Information sources: Collections, Resources
Tannehill Iron and Steel Museum has significant gaps in its collections and resources related to African American history and the history of enslavement at the institution. This is an important issue, because Tannehill Ironworks, like many historical institutions, has a complex history with their involvement in slavery, the oppression of enslaved people, especially with its connection to the Civil War. The lack of representation and resources is an opportunity for improvement for diversity, equity, and inclusion at the park. This clean slate, while negative if it remains so, is an opportunity similar to that found with the Iowa Women’s Archive (Mason, K.M., 2003). As a new archive, the IWA was in a precarious but unique position to cultivate a diverse collection with accurate representation of the diverse experiences of the women of Iowa (Mason, K.M., 2003). By leveraging similar strategies of targeted collection development, the Tannehill Museum bolsters it's collection, creates resources for the descendants of enslaved people, and works to recognize the complex history of its institution.
The Iron and Steel Museum discusses the forced labor of enslaved people (Matterport, 2025).
Information Policy and planning: Diversity committee and representation
The lack of representations of African American history at the Tannehill Iron and Steel Museum is a noticeable gap in their collections and brings to attention how marginalized histories are under-preserved and marginalized people are underrepresented in history. Museums, as repositories of history, hold a great deal of power in shaping the public’s understanding of enslavement, Black history in Alabama, and the history of the Civil War. Tannehill, while currently lacking, has an opportunity to foster their internal world by promoting a committee focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion. The Conscious Editing Initiative and Conscious Editing Steering Committee at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill will be a key inspiration for developing an internal review committee as the museum works to update their collections, displays, and exhibits to better reflect a fuller view of history that provides respectful representation for all (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Libraries, n.d.). The work of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill focuses not only on updating old descriptions, but also providing continuous training for staff so that everyone benefits from the committee's efforts.
A cabin where enslaved people lived featured in the Iron and Steel Museum display (Matterport, 2025).
Connections: Centers and organizations, Community engagement, News and upcoming events.
With rich history and natural beauty, Tannehill State Park is a place for recreation and education. However, it has significant room for improvement with its representations of the history of enslavement in the South and connecting with the African American community. Through future community engagement and outreach events, the park can reshape how history is viewed and provide an in-depth understanding of not only slavery, but also the importance of Black history and their economic contributions to Alabama after the Civil War. If the park were to partner with local historical societies, high schools, universities, and nonprofits, the park can develop an updated educational curriculum. Collaborating with Black historians, cultural experts, and community leaders to host lectures, genealogy workshops, and exhibits would bring visitors in. The park currently hosts a Civil War reenactment, which may isolate Black visitors as it romanticizes a horrific era of history even if unintentionally (Watts, R., 2023). While this reenactment is a popular event for the park, it should be reworked to include the histories of enslaved people, Black soldiers in the Union army, and the bravery of those who fled enslavement. The park can also host a separate event for Juneteenth to provide a place for Black visitors to celebrate their heritage via performances, exhibits, and speeches that they deem as most important to modern day struggles.
The only mention of enslaved people in the museum item descriptions (Matterport, 2025).
Response to diverse populations
Currently, the park’s services, collections, and instruction lack diverse representations. The park can begin by developing cultural outreach and education programs that address their history and special place as a state park in Alabama. Going beyond the basic educational programs and tours that are suggested, the park could branch into a new area of museums and archives. In her article Venus in Two Acts, Hartman discusses the lack of information of enslaved people, who by the very nature of enslavement had their names, history, and humanity stolen from them, and a new method to respect their personhood even in the silence (2008). Hartman practices the art of critical fabulation, which if brought into the museum would allow visitors to retell the stories of unnamed enslaved people and mourn their loss (2008). This social act would allow visitors to think critically about the impacts of enslavement, bring new additions to the collection, and allow the staff to connect with the community they hope to represent.
Screenshot of the Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park website (Tannehill State Park, n.d.).
Conclusion
The Tannehill Iron and Steel Museum faces a significant knowledge gap in their collections and in their representations of diversity. This gap not only creates a barrier for Black Alabamians hoping to explore their histories, but also impacts our ability to see a fuller view of history. This absence is reflective of a larger issue facing archives and museums with the underrepresentation of marginalized people. As a historical institution with close ties to the history of enslavement, the Civil War, and the economy of Alabama, the museum can shape the public’s knowledge and opinion of history through education, representations, and outreach. By failing to address their history, the park alienates visitors, isolates people from their histories, and prevents a growth in the culture of Alabama. However, Tannehill State Park and their Iron and Steel Museum has a unique opportunity to grow and promote diverse representations in their collections, outreach, and programming. By looking to their peers for inspiration, the park can foster diversity through targeted collection development, support proper, respectful representations, build connections in their community, and create a new history for those who lost their words due to enslavement.
References
Hartman, S. (2008). Venus in two acts. Small Axe, 26, 1–14. https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/arts/history/research/centres/blackstudies/venus_in_two_acts.pdf
Mason, K.M. “Fostering Diversity in Archival Collections: The lowa Women's Archives.” Collection Management 27. no. 2 (2003): 23-31.
Matterport. (2025) 3D virtual tour of Iron and Steel Museum of Alabama [Virtual tour]. Matterport. https://my.matterport.com/show/?m=DkUjohLyL1z
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Libraries. (n.d.). Conscious editing initiative. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Libraries. https://library.unc.edu/project/conscious-editing-initiative/
Tannehill State Park. (n.d.). Welcome to Tannehill State Park. Tannehillstatepark.org. Retrieved March 18, 2025, from https://tannehillstatepark.org/#
Watts, R. (2023, March 10). Civil War re-enactment returns to Tannehill State Park. AL.com. Retrieved January 21, 2025, from https://www.al.com/life/2023/03/civil-war-re-enactment-returns-to-tannehill-state-park.html