Please God I May Build as Well - Bicentennial Exhibit Features Pioneers' Contributions to State

An exhibit featuring three prominent Alabama pioneer families describes the contributions of these men and women who helped shape Alabama’s history in industry, education, history and more.  

A reception from 1:30 – 4 p.m. Sunday, April 23, at the Iron & Steel Museum of Alabama at Tannehill opens the exhibit featuring the stories of the Sadler, McAdory and Owen Families who settled in today’s western Jefferson County before Alabama’s statehood. The reception, which includes pioneer music and refreshments, is free and open to the public.

The impact of these families in Alabama’s history is significant, not just in the county, but throughout the state.  The legacies of these men and women as educators, builders, industrialists and community leaders can be seen in the founding of the nation’s first state archives, some of the state’s oldest churches, a nationally recognized university and more.

Visitors are encouraged to share their stories related to these pioneer families or of Alabama’s early statehood during a visit to the exhibit.

The exhibit, titled “Please God I May Build as Well,” is a collaboration of the Iron & Steel Museum of Alabama and the West Jefferson County Historical Society in conjunction with the celebration of the Alabama Bicentennial.