Telling Northwest Alabama’s Stories
The northwest corner of Alabama may look small on a map, but this part of the Tennessee River basin has had an outsized influence on America’s culture and history. People and places in the Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area’s six counties have shaped America to an astonishing degree with music, engineering, education and more. And it’s still happening! From outdoor recreation to Grammy hitmaking to historic preservation and sustainable reuse, we continue to be a vibrant presence on the national landscape. See for yourself—explore our website to learn more and plan your own visit.
River Heritage
The Tennessee River has shaped history and culture in northwest Alabama for centuries.
Native Heritage
Native Americans came to northwest Alabama for the Tennessee River’s food, water, and transportation.
Music Heritage
Music inspires and shapes northwest Alabama. Native Americans called the Tennessee River “Singing River.”
Featured Projects
Roots of American Music Trail
Our music makes us special and we love to share. Explore the “The Hitmaking Capital of the World” through our Roots of American Music Trail, a self-guided cell-phone tour of music locations, such as iconic recording studios, that changed the world.
"Native Flora" digital magazine
Check out MSNHA’s new & exclusive “Native Flora” magazine. You’ll explore northwest Alabama’s rich biodiversity and learn how to plant & care for your own plants plus enjoy valuable tips & stunning photography. Download & read for free,
Civil Rights Struggle in the Shoals Project
CRSSP researches & documents the struggle for freedom in Colbert & Lauderdale counties from 1945 to 1975. Its website shares the results in a dynamic and accessible way by telling a story that has largely been ignored in the narrative of Shoals history.
Upcoming Events
MSNHA Blog
Six Counties — Countless Stories: Holiday Shopping
Shopping local helps communities & makes you a star gifter Your gift list can do more this year when you buy locally — you’ll support people & projects in northwest
UNA archive preserves and shares music history
By Cathy WoodMSNHA media coordinator The newly launched Shoals Music Archive at the University of North Alabama is dedicated to collecting and preserving northwest Alabama’s rich music heritage – and
Riverton: A Casualty of Change
By Ashley Steenson PhD candidate, History Dissertation Fellow University of Alabama Drafted in 1933 and first explained in a message to Congress by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the Tennessee Valley
Featured Video
If video doesn’t play, please go directly to our YouTube channel.
Featured Photos
The Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area is full of talented photographers. Featured on our pages are images taken by Abraham Rowe, Christi Britten, Brian Corrigan, Mary Carton, Shannon Wells and others—images that focus on the natural beauty, history and innovation that the MSNHA is known for. Browse through the gallery below and watch for an announcement about our annual photo contest—your photo could end up here, too!
