From July 23, 2012 to September 14, 2012, the Birmingham Public Library will exhibit “Both Sides of the Lens: Photographs by the Shackelford Family (1900-1935),” a series of 40 photographs taken by members of the Shakelford family during the 20th century.
Birmingham Public Library exhibit rich with history
“Working on his dissertation, [Andrew] Nelson learned about the collection of 800 glass plate negatives held in the Birmingham Public Library (BPL) Archives. While viewing the photographs, he became curious about the photographer and traveled to Fayette County, Alabama, where he eventually met [Annie] Shackelford. The two worked closely to identify people, places, and objects in the images. For Nelson, it provided an in-depth study of how African-American music played a major role in the everyday life of those in the images. For Shackelford, it was a way to preserve the history of her family and community.”
“The exhibit, with BPL Archivist Jim Baggett and BPL Assistant Archivist Kelsey Bates serving as co-curators, features 40 photographs from the collection of early 20th century glass plate negatives. It is currently displayed on the fourth floor gallery at the BPL Central Branch location and will run from July 23 through September 14.”
“The photographs capture the visual documentation of daily life in rural Alabama and feature African Americans and whites who lived in or traveled through Fayette County. One or more members of the Mitchell and Geneva Shackelford family produced them. As large landholders and owner of a general store, the Shackelfords were prominent members of the African-American community in Covin, Ala. The couple was instrumental in establishing a school and Baptist church in the first part of the 20th century.”
For the full article, visit: http://exm.nr/R0GXli.
For more information on the exhibit, visit: http://www.bplonline.org/Exhibits/default.aspx.
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