Most of what can be found about the story of Fairhope focuses on those who arrived in 1894 with little information on the people who were already here when the single taxers arrived. Inspired by this fact, the Fairhope-Area Black History Research Club held an inaugural meeting at Fairhope’s Museum of History in February. Former museum director Darby Ulery assembled the group which comprised 11 diverse individuals, representing four generations, including long-time Fairhope residents, more recent-comers, two children and two high school students.

“The two Fairhope High School students are also part of the Jr. City Council. One of their classmates had come to the museum looking for black history information and I said ‘Actually, we need you all to help us create it.’ They took it seriously and were really excited,” says Ulery. 

The club is a casual organization and their mission is to “help document, preserve, research and highlight information to educate the community about the rich history, impact of black families and colorful blend of diversity that creates what is known today as Fairhope, Alabama.” They do not wish to duplicate the current efforts of other organizations such as libraries and municipal committees but instead seek to fill a niche not currently being addressed with regards to searching for and organizing information, sparking new conversations and engaging in educational endeavors.

Plans to meet monthly were put on hold by the global health pandemic but in-person meetings will resume once it’s safe to do so. To get involved and learn more, email [email protected].