Wiregrass Black History Project - It Came from the Archives - Dec 11, 2025

Wiregrass Black History Project - It Came from the Archives - Dec 11, 2025

Dothan’s historically-black Southside neighborhood was largely destroyed by urban renewal projects in the late '50s and early '60s. But the memories of those who grew up there still persist. Preserving these memories was the goal of a joint project between the Wiregrass Archives and Mit Kirkland of the Wiregrass Black History Channel. Today, on It Came from the Archives, Dr. Olliff tells us about this project and some of the highlights from the interviews in the Wiregrass Archives. Wiregrass Black History Project: https://spectrum.troy.edu/wbhp/index.html

Dothan's First Bookmobile - It Came From the Archives

The nation's first bookmobile began in 1905 and was pulled by a team of horses. And it wasn't long before the idea spread to Alabama. Read the article: https://today.troy.edu/news/it-came-from-the-archives-bookmobiles-provide-books-to-rural-folks/

Congressman John Lewis: Early Life and Education - It Came from the Archives

Before his death in 2020, Congressman John Lewis was an influential and respected politician and civil rights leader. On this episode of It Came from the Archives, we look back at John Lewis' life and early education in rural Alabama, years marked by discrimination but also extraordinary determination.

Midland City Mogul: Dr. Curtis Espy - It Came from the Archives

In today's day and age, you probably wouldn't ask your doctor for a loan, but in early 20th century Southern communities, doctors often doubled as entrepreneurs and merchants and kept running tabs for their patrons. One such doctor was Dr. Curtis Espy of Midland City, Alabama, whose handwritten business records are preserved in the Wiregrass Archives.   Read the article: https://today.troy.edu/perspectives/it-came-from-the-archives-the-life-and-times-of-dr-espy/

Old Southern Churches: Stories Told in Wood and Glass - It Came From the Archives

We often say about old buildings, "If these walls could talk, the stories they'd tell." Of course, old Southern churches can't talk, but they do have stories to tell in their gables and stables and sanctuaries. Martha Dickson was listening. She has her own collection in the Wiregrass Archives and has compiled hundreds of photographs and histories of historic wooden churches in the Deep South. Today, on It Came from the Archives, the intersection of faith and architecture: stories told in wood and glass.   https://today.troy.edu/perspectives/faith-through-history-churches/