Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area

Young Learners Series: Pottery
2024-08-17 10:00 - 11:30 (America/Chicago) | Florence Indian Mound and Museum, Florence, AL
August’s Young Learners Series is about Southwestern Native American pottery making.Pottery is an art that has been practiced over 4,000 years by the Native American tribes of the Southwest. The art & practice of pottery making was historically used for utilitarian purposes & ceremonial practices. Children can create pottery pieces with air-dry clay to share in a student-made exhibit or to take home. Together we will learn how & why pottery was made in the past and how it is still created & shared today!Young Learners Series at the Florence Indian Mound Museum is a series of free children’s programs where elementary-age students explore the early history of the Shoals through short lessons & hands-on learning exercises. Each month features a practice that relates to Native American culture. Participants explore the history & cultural meaning behind each practice while engaging in an activity related to that topic.

Shoals RiverTown's Community Paddle on Waterloo's 2nd Creek
2024-07-13 09:00 - 12:00 | Waterloo Boat Ramp, Lauderdale County Road 14, Waterloo, AL, 35677, United States
The Shoals’ Tennessee RiverTowns program is excited to host a community paddling event at Waterloo’s 2nd Creek! Join us for an interpreted tour along 2nd Creek led by MSNHA Director Carrie Crawford. We will watch for wildlife & explore local history on this beginner-friendly paddle experience lasting around two hours and four miles. We will begin & end our paddle at the Waterloo Boat Ramp in Waterloo.Kayaks, PFDs, paddles & other necessary equipment are provided, free of charge. Participants must already know how to swim to participate.Reserve a kayak — either single or two-person — when you register (comes with required equipment, including PFD). You are also welcome to bring your own boat (kayaks, canoes & SUPs are fine) — just select the “I’ve got my own boat” option when you register.If you register & can’t attend, please cancel your reservation. Not doing so takes a spot away from someone else.Check your email ahead of the event for a confirmation email from Eventbrite & a pre-event reminder with additional details. Weather-related changes to the paddle will also be communicated via email.

The Shoals' RiverTowns Community Paddle on Waterloo's 2nd Creek
2024-07-13 09:00 - 12:00 | Waterloo Boat Ramp, Lauderdale County Road 14, Waterloo, AL, 35677, United States
The Shoals’ Tennessee RiverTowns program hosts a community paddle at Waterloo’s 2nd Creek. Join us for an interpreted tour along led by MSNHA Director Carrie Crawford. We’ll watch for wildlife & explore local history on this beginner-friendly paddle experience lasting around two hours and four miles. We will begin and end our paddle at the Waterloo Boat Ramp.

Kayaks, personal-flotation devices, paddles & other necessary equipment are provided free of charge. Participants must already know how to swim.Reserve a kayak — either single- or two-person — when you register (comes with required equipment, including PFD). You also can bring your own boat (kayaks, canoes & standup paddle boards are fine). Simply select the “I’ve got my own boat” option when you register.If you register & can’t attend, cancel your reservation. Not doing so takes a spot away from someone else. Tickets on sale April 18.Check your email ahead of the event. You’ll receive a confirmation email from Eventbrite & a pre-event reminder with additional details. Any changes to the paddle due to weather will also be communicated via email.See you outside!

'Native Flora' launch
2024-06-29 14:00 - 17:00 | All the Best, 128 E. Tennessee St., Florence, AL, 35630, United States
Come out celebrate the launch of digital magazine “Native Flora” at All The Best coffee & record shop. Enjoy snack specials & giveaways including a limited run of printed copies. “Native Flora” is a zine series highlighting native plants found in northwest Alabama and their role in the ecosystem. The first issue includes forbs, graminoids and vines you can find in spring & summer. It will be available as a free online resource thanks to the Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area.

Artsy Fartsy 5K and 1-mile Fun Run
2024-06-22 17:00 | River Heritage Trail, 15 Hightower Place, Florence, AL, 35630, United States
The Muscle Shoals National Heritage area is full of music makers and other talented artists. To support the arts in the MSNHA, we are excited to announce the Artsy Fartsy 5K and 1-mile Fun Run at Florence’s new River Heritage Trail! We promise you won’t want to miss running, skipping, hopping, rolling or strolling (whatever your preference!) in this beautiful spot. Invite your friends and family to join you after the run for live music at the amphitheater featuring Coffee Black!
All proceeds from the Artsy Fartsy 5K & 1-mile Fun Run will help support MSNHA arts-focused projects.
For full Heritage Area Hustle Race Series details, including volunteer and sponsorship opportunities, go here.

Young Learners' Series: Weaving
2024-06-15 10:00 - 11:00 | Florence Indian Mound and Museum, Florence, AL
Learn about traditional weaving of the Hopi and the Pueblo People. The Young Learners will learn about this special art 10-11 a.m., Saturday, June 15. A family event, appropriate for ages 5-12…grownups are free to participate, as well!!

Village School Work Day
2024-04-27 10:00 - 13:00 | Village One School, Sheffield, AL
Join us with Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area for our next volunteer event at the Village School, 200 Chickamauga St., Sheffield.
We’ll provide supplies and direction, no experience necessary.
Please wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty in, such as jeans and closed toe shoes. Feel free to bring work gloves as well.
If you’re not able to stay the whole morning, please stop by anyway to say hi and see what we’re up to!
Thanks so much to @muscleshoalsnha for partnering with us on this project!

Young Learners' Series: Dance
2024-04-20 10:00 - 11:30 | Florence Indian Mound and Museum, Florence, AL
This month’s program is Native American Dance.
Native American dance is an important practice historically & in the present. Dance has been shared over the ages to celebrate special events in life such as welcoming visitors, marking the change of seasons & celebrating friendships as well as many different ceremonies. Join us for a short presentation on how important dance is to Native American communities. Then stay to learn a simple animal dance from the Eastern Band Cherokee Nation & watch a demonstration of the Stomp Dance of the Chickasaw Nation. You can also listen to modern Native American music & come up with your own dance. We hope to see you there!
The Florence Indian Mound Museum hosts monthly programs where students can explore the early history of the Shoals through short lessons and hands-on learning exercises. Each month will feature a practice that relates to Native American culture; participants will explore the history & cultural meaning behind each practice while engaging in an activity related to that practice

TVA Native Plant Garden Trail Workday
2024-04-13 09:00 - 11:00 | TVA Native Plant Garden, Muscle Shoals, AL
Join us in learning about native plants & stewarding the TVA Nature Trails as we prune invasives along the TVA Native Plant Garden Trail. The garden & its trails have enhanced habitat for local wildlife and provided accessible recreation opportunities to our local community for decades, but we need your help to maintain it.

Our efforts at the Native Plant Garden are part of Operation Pollination — an initiative to educate on the benefits & needs of bees & other pollinators as well as restore native habitat for them. Wear closed-toe shoes & clothes you don’t mind getting dirty and bring a pair of work gloves if you have them. Meet at the pavilion near the garden.

Herbal Soap-Making Workshop
2024-03-17 14:00 - 17:00 | Pope’s Tavern Museum, 203 Hermitage Drive, Florence, AL, 35630, United States
Florence Arts and Museums is partnering with Summer McCreless, an herbalist who specializes in regional plant and material knowledge, to conduct a series of workshops, presentations & demonstrations where participants can explore aspects of our region’s tangible history.

Her herbal soap-making workshop includes the history of Southeastern native plants plus processes & uses in soap making, both past & present. Attendees will receive recipes & take home a small bar of soap.
McCreless has been practicing herbalism for over 11 years, teaching herbal education and plant identification & uses in north Alabama. She has over 20 years of experience & education in plant identification.

Young Learners Series: Music
2024-03-16 10:00 - 17:00 | Florence Indian Mound and Museum, Florence, AL
The Florence Indian Mound Museum hosts a series of children’s programs that explores Shoals early history through short lessons & hands-on learning. Each month features a practice relating to Native American culture. Participants explore the history & cultural meaning behind each practice and engage in an activity related to that topic.
March’s program is on Southeastern Native American music.
Music is an artistic expression that has been shared by Southeastern Native American people for centuries. Music was & is still used for self-expression, as the carrier of language and as a catalyst for bringing people together & keeping culture alive.
Today the music of the Native American people of the Southeast continues to be celebrated and shared in many different ways. Participants will make instruments & learn a dance.

Bad Kitty 5K & 10K
2024-03-16 10:00 - 14:00 | Wildwood Park, State Route 13, Florence, 35630, United States
The Bad Kitty 5K & 10K is the first event part of the inaugural Heritage Area Hustle Race Series. The Heritage Area Hustle Race Series is MSNHA’s annual challenge & fundraiser designed to support MSNHA’s programs & projects related to outdoor recreation, arts & culture and equity of access to natural & cultural resources. Participate in the Bad Kitty, the Artsy Fartsy (5K and 1-mile fun run, June 22), and the Shady Lady (5K, 10K and Half Marathon, Oct. 26) and receive a special medal for completing the series! Entrants can register for all three races at once using the multi-race bundle option to save $5 on each race fee.
All proceeds from the Bad Kitty Trail 5K & 10K will help support trail development projects and recreational programming in Wildwood Park.
For full Heritage Area Hustle Race Series details, including volunteer and sponsorship opportunities, visit our website at https://msnha.una.edu/heritage-area-hustle-race-series/

Village School Work Day
2024-03-16 10:00 - 13:00 | Village One School, Sheffield, AL
Please wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty in — such as jeans — and wear closed-toe shoes. Feel free to bring work gloves, as well. We’ll provide supplies & direction, so no experience necessary. If you’re not able to stay the whole morning, please stop by anyway to say “hi” and see what we’re up to!

TVA Native Plant Trail Workday
2024-03-09 09:00 - 11:00 | TVA Native Plant Garden, Muscle Shoals, AL
TVA Nature Trail

Free

Public · Anyone on or off Facebook

Join us in learning about native plants & stewarding the TVA Nature Trails as we prune invasives along the TVA Native Plant Garden Trail. The garden & its trails have enhanced habitat for local wildlife and provided accessible recreation opportunities to our local community for decades, but we need your help to maintain it.
Our efforts at the Native Plant Garden are part of Operation Pollination — an initiative to educate on the benefits & needs of bees & other pollinators as well as restore native habitat for them. Wear closed-toe shoes & clothes you don’t mind getting dirty and bring a pair of work gloves if you have them. Meet at the pavilion near the garden.

Young Learners' Series: Pottery
2024-02-24 10:00 - 17:00 | Florence Indian Mound and Museum, Florence, AL
The Florence Indian Mound Museum is hosting a series of children’s programs exploring the early history of the Shoals through short lessons & hands-on learnings. Each month features a practice relating to Native American culture. Participants will explore the history & cultural meaning behind each practice while engaging in an activity related to that topic.

Join us this month for a program & activity about Southeastern Native American pottery making.
Native American tribes of the Southeast created pottery for more than 4,000 years. Pottery historically had various purposes & was used both for function & ceremony. Children can create their own pottery pieces with air-dry clay to share in a student-made exhibit or take home. Together we will learn how and why pottery was made in the past and how it is still created and shared today.

Young Learners' Series: Native American Jewelry
2024-01-27 10:00 - 11:30 | Florence Indian Mound and Museum, Florence, AL
Join us for a short informational presentation on the art of Native American jewelry making past and present. After the presentation, students will have the opportunity to create their own beaded jewelry to take home or share as part of our youth education exhibit. The program is free.
Jewelry is an important form of art and culture for many Native American tribes. In the past & today, jewelry making is passed down as a cultural practice and is used for adornment and individual & familial identification. Historically, jewelry was made of natural materials such as shells & nuts, which were carved into beads. As trading with Europeans increased, beading became more popular.
Native Americans designed their beaded jewelry to reflect their stories. Today art jewelry is made from metals, seeds, nuts, stone & fish bone as well as synthetic beads. It is shared from teacher to student within families & groups to preserve artistic & cultural practice or worn in cultural identification & celebration.

Young Learners' Series: Native American Finger Weaving
2023-12-16 10:00 - 11:30 | Florence Indian Mound and Museum, Florence, AL
Join us for a program and activity about Native American Finger Weaving, a traditional artform in many Native American and Indigenous nations.
In the Cherokee tradition, finger woven regalia was historically used for men. It was used for adornment and item trading with others. In the past, Chickasaw women would gather in groups to weave. They would teach each other, share different methods of the craft, and
create woven works while visiting with one another. Today, the artwork of finger weaving is worn as a part of regalia for both men and women during times of cultural celebration and to carry on tradition. It is also practiced by individuals, as well as passed down from generation to generation to keep the cultural practices alive.
In the Florence Indian Mound Museum’s Young Learners’ Series, students explore the early history of the Shoals through short lessons and hands-on learning exercises. Each month features a practice relating to Native American culture; participants will explore history & culture and complete a hands-on project.
This program is free and is sponsored by the City of Florence Department of Arts and Museums and the Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area.

Colbert County Trail Master Plan Community Input Meeting
2023-12-13 16:30 - 18:30 | Sheffield Public Library, 316 Montgomery Ave., Sheffield, Alabama, 35660, United States
Join the MSNHA and National Park Service’s Rivers, Trails & Conservation Assistance Program and Colbert County communities to share feedback on the draft trail maps for Colbert County. We’d love to hear your thoughts on other recreational resources — kayak launches, camping areas and parks, as well. Drop in anytime during the session. We’d love to hear from you!

Colbert County Trail Master Plan Community Input Meeting
2023-12-12 16:30 - 18:30 | Leighton Public Library, 8740 Main St., Leighton, AL, 35646, United States

LOW hike benefitting Cane Creek Nature Preserve
2023-11-18 10:00 - 14:00 | Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve, 251 Loop Road, Tuscumbia, AL, 35674, United States
Help support Cane Creek Canyon with our donation-based fall hike at Cane Creek Nature Preserve! Donate on the Land Trust of North Alabama website, https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx..., or with cash at donation box onsite. A donor has pledged to match up to $100,000 for donations received by the end of 2023, so let’s take advantage of that.
Meet at the main parking lot. We’ll hike down into the canyon & visit many of the waterfalls. Hike is considered moderate with some steep inclines. Wear appropriate hiking attire and bring daypack with hiking essentials, lunch and water.

YOUNG LEARNERS' SERIES: Storytelling
2023-11-18 10:00 - 11:30 | Florence Indian Mound and Museum, Florence, AL
Native American Storytelling is an important practice historically and in the present. Stories shared over generations help keep Native American culture alive. Join us for a short informational presentation on storytelling and how it shaped & sustained different Native American cultures. After the presentation, students can create their own stories with an interactive animal activity, which they can take home or share as part of our youth education exhibit. This program is free and sponsored by the City of Florence Department of Arts and Museums & MSNHA.

Muscle Shoals Songwriters Festival
2023-11-03 - 2023-11-05 | AL
The Muscle Shoals Songwriters Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to bring songwriters & music lovers together from all across the globe. The festival celebrates and gives a platform to diverse voices, experiences & points of view; invests in songwriters by providing education, collaborative tools & opportunities that break down music industry barriers; and honors the history of Muscle Shoals and facilitate the continuance of its magical musical synergy for generations. Tickets & details here.

Concert at McCandless Hall -- The Riverside with Will Paustian
2023-10-28 18:00 - 20:00 | McCandless Hall, Athens State University, 302 Bryan St., Athens, AL, 35611, United States
Save the date for The Riverside with opener Will Paustian as part of the Scout House Concert Series. Perfectly beautiful acoustics. Comfortable & charming with great talent! Tickets $15.

Young Learners' Series: Chief Levi Colbert
2023-10-28 10:00 - 11:30 | Florence Indian Mound and Museum, Florence, AL
Chickasaw Chief Levi Colbert is the subject of this month’s Young Learners’ Series program. Colbert is also known as Ittawamba Minko, which translates to Bench Chief. He was born in 1759 in the Chickasaw Nation & was later an important leader of the Chickasaws. He & his brother, George Colbert, were avid negotiators & interpreters; as bilingual leaders, they were trusted by their people & the American government. Levi Colbert spent much of his time working with Andrew Jackson’s appointed negotiators regarding the Treaty of Pontotoc & the Indian Removal Act. He died at 74 before most negotiations were completed. Today, his legacy lives on with his family name, Colbert, representing towns & locations in the states of Alabama & Mississippi. Come join us this Saturday to learn more about Chief Levi Colbert’s courageous & gracious characteristics and participate in a hands-on learning activity.
This program is free and is sponsored by the City of Florence Department of Arts and Museums & MSNHA.
Young Learners’ Series is a series of children’s programs to explore the early history of the Shoals through short lessons & hands-on learning exercises. The programs explore 12 Native American figures through their biographies, contributions, hopes & accomplishments. Students will receive a passport with 12 figures and a stamp for each program attended. Students who collect six, nine or 12 stamps will receive an award!

Shady Lady 5K & 10K
2023-10-28 08:00 - 12:00 | Joe Wheeler State Park, 4401 McLean Drive, Rogersville, AL, 35652, United States
You don’t need to be a lady to run in the League of Outdoor Women’s Shady Lady Trail run this year! The race is open to men, women, children, aliens, kangaroos, etc. All funds benefit League of Outdoor Women programming so come show the women in your life how much you support their outdoor adventures! Run or walk. Register by Sept.28 to ensure you get a T-shirt. Start at Joe Wheeler Boat Ramp (not at the marina as in previous years). The 10K course is a loop, while the 5K is an out-and-back. Trails are relatively wide & well managed. Limited amount of elevation change on both courses – while there are hills, they aren’t very steep! Prizes in each age group plus for overall winners. Registration & details here.

Athens Storytelling Festival
2023-10-23 - 2023-10-29 | Athens State University, 300 N Beaty St, Athens, AL, Athens, AL, 35611, United States
We plan to be in-person this year, so join us as we move our tent a little to the east to the Athens State University campus. It will be a crisp fall weekend spent listening to stories of adventure and excitement … a place where memories & magic are captured & spun into tales that make you laugh & cry. Hear stories that tell of a time that used to be or a time yet to come. Glimpse into the past and live the imaginary. Learn more about your parents, your children and yourself. Discover all this and more at the annual Athens Storytelling Festival. Check here for details.

Village One School Workday
2023-10-21 11:00 - 14:00 | Village One School, Sheffield, AL
Join our efforts to restore the Village One School with the Village School Foundation. The building is a WWI-era school & community center that’s one of the most historically significant in north Alabama. The Village School Foundation seeks to repair the building so it continues to be a community & educational resource.
Each person may contribute in a way they are most comfortable. We’ll clean & organize various sections of the interior and prepare for the next phases of restoration in the basement. This may include cleaning, scraping & painting. We’ll provide supplies & instruction — no experience necessary.
Wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty in, including long pants & closed-toe shoes.
If you’re not able to stay the whole morning, stop by anyway to say “hi” and see what we’re up to! Refreshments provided. Go here for details & registration.

Photo Contest
2023-10-18 - 2023-12-01 | AL
Our annual photo contest is live! Show us your best pics of the MSNHA’s natural beauty. It’s easy to enter — simply post your pics on Facebook or Instagram with #msnhaphotocontest23 & we’ll do the rest. Include whatever you want people to know about your image — where you took it, what the photo shows, etc. Photos must be taken within MSNHA’s six counties: Colbert, Franklin, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone & Morgan. Deadline is Friday, Dec. 1. A “heart” from us means your photo is entered. Staffers will choose their favorites, so you might win a prize! All photos entered could be used on our social media, in our newsletters, on our website & in national publications. Questions? Email msnha.una.edu.

Dragon Boat Festival
2023-10-14 | McFarland Park, Florence, AL
Local community teams race in traditional Hong-Kong-style dragon boats to raise money for Shoals Scholar Dollars. Funds help provide two-year scholarship to Northwest Alabama Community College for qualifying students. Go here for details on participating. Free admission for spectators.

Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers Convention
2023-10-04 - 2023-10-07 | Athens State University, 300 N Beaty St, Athens, AL, Athens, AL, 35611, United States
Athens State University will be welcoming old-time music lovers of all ages to campus for the 56th annual Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers Convention, presented by Aetos Systems, Inc. Entertainment for this year’s Fiddler’s Convention will include Appalachian Road Show, The Grascals and the Dan Tyminski Band. Go here for tickets and here for details.
