2010 CULTURAL CROSSROADS SYMPOSIUM SET FOR JANUARY 30

January 06, 2010

MONTGOMERY, Ala.--The ninth annual Cultural Crossroads Symposium will be held on January 30, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts. Scholars from some of the state's top institutions will discuss this year's topic, Religion in Antebellum Alabama, focusing primarily on the Protestant religion in the state from 1800-1850. The event is sponsored by the Landmarks Foundation, Auburn University's Caroline Draughon Center for the Arts and Humanities, the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts and the Alabama Humanities Foundation. 

Now in it's ninth installment, Cultural Crossroads was created in 2001 when a group of historians met at the Landmarks Foundation to discuss their desire to delve into the rich history of Central Alabama's Creek Indians. After six years, they moved on to other topics on Alabama's early settlers, including "A New Country: 1800-1830" at 2008's symposium and "Settling In: 1820s-1840s" in 2009. For 2010, the event will explore the formal and informal representations of religion in early Alabama, including religious practices and religion's effects on the state as it developed. 

"Religion has had a dramatic effect on state history and vice versa," said Mary Ann Neeley, the Montgomery historian who helps organize the event each year. "By primarily focusing on the antebellum Protestant branches, we are looking at the majority, but the Catholic and Jewish facets of our religious history are just as significant."

The event will consist of a series of lectures, discussions and performances. Guests will hear from Richard Bailey, Montgomery historian; Timothy Buckner, Troy University; Chris Haveman, University of West Alabama; Charles Israel, Auburn University; Adam Jortner, Auburn University; John Mayfield, Samford University; and Joanna Shietlds, University of Alabama-Huntsville. 

As a special treat, one of Alabama's foremost choral groups, the Plantation Heirs, will conclude the day's activities with a gospel performance. Registration, which includes light breakfast, lunch and refreshments, is $35 for the general public, $30 for members of sponsoring organizations, and $20 for faculty and students. The registration deadline is January 28. Please call 1-888-240-1850 for more information.

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