Become a Kids in Kayaks docent for youth ages 11-18. Kids in Kayaks help develop an appreciation for paddling culture & the Tennessee River. This training, 3-5 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 24, at McFarland Park, Florence, teaches docents how to set up, run & take down program learning activities. During Kids in Kayaks sessions, you'll be […]
Join Keep the Shoals Beautiful for the 7th Annual Tennessee River Litter Tournament, 8-11 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 24! Fish for litter in the water, on the shorelines at Riverfront or McFarland Park, or anywhere that matters to you in the Shoals! Enter 13-gallon trash bags of litter to compete for cash prizes solo or with […]
October's Young Learners Series, at the Florence Indian Mound Museum, focuses on the importance of freshwater mussels to the Southeastern peoples. Students will create an exhibit about what they've learned. The programs help elementary-age students explore Native American history & culture in the Shoals through hands-on learning exercises.
There are many exciting recreation initiatives happening across north Alabama, including Tennessee RiverLine & Singing River Trail. MSNHA is working with the National Park Service's Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program to develop a master trail-development plan for Colbert County that will connect communities to both the RiverLine and SRT plus suggest routes for connectivity […]
There are many exciting recreation initiatives happening across north Alabama, including the Tennessee RiverLine & Singing River Trail. MSNHA is working with the National Park Service's Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program to develop a master trail-development plan for Colbert County that will help connect communities to both the RiverLine and the SRT plus suggest […]
Join us at the TVA Reservation, Muscle Shoals, 7-10 a.m., as we continue restoring the Native Plant Garden. The Shoals Wildflower Society started the garden in the early 2000s & have maintained it with other local groups, but help is needed! We will prune invasives along the garden's trails as we learn about native plants […]
Help us steward our community's native plant garden at the TVA Muscle Shoals Reservation. Click here to register.
But don't worry -- we'll watch the movie indoors where it's warm! Join the University of North Alabama’s Appalachian Teaching Project in the downtown Courtland Park, 5:30 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 17, as we celebrate the history of Courtland and think about its future. Learn about the Singing River Trail & Tennessee RiverLine, play lawn games […]
The Florence Indian Mound & Museum's Young Learners' Series, 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, focuses on Arthur C. Parker, Seneca, a museum director & archaeologist and an early advocate for Native American Heritage Month. The Young Learners' programs explore the early history of the Shoals through short lessons & hands-on learning exercises. Beginning this month, […]
Sick of turkey & shopping? Come join the Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area at the historic Shoals Theatre, in Florence, 7:30 p.m., Friday, Nov. 25, & dance off some of the stuffing you consumed the day before. Thad & Company will start the show, followed by Lilly Hiatt. Then Billy Allen and the Pollies will […]
The Florence Indian Mound Museum hosts a series of children’s programs exploring 12 Native Americans through their biographies, contributions, hopes & accomplishments. Students will be given a passport and will receive a stamp for each program attended -- awards are given at six, nine & 12 stamps. December's program, 10 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 17, focuses […]
The Florence Indian Mound Museum is collaborating with the Alabama Chapter of the Trail of Tears Association to host a series will focus on different aspects of Southeastern Native American history & culture. Presentations will be both in-person & recorded. Author & lecturer Paul Matheny's presentation will examine the reasons for the removal of the […]
The Florence Indian Mound Museum is hosting a series of programs for students to explore Shoals' early history. The programs explore 12 Native Americans through their biographies, contributions, hopes & accomplishments. Students will be given a passport with the 12 figures & receive a stamp for each program attended. Students who collect six, nine or […]
The MSNHA is excited to bring you the 2023 Bad Kitty Trail run, which has 5K & 10K options. The race will begin on the campus on the University of North Alabama & finish in Wildwood Park. It does include approximately a mile of road running before the trail run begins. At the race's conclusion, […]
After the Bad Kitty 5K/10K Trail Run, 8 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 11, join the after-party from 9 a.m. to noon to celebrate all that Wildwood Park has to offer. We'll have food by Rivertown Coffee, music by Coffee Black, shopping with outdoor & recreation vendors and a silent auction to benefit MSNHA recreation programs. Register for […]
The Florence Indian Mound Museum is hosting a series of children’s programs for students to explore early Shoals history through short lessons & hands-on learning. The programs explore 12 Native American figures through their biographies, contributions, hope & accomplishments. Students receive a passport with the 12 figures & a stamp for each program attended. Students […]
Join in 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 18, as we continue restoring Village One’s School with the Village School Foundation. Each person may contribute in a way they are most comfortable. We'll be cleaning and organizing various sections of the interior and preparing for the next phases of restoration. This may include cleaning, scraping and […]
Become a community paddle leader with the Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area! Create accessible & memorable experiences for others to enjoy the natural wonders of the Tennessee River & its tributaries throughout 2023 in the Shoals' RiverTowns program. Whether you are an experienced kayaker or have never touched a paddle, all are welcome to participate. […]
Cultural musicologist Christopher Reali will discuss the process of writing his 2022 book, "Music and Mystique in Muscle Shoals," and what he learned about Muscle Shoals music along the way. Based on years of archival and oral history research, the book is one of the most comprehensive histories of the music that rocked the world.
You asked for longer hikes and we are happy to oblige! Join us for the ladies-only 12.2-mile hike into the Bankhead Forest along the Pine Torch Horse Loop trail. This trail is rated moderate to challenging but will show the beauty that Bankhead never fails to provide. Meet at the trailhead at 9 a.m. and […]
The Florence Indian Mound Museum is hosting a series of children’s programs on the Shoals' early history using short lessons & hands-on learning. The programs explore 12 Native American figures through their biographies, contributions, hopes & accomplishments. Students will be given a passport with the 12 figures & a stamp for each program attended. Students […]
Learn about essential native plants and how they support wildlife at Esther's Eatery & natural wine shop. Everyone goes home with a plant! Wildlife gardening enthusiast Abbie Hyche will highlight five native plants, their benefits to wildlife and functions in the landscape. Everyone will be given a native plant to add to their garden. Additional […]
The Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area is excited to begin our 2023 paddling season with a community paddling event on Cypress Creek! We will learn about the Tennessee RiverLine and the history of Cypress Creek while exploring the creek's waters, watching for wildlife & enjoying an easy, beginner-friendly paddle experience lasting around 2 hours and […]
Join Project Threadways, in Florence, Thursday-Saturday, April 20–22. We'll share stories of those have worked with textiles and in the process created economic opportunity, organized resistance & achieved self-determination. The 2023 Project Threadways Symposium offers discussions, presentations, a sewing circle, tour of Alabama Chanin's The Factory and more. Tickets are here.
Spring is one of the best times to visit Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve – the waterfalls are flowing & wildflowers are blooming. This year is even more special as we celebrate the Lacefield’s donation of Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve to Land Trust of North Alabama. For over 40 years, Jim and Faye Lacefield […]
Join us as we prune invasives along the garden's trails & learn about native plants from Alabama Master Gardener Margie Anderton. 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. Our efforts at the Native […]
The Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area is excited to begin its 2023 paddling season with a community paddle at Second Creek in Rogersville! We will learn about the Tennessee RiverLine, the natural history of the Tennessee River & nearby Joe Wheeler State Park while exploring Second Creek’s waters, watching for wildlife and enjoying an easy […]
This program & activity focuses on Chickasaw chief Tuscumbia, for whom the city of Tuscumbia is named. Tuscumbia sold land to the Dickson family, considered to be the first white family in the area. Tuscumbia, or Tashka Ambi, was also a veteran of the War of 1812, having fought alongside the Americans at the Battle […]
June's Young Learners' Series features Cherokee engineer Mary Golda Ross, the great-great granddaughter of Principal Chief John Ross. Born in 1908, Ross graduated college with a mathematics degree & studied astronomy while earning her master’s degree. She worked for Lockheed Aircraft Corporation during World War II & helped develop a fighter plane. When the space […]
Crystal Gayle concert presented by the non-profit Shoals Scholar Dollars to raise money for local students to attend college. Go here to buy tickets and here to learn more about Shoals Scholar Dollars.
July's Young Learners' Series is about Cherokee chief Dragging Canoe, who led a separatist group to Chickamauga Creek in 1776. Known as the Chickamauga Cherokee, this group resisted American encroachment on its lands. Later Dragging Canoe worked as a diplomat to secure alliances and preserve Cherokee culture. The Florence Indian Mound Museum's Young Learners Series […]
A 10-day long series of primarily music events occurring in and around the Shoals which honors William Christopher “W.C.” Handy and the musical legacy of the “Hit Recording Capital of the World.” The talented musicians of the Muscle Shoals are among the very best. Come and experience the sound for yourself! Go here for details.
Celebrate the end of Shoals Symphony at UNA's 40th season on a perfect summer evening at the Shoals Symphony Summer Soireé. Enjoy chamber music, authentic Dixie-Land Jazz and the world premiere of Warren Ertle's Handy Suite as a W.C. Handy Music Festival kickoff. Appetizers and drinks included. *21 and older. Go here for tickets.
Help us continue restoring Village School in Sheffield, working with the Village School Foundation. Drop in anytime from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, July 22. Village One's school building is a WWI-era school & community building that's one of the most historically significant buildings in north Alabama. The Village School Foundation seeks to repair the […]
Join us for the third annual Handy Street Party, 6-11:30 p.m., Thursday, July 22, in front of Soul Wingery (rain location is Singin' River Live). This year's lineup is Dos Fuegos, Bold Bloom, Coffee Black, Thad & Co. and Billy Allen & the Pollies. There will be food vendors, and you can go around the […]
W. C. Handy Festival week will get deep, real & completely iconic as Charlie Musselwhite & Travis Wammack -- high school Memphis friends -- share their lifelong personal history in word & music, along with Christine Ohlman, Kelvin Holly & Jerry Phillips (no stranger to Memphis himself, with deep stories of Sun, Graceland & The […]
Native American gathering from Nations across the country. School day is Friday & open-to-the-public day is Saturday. Free admission. Dancing, crafts, food and more. Details to come.
Join the Tennessee RiverLine to explore ideas for enhancing visitor experience at Old Railroad Bridge. The Shoals RiverTown's leadership team -- composed of members from Quad Cities & Colbert County -- selected the Old Railroad Bridge as priority placemaking project for the RiverLine's Community Planning Initiative program (funded by US Department of Agriculture Rural Placemaking […]
Community event with music, art & food to celebrate Leighton native Percy Sledge. Fee admission. Go to Leighton's Facebook page for details.
Join Keep The Shoals Beautiful for the 8th Annual Tennessee River Litter Tournament! Fish for litter in the water, on the shorelines at Riverfront or McFarland Park or anywhere that matters to you in the Shoals. $500 Grand prize to the group with the most volunteers $100 MVP Award for most litter collected (one winner […]
In this month's Young Learners Series, the program & activity will be about Creek Warrior William Weatherford. Also known as Hoponika Fulsahi (Truth Maker), Weatherford was a member of the Wind Clan from the town of Coosada, an Alabama town in the Creek Confederacy. Born into a prominent Creek lineage on his mother’s side, he […]
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 […]
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.
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.
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
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! […]
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; […]
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.
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 […]
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, […]
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. […]
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 […]
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 […]
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. […]
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 […]
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. […]
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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!!
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Join us for our next volunteer event, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 17. We'll provide supplies and direction -- no experience necessary. Work will include anything from cleaning, painting, scraping, to yard work, to organizing materials and more. Email or get in touch via social media to sign up and/or alert us […]
Explore volunteer & learning opportunities about removing invasive plants in the Shoals. (Under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.) Co-sponsored by TVA, Alabama Cooperative Extension System and Land Trust of North Alabama. Register at aces.edu/go/shoalsinvasives
You don’t need to be a lady to run in the League of Outdoor Women’s Shady Lady Trail 5K, 10K and Half Marathon that's part of the Heritage Area Hustle Race Series! The race is open to men, women, children, aliens, kangaroos, etc. All of the funds raised go to support programming for the League […]
MAIL:
UNA Box 5231
Florence, AL 35632-0001
OFFICE:
541 W. College St.
Florence, AL 35630
EMAIL: msnha@una.edu
PHONE: 256.765.5028
