Black History Month: Public invited to historic resource survey meeting on Magnolia Terrace this week

With Black History Month upon us, Huntsville’s African-American community will get an update this week on the ongoing historic resource survey being conducted on Huntsville’s Magnolia Terrace community to determine its historical significance and eligibility for the National Registry of Historic Places (NRHP).

The public is welcome to attend the meeting Thursday, February 17 at 7 p.m. at the St. Joseph Catholic Church Fellowship Hall located on Beasley Avenue. Survey consultant Dr. Caroline Swope and City of Huntsville preservation planner Katie Stamps will answer questions and share updates about the field work being conducted,

The survey is the first of a two-part process to first assess whether the Magnolia Terrace neighborhood qualifies for the NRHP listing, after which the city can apply for additional grants to pursue it.

First built in the 1930s and 1940s, Magnolia Terrace became home to many distinguished Black educators during the 1950s and 1960s, including Councill High School teachers, Alabama A&M professors, and local business owners.

Several current Black leaders from the community are engaged in the survey planning process, most of whom grew up in Magnolia Terrace and have fond memories of it. They include Bobby Bradley, co-founder of Village of Promise; Huntsville Schools principal and teacher Brenda Barley Chunn; Huntsville attorney Jocelyn Jones-Boustani; and artist Jahni Moore.

It is also distinguished by the two-story home of Dr. Harold Fanning Drake, Huntsville Hospital’s first Black doctor; and St. Joseph Catholic School, the city’s first integrated school.

“With this survey, the city will document the historically significant structures and collect invaluable research that will aid in the continued identification of other resources associated with Huntsville’s Black community,” Stamps said. “The city anticipates pursuing a more comprehensive survey of sites associated with Huntsville’s Black history and this survey will be a major asset to support that effort.”

Chunn said growing up in the Magnolia Terrace community had a positive impact on her life.

“I applaud Mayor Tommy Battle, Councilman Devyn Keith and all who are supporting this initiative by making it possible,” Chunn said. “I am eager to share my own experiences and training in the social sciences in the fulfillment of this endeavor and to learn new things about the community that I know and love.”

The survey is documenting approximately 219 properties within a 66.69-acre boundary. Listing Magnolia Terrace to the NRHP would not result in regulations or restrictions on homeowners or require them to make alterations to their properties.

“With this survey, the city will document the historically significant structures and collect invaluable research that will aid in the continued identification of other resources associated with Huntsville’s Black community,” Stamps said. “The city anticipates pursuing a more comprehensive survey of sites associated with Huntsville’s Black history and this survey will be a major asset to support that effort.”