Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area

Young Learners' Series -- Mary Golda Ross
2023-06-10 10:00 - 11:30 (America/Chicago) | Florence Indian Mound and Museum, Florence, AL
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 race began, Ross became the first woman to work on a top-secret program — she was on a team of 40 engineers. She is recognized as the first Native American female engineer.
The Young Learners’ Series is free. It focuses on early Shoals history via short lessons & hands-on learning. Currently, YLS is exploring 12 Native American figures through biographies, contributions, hopes & accomplishments. Students will be given a passport with the 12 figures & will receive a stamp for each program attended. Students who collect six, nine or 12 stamps will receive an award.

Young Learners' Series -- Tuscumbia
2023-05-20 10:00 - 11:00 | Florence Indian Mound and Museum, Florence, AL
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 of Horseshoe Bend. The program will include a short lesson on Tuscumbia followed by a hands-on activity.
The Florence Indian Mound Museum is hosting a series of children’s programs for students to explore the early history of the Shoals through short lessons & hands-on learning exercises. The programs will explore 12 Native American figures through their biographies, contributions, hopes & accomplishments. Students will be given a passport with the 12 figures; they will receive a stamp for each program attended. Students who collect six, nine or 12 stamps will receive an award.
This program is free and is sponsored by the Florence Department of Arts and Museums & Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area. Call 256-760-6427 for details.

The Shoals' RiverTowns Community Paddle on Second Creek
2023-05-13 09:00 - 13:00 | Second Creek Boat Launch, Rogersville
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 & beginner-friendly paddle experience lasting around two hours and 4 miles. If you have never locked through a dam before, this will be an exciting opportunity to do so in a kayak with expert guidance (a safe & simple process!) We’ll begin at Second Creek Boat Ramp, Rogersville, and finish at Wilson Lake Public Boat Ramp in Town Creek, barring barge traffic.
Kayaks, PFDs, paddles & other equipment provided. Participants must know how to swim. Reserve a singe kayak when you register (comes with required equipment, including PFD).
If you register & can’t attend, cancel your reservation. Not doing so takes a spot away from someone else.
Check 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. Go here for tickets.

TVA Native Plant Garden workday
2023-05-06 09:00 - 12:00 | TVA Native Plant Garden, Muscle Shoals, AL
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 Plant Garden are part of Operation Pollination — an initiative to educate on the benefits & needs of bees & other pollinators and restore native habitat for them. Trail workdays to conserve native habitat occur monthly. Go here for details.

Celebrating Cane Creek Canyon
2023-04-29 13:00 - 21:00 | Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve, 251 Loop Road, Tuscumbia, AL, 35674, United States
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 have preserved Cane Creek Canyon’s natural resources, welcoming visitors to share this special place in northwest Alabama. This donation to the Land Trust ensures Cane Creek Canyon’s continued conservation & public access. Beginning with wildflower hikes at 1 p.m., Saturday, April 29, we’ll wrap up Earth Month by celebrating the legacy of the Lacefields & the future of Cane Creek. We will also recognize generous funding from Essity for a trailhead kiosk and tool storage bin. Hosted by Friends of Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve & Land Trust of North Alabama. Details here.

Project Threadways Symposium
2023-04-20 17:30 - 2023-04-22 17:30 | Alabama Chanin – The Factory, Florence, AL, AL
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.

The Shoals' RiverTowns Community Paddle on Cypress Creek
2023-04-08 09:00 - 13:00 | Wildwood Park, State Route 13, Florence, 35630, United States
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 5 miles. We will begin our paddle at the Cox Creek Canoe Launch at 9 a.m. & finish at Wildwood Park between noon and 1 p.m. We will meet and end at Wildwood Park. Participants will be shuttled to our starting location at the Cox Creek Canoe Launch. Participants should keep their afternoon plans flexible in case of delay.
Don’t have your own kayak? That’s OK! 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 and SUPs are fine) — just select the “I’ve got my own boat” option when you register.
All participants must know how to swim. For your safety, we cannot make exceptions.
NOTE: IF YOU REGISTER AND CAN’T ATTEND, PLEASE MAKE SURE TO CANCEL YOUR RESERVATION — NOT DOING SO TAKES A SPOT AWAY FROM SOMEONE ELSE.
Check your email ahead of the event for confirmation from Eventbrite & a pre-event reminder with additional details. Changes to the paddle due to weather will also be communicated via email. Register at here.
See you outside!

"Cheers to Plants! A Wildlife Gardening Event
2023-04-06 18:00 | Esther’s Eatery, Florence, 1416 Huntsville Road, Florence, AL, 35630, United States
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 plants will be available for purchase.

The $40 ticket includes the info-session, a plant, printed materials and light refreshments. Wine will be available for purchase by the glass and by the bottle. Text or call Hyche at (205) 541-7484 for more info. Register here. This event is sponsored in part by the Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area and is hosted by Esther’s Eatery.

Young Learners Series: Deb Haaland
2023-03-18 10:00 - 11:30 | Florence Indian Mound and Museum, Florence, AL
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 who collect six, nine or 12 stamps will receive an award. Join us 10 a.m., Saturday, March 18, for a program about Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland, the first Native-American cabinet secretary. A member of the Pueblo of Laguna & a 35th generation New Mexican, she is one of the first Native American women to serve in Congress, where she focused on environmental policies, family-friendly policies and indigenous women who are missing. This program is free and is sponsored by Florence Department of Arts and Museums & MSNHA. Call 256-760-6427 for details.

League of Outdoor Women March Hike -- Pine Torch Horse Loop
2023-03-18 | Bankhead National Forest Pine Torch Trailhead, 3638 County Road 70, Moulton, AL, 35650, United States
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 plan to stop along the trail for lunch. Bring hiking essentials, plenty of water and a lunch. Due to the length & moderate difficulty of the hike, we will be limiting this hike to 10 participants. Register here.

"Music and Mystique in Muscle Shoals" Author Talk
2023-03-16 18:00 - 19:00 | Florence-Lauderdale Public Library, 350 N. Wood Av., Florence, AL, 35630, United States
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.

Shoals’ RiverTowns Volunteer Training
2023-03-04 08:00 - 12:00 | Colbert Alloys Park Boat Ramp
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. We will develop paddling knowledge and skills during the training to equip you to be a confident leader on the water. Meet from 8 a.m. to noon, Saturday, March 4, with a rain date of April 1. Register here.

Village School Workday
2023-02-18 11:00 - 14:00 | Village One School, Sheffield, AL
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 painting; we’ll provide supplies and direction — no experience necessary. Register here.

Young Learners' Series: Te Ata
2023-02-18 10:00 - 23:30 | Florence Indian Mound and Museum, Florence, AL
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 who collect six, nine or 12 stamps receive an award.
At 10 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 18, the session will be about Chickasaw storyteller Te Ata, who was born Mary Thompson Fisher in Oklahoma in 1895. She later took the stage name “Te Ata,” which means “Bearer of the Morning.” Te Ata became an actor & storyteller, preserving Chickasaw stories through words, artistic interpretations & children’s books. This free program and activity explores her life & contributions and the importance of storytelling.
This program is free and sponsored by Florence Department of Arts and Museums & the Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area. Call 256-760-6427 for details.

Bad Kitty Trail Party
2023-02-11 09:00 - 12:00 | Wildwood Park, State Route 13, Florence, 35630, United States
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 run at Bad Kitty Trail Race 5K and 10K .

Bad Kitty Trail Race 5K and 10K Fun Run
2023-02-11 08:00 - 10:00 | Wildwood Park, State Route 13, Florence, 35630, United States
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, join us for music, food & fun in Wildwood Park. Thanks to UNA’s Department of Kinesiology for letting us take over this great run! Proceeds fund projects & programs in Wildwood Park. Register here.

Young Learners' Series -- Nanyehi (Nancy Ward)
2023-01-21 10:00 - 11:30 | Florence Indian Mound and Museum, Florence, AL
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 12 stamps will receive an award.

Our January program focuses on Nanyehi (Nancy Ward), a Cherokee woman who gained respect as a warrior when she helped her tribe defeat the Creek Indians in battle after her husband was killed. Because of her actions, the Cherokee clans named her “Beloved Woman,” and her opinion carried great significance. She married a British trader named Bryant Ward and advocated for peace between the Cherokee and Americans. She lived to be 79 years old and died before the Cherokee were removed from their land.

“Southeastern Native Americans—Fact, Fiction, and Folktales"
2023-01-08 14:00 - 15:00 | Florence Indian Mound and Museum, Florence, AL
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 Southeastern Native Americas to Indian Territory. He will focus on major events leading up to removal such as the Louisiana Purchase, War of 1812, Indian Removal Act & Trail of Tears.
Matheny began his military career as a member of the United States Navy Reserve in 1981 & holds a bachelor of science degree in business administration from the University of Tennessee, a master of education from Middle Tennessee State University and a master of science in business management from Naval Post Graduate School. He & his wife, Victoria, are natives of McMinnville, Tennessee. He wrote “Gypsies, Beasts and Indian Chiefs” and “A River Rat Goes to Ayers Hall” and lectures on the Trail of Tears & American Indian culture. His great-, great-, great-grandfather James Campbell was part of the Trail of Tears to Oklahoma.
A collaboration between Florence Department of Arts and Museums and the Alabama Chapter of the Trail of Tears Association, this program is sponsored by the Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area. Call 256-760-6427 for details.

Young Learners Series -- Pushmataha
2022-12-17 10:00 - 11:00 | Florence Indian Mound and Museum, Florence, AL
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 on Choctaw leader Pushmataha, who worked for peace & the rights of the Choctaw people. Pushmataha helped Andrew Jackson & the Americans fight the Red Stick Creeks during the Creek War and fought at the Battle of New Orleans in 1814 during the War of 1812. Pushmataha later resisted treaties that forced the Choctaw to give up their land in Mississippi. Students will engage in a short lesson followed by an activity. Register here.

Black Friday concert to benefit Muscle Shoals Music Camp & MSNHA music programming
2022-11-25 19:30 | Shoals Theatre, 123 N. Seminary St., Florence, AL
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 close out the night. Tickets are $25 each & on sale here. All proceeds benefit the Muscle Shoals Music Camp & other MSNHA music programming. Co-hosted by Shoals Theatre, UNA School of the Arts and UNA Department of Entertainment Industry.

Young Learners' Series: Arthur C. Parker
2022-11-19 10:00 - 11:30 | Florence Indian Mound and Museum, Florence, AL
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, the programs will explore 12 Native American figures through their biographies, contributions, hopes & accomplishments. Each program is designed for ages 6-12 & has a creative component with hands-on learning. All events are free.

Programs are the third Saturday. Students will receive a passport of the 12 different programs. Prizes will be awarded to students who collect eight, 10 and 12 stamps throughout the year. Some programs will require students to be outside.

Register here.

Appalachian Teaching Project
2022-11-17 17:30 | AL
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 (and hopscotch!), enjoy giveaways and free snacks. We will be showing the movie “Back to the Future” in the nearby Courtland Trail Depot.

Trail Care: TVA Native Plant Garden
2022-11-12 09:00 - 12:00 | TVA Native Plant Garden, Muscle Shoals, AL
Help us steward our community’s native plant garden at the TVA Muscle Shoals Reservation. Click here to register.

Trail Care: TVA Native Plant Garden
2022-11-05 08:00 - 11:00 | TVA Native Plant Garden, Muscle Shoals, AL
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 from Alabama Master Gardener Margie Anderton. Wear closed toe shoes & clothes you don’t mind getting dirty and bring work gloves if you have them. Meet at the pavilion near the garden. Register here.

Colbert County Recreational Trails Master Plan Community Engagement Event
2022-11-03 17:00 - 18:30 | Leighton Town Hall, 8900 Main St, Leighton, AL, Leighton, AL, 35646, United States
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 routes for connectivity among recreation resources. The plan will also help Colbert County think about new areas for recreation development. Come join us and share your thoughts about bike routes, hiking trails & new kayaking access points!

Colbert County Recreational Trails Master Plan Community Engagement Event
2022-11-01 17:00 - 18:30 | Sheffield Public Library, 316 Montgomery Ave., Sheffield, Alabama, 35660, United States
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 among recreation resources. The plan will also help Colbert County think about new areas for recreation development. Come join us and share your thoughts about bike routes, hiking trails & new kayaking access points!

Pro tip: Stop at the Carriage before the meeting & pick up a beverage before joining us.

Young Learners Series -- Mussels
2022-10-15 10:00 - 11:30 | Florence Indian Mound and Museum, Florence, AL
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.

Tennessee River Litter Tournament
2022-09-24 08:00 - 11:00 | McFarland, Riverfront & Wildwood Parks, Florence & Sheffield, AL
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 your organization! Get ready to put on your free T-shirt and keep the Shoals beautiful! Check-in begins at 7:30 a.m. at McFarland & Wildwood parks, Florence, and Riverfront Park, Sheffield. Lunch provided for volunteers. You may also participate by checking out a free MSNHA kayak at Wildwood Park or by bringing your own. Kayakers should arrive at 7:30 a.m. for a 2-2.5-hour paddle down Cypress Creek after a safety & skills presentation, taking out at McFarland Park around 11 a.m. If registering for a tandem kayak, bring someone with you as the boats are too large to maneuver alone. If you register for a kayak & can’t attend, cancel ASAP so someone else may sign up! Kayakers must know how to swim & must wear personal flotation devices on the water (paddle & PFD provided to renters). Minors must be accompanied by an adult. Register here.

Kids in Kayaks Docent Training
2022-09-24 03:00 - 17:00 | McFarland Park, Florence, AL
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 with other docents & staff. An MSNHA staff member will carry out the overall coordination of each Kids in Kayaks program. Register here.

McFarland Doubles & Beginner Clinic
2022-09-17 | McFarland Park, Florence, AL
Disc golf is for everybody! Come find out for yourself at 2 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 17, at McFarland Driving Range. MSNHA & Singing River Disc Golf are hosting a disc golf clinic for both beginners & those wanting to improve their game. And if you want to get familiar with the sport before the clinic, come out from 8 a.m. to noon for a doubles tournament raising money for SRDG’s Florida College Scholarship. Register here.
