From the Autauga County Heritage Association
Top Photo: A plan for what the existing buildings could look like after renovations.
We have an opportunity to showcase our phenomenal history and ut Prattville on the tourism map!
Most of you who follow the Autauga County Heritage Association Facebook page are aware that ACHA volunteers have spent the last several years preserving the massive collection of historical documents and artifacts from the Daniel Pratt/Continental Gin Company. Now, we are announcing our intent to establish museums to make this history accessible to the public.
Our first effort will be to transform the Research & Development Building on the Gin Shop complex into a hands-on museum, GINOVATIONS, for students and the general public. The industrial history is the story of the local men, inventors, engineers, and mechanics that created and patented the industrial designs and machinery that pushed the company to the forefront of the worldwide cotton industry.
The collection is filled with patents, engineering drawings and stories of their aim to be on the cutting edge. Through hands-on activities and lessons, ACHA aims to ignite an inventive and creative spirit in the students and others to make them aware that they, too, can be designers and inventors!
Later, the formation of a PRATT LIBRARY & MUSEUM will secure and make accessible the historical documents for research and genealogy. Museum quality exhibits will be on display to share the significant international history of Alabama’s first industrial village, and its place in the Industrial Revolution. Community support, volunteers, and educators will make this endeavor a reality!
BELOW IS THE LINK TO THE ANNOUNCEMENT:
Thanks to Tommy Brown, Paul Bonner and DISCOVERING ALABAMA for the following production:
