Bringing The Past To The Future

By Marla Ballard

Reporter

SCOTTSBORO – The Scottsboro-Jackson Heritage Center (SJHC) receives hundreds of researchers and historians every year from all over the world, however more than just history is to be found at the SJHC.

Each year the SJHC hosts several events which include: a Spring Art Exhibit, the lectures for Jackson County Leadership, meetings for the Scottsboro Book Club, Santa at the Center, and Holiday Open House, which is decorated by the Scottsboro Garden Club and live entertainment. 

Additionally, the Center offers rental space for: weddings, receptions, showers, teas, family reunions, picnics, memorial services, club meetings, birthday parties, and more. With the opening of the new Exhibit Hall in October 2021, the Center gained an additional 3,000 sq. ft. of space and the ability to host large exhibits and events.

The museum is composed of four separate exhibit areas; The “Brown-Proctor House”; the “Exhibit Hall”; the “Little Courthouse”; and a pioneer village named “Sagetown.” The historically preserved Little Courthouse serves as a repository for Jackson County’s early land and court records. Photos of the dwellings are on the official website sjhc.us.

The “Brown-Proctor House” was built in 1881 by John A. Brown and is a neo-classical styled home. A community effort converted the antebellum home into a historical repository, research center, and museum.

The recreation of rural life from the 19th century can be seen by touring “Sagetown.” The pioneer village consists of original log structures dating between 1820 and 1880. Tours are available for free, donations are welcomed. The Gift Shop has books by local authors along with other regional items.

“I appreciate the community for contributing to the continuing growth of the Heritage Center. If anyone would like to become part of this truly unique place by making a donation, purchasing a brick paver, or obtaining a membership or corporate sponsorship with the Heritage Center Association, please get in touch with me. I welcome everyone to come and immerse themselves in the experience of the Heritage Center,” said Jennifer Petty, Director of SJHC.

“We also want to make the public aware of our “Hammer Award,” said Petty. “A $2,500 scholarship, to the college of their choice, is available to all high school seniors in Jackson County. Seniors are required to write an essay about someone who has made a difference in Jackson County. Seniors may speak to their high school Counselor or use our email address for an application.”

Located at 208 South Houston St. Scottsboro. Call 256-259-2122.  Email heritage@scottsboro.org <mailto:heritage@scottsboro.org> Open Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Follow on Facebook.

“Without learning from our past, we cannot hope to be successful in advancing our future,” – SJHC.