By By MaryClaire Foster
The Poarch Band of Creek Indians recently made a $500,000 contribution to the Alabama Department of Archives and History for new state history exhibits.
The exhibits are part of a gallery entitled “Alabama Voices,” which will feature seven exhibits spanning the state’s history from the 1700s to present day.
Archives spokesman Steve Murray said the gallery, “Alabama Voices,” is a different approach to a museum exhibit.
Murray said the exhibits begin with an introduction to the overall Creek culture as well as telling what their daily life was like at that time.
Tribal Chairman Buford Rolin spoke proudly of the Creek Indians’ history in the state.
Along with written history, the exhibit will include a large collection of Creek artifacts. Murray said the archives are shooting for Smithsonian-quality for the exhibits.
The exhibit has been in planning and under construction since 2002 and Murray said there is no specific completion date.
The project’s estimated cost is a $4.5 million and is the main factor to an unset completion date, which Murray said is dependent on having the funds raised. Murray gratefully acknowledge Poarch’s donation in moving along the fundraising.
Murray also praised their non-monetary contributions in the form of consulting on Creek history.
The presentation of the contribution was made by Tribal Councilman Robert R. McGhee, as a result of a Resolution from the Tribal Council, during a special ceremony held at the Department of Archives and History in Montgomery on April 28.