Heritage Center breaks ground on long-awaited addition

News

Tuesday, 28 July 2020 13:13

The Scottsboro-Jackson Heritage Center held a ground-breaking ceremony for its new addition on Monday, July 20, 2020. In attendance were Scottsboro City Mayor Robin Shelton, members of Scottsboro City Council, Scottsboro Museum Board, Bynum Foundation, Jackson County Commission, representatives of KPS Architectural Firm, Scottsboro Water, Sewer & Gas Board, Scottsboro Electric Power Board, Scottsboro Street Department, the Mountain Lakes Chamber of Commerce, Tolar Construction Company and representatives of other city and county departments, city and county officials and friends of The Heritage Center.

At a recent Council meeting, Brenda Ivey stated, “It is through the city’s funding and assistance from city departments, our community partners, a generous local grant and the generous contributions by members of the community and other entities, as well as Heritage Center funds that have been set aside for construction, that we have funding for the general contractor bid and almost all of the work that the Heritage Center is responsible for. We are truly grateful for all of the support that has been given to us, and we know that we will continue to have support from the community for this project. We know that this addition will have a positive impact in our community and will allow us to provide exciting events and exhibits for our patrons and the community. Additionally, this project will allow us to continue to preserve and share the rich history and historical documents of Jackson County and surrounding areas for generations to come. We thank you for your support and belief in us and what this museum means for our community and Jackson County.”

The addition will include a large exhibit hall that will provide a venue for display of existing, local, traveling exhibits, demonstrations and cultural and social activities. In addition to the large exhibit hall, there will be restrooms, a kitchen and storage. This is the only expansion to the museum since the Brown-Proctor house was purchased by the Scottsboro Museum Commission in 1981, being funded and restored by volunteers throughout Jackson County. Foundation work is underway, and construction is expected to be completed by spring of next year.

During construction, the center will remain open to serve the public. There have been changes in hours due to the virus, and the new hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Masks are required for entry into the museum. Visitors will not be allowed in the parking lot due to the construction taking place, but areas nearby will be marked for temporary parking.

Information updating the progress of the addition will be posted on the center’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ScottsboroHeritage/ and on the website at sjhc.us.