The Montgomery County Historical Society Receives a Significant Grant from The Alabama Historical Commission

The Montgomery County Historical Society was recently awarded a $75,000 grant from the Alabama
Historical Commission to transform the third floor of the historic Figh-Pickett House into a permanent
interpretive exhibit space, create original educational materials, and expand public programming that
connects Montgomery County’s local history to the broader story of Alabama. The funds will support the
design and installation of interpretive panels, the development of audio tours, the creation of historically
themed coloring books specific to Montgomery, museum-quality lighting, and the implementation of
community-based programs, including school visits, storytelling events, and a History Harvest oral history
initiative. “The MCHS Board of Trustees and I are thrilled to have the support and funding of AHC to
accomplish a vital aspect of our mission-based work that will permanently impact the visitor experience and
enhance our community outreach,” says Tisha Rhodes, Executive Director.

MCHS operates the Figh-Pickett House, originally built in 1837, as a living educational resource that brings
Montgomery County’s past to life through preservation, interpretation, and public programming. As a
historical site and an active learning space, the property embodies a mission focused on historical education
by offering immersive experiences that connect visitors to the people, events, and milestones that have
shaped the community.

MCHS also plays a critical role in preserving and providing access to county records. The Society ensures
that these intimate and often fragile pieces of Montgomery County’s past are preserved, interpreted with
context, and made accessible for research and public engagement. Without MCHS, these stories, rich with
local character and rooted in the daily lives of Montgomery’s citizens, might otherwise be lost or forgotten.

Through its sustained efforts to collect, preserve, and interpret Montgomery County's history, MCHS plays a
vital role in telling Alabama’s broader story. Through exhibitions, collections, and outreach, MCHS explores
Alabama’s development, from early settlement and statehood to civil conflict, educational progress, and
social change, ensuring that local history remains deeply rooted in the state’s historical narrative. By making
history tangible and accessible, MCHS fosters a lasting appreciation for the people and events shaping the
community and the state of Alabama.

512 South Court Street | Montgomery, Alabama 36104 | PO Box 1829 | Montgomery,
Alabama 36102