabama Heritage, we sit down with Historic Tuscaloosa's executive director, Will Hawkins. Hawkins has spent the majority of his career sharing the importance of Tuscaloosa's history through art and architecture, guiding citizens to learn more about the world around them, and inspiring the next generation of art historians. Hawkins also h...

[RE-RELEASE] In this episode of  Alabama Heritage , we revisit a powerful conversation with UAPD Officer Marshall Wade and his K-9 partner, Kenny—trailblazers in the University of Alabama's new Community-Oriented Policing Division. Kenny isn't just a working dog—he's a bridge between law enforcement and the student body, helping foster trust, connection, and community on campus. As one of only a f...

[RE-RELEASE] One of our most celebrated episodes is back! In this listener-favorite conversation, Wayne Flynt sits down with Alabama Heritage to reflect on his Southern upbringing, pivotal college years at Howard College, and the deeply personal evolution of his views on class, religion, and race. As an acclaimed historian of Southern politics and religion, Flynt offers rich insight into the roots...

[RE-RELEASE] Welcome (back) to the very beginning! We're re-sharing our very first episode — an introduction to the podcast and the voices behind the mic. Whether you're new here or just feeling nostalgic, this episode dives into the heart of why we started the show and what you can expect moving forward. Meet your hosts, learn about the journey, and enjoy this look back at where it all began. Ori...

Graphic designer and illustrator Laura Murray joins the Coffee & History gang in Auburn, Alabama, to discuss using history to create meaningful art. Murray is the illustrator of "The Amazing Alabama," a coloring book series, along with several other creations. She is also a member of the Alabama chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolutionary War, detailing the importance of understanding h...

Encyclopedia of Alabama's Claire Wilson shares her tales with Coffee & History: A Conversation with Alabama Heritage . Hailing from New York, the senior content editor has lent her talents to the state's online encyclopedia. Wilson celebrated 20 years with EoA and was instrumental in the content creation for the launch of the website. Coffee & History: A Conversation with Alabama Heritage is broug...