FROM STAFF REPORTS

At the June 3 meeting of the Alabama Bicentennial Commission, Bobby Joe Seales, former president of the Shelby County Historical Society, was recognized as an honorary ambassador for the bicentennial.

Seales, who retired last year as director of the Shelby County Museum and Archives, is widely known for his contributions to bringing Alabama state history to life and encouraging appreciation for history and preservation.

Under his leadership, the Shelby County Historical Society became the largest historical society in the state.

As an ambassador for the bicentennial, Seales will share information about plans for the state’s 200th birthday, help promote access to resources and encourage people to become involved.

“Bobby Joe has already shown a deep commitment to Alabama history and an ability to get people excited and involved,” noted Alabama Bicentennial Commission executive director Jay Lamar. “We are so fortunate to have him working on behalf of the bicentennial.”

Seales has been widely honored and has received, among other awards, the Local Historical Society Award from the Alabama Historical Association for “outstanding achievement in historical preservation and for significant contributions to a greater appreciation of the history of the community and state.”

He is also recipient of the James Ray Kuykendall Historical Society Award for Most Outstanding Local Historical Association from the Alabama Historical Association” in recognition of outstanding achievements and significant contributions to a greater appreciation of community and state history.”

In 2015 he was awarded the Society of Alabama Archivist (SALA) Marvin Yeomans Whiting Award for the preservation and dissemination of local history in Alabama.

Seales recently represented the Alabama Bicentennial Commission at the Alabama’s 12th Annual Blue Star Salute in Mobile.

The Alabama Bicentennial Commemoration officially launches on March 3, 2016. It will wind up on Dec. 14, 2019.

In addition to extensive work on educational materials and teacher professional development, bicentennial projects will include a traveling exhibition, a special “passport” project and many community-based activities.

Communities are encouraged to form bicentennial committees and begin thinking about what they would like to do for the commemoration.

For more information about the timeline for the bicentennial commemoration and resources available to communities, visit www.ALABAMA200.org or call the bicentennial office at (334) 353-3163.