Saving the Center
Generations of memory live in this space.
'Before the Depression, the children of Barnwell went to school here. It’s where children and grandchildren once held weddings, funerals and anniversaries. Over the past century, Barnwell’s tight-knit farming families have gathered within these walls for countless bingo nights, potluck dinners and quilting circles. The community used to vote inside. And now, the most remarkable thing: Though she’s sat dormant for more than a decade, slowly disintegrating and filling up with junk, the Barnwell Community Center is awakening once again.' Excerpt from Mobile Bay Magazine, December 2022 issue
The Barnwell Community Center is an irreplaceable landmark of the history of our community, our county and our state. It stands as a physical reminder of the grit and faith that founded this area, as well as the diversity of our experiences and the history we share. More than that it has become a touchstone of the Barnwell community, connecting families, friends and neighbors and bringing heart to our community.
The Barnwell Community Organization was created to restore and save this building. With the support of people like you, we preserve, protect and steward this physical representation of our community spirit.
The story of this place is a story not just of Barnwell but of all of us who have chosen to call this area home. With your help, the Barnwell Community Organization can continue to restore and preserve the Community Center and by doing so connect our past and our present to each other—and help inspire a better tomorrow.
A Plan for Improvement
The Community Center restoration began with a series of public interest meetings and surveys that culminated in a long range vision for the community center and grounds.
Progress
What began as an effort to save a building in far worse condition than anyone initially realized has grown into an incredible community undertaking. Thanks to the dedication of volunteers, donors, and supporters, major structural restoration work has been completed, including the foundation, north and south walls, and roof.
The project has also grown beyond the walls of the building. The Barnwell Community Organization recently purchased an additional three acres of adjacent property, providing much-needed space for parking, community events, and the future growth of the Community Center grounds.
In 2026, work continues with another exciting milestone: the installation of new windows and doors, bringing the historic building one step closer to being enclosed and ready for interior restoration.
There is still plenty of work ahead, including electrical work, interior renovations, restrooms, the stage, and improvements to the surrounding grounds, but each completed phase brings us closer to returning the Historic Barnwell Community Center to its original purpose—a place for neighbors to gather, celebrate, and build community.
We’ve come a long way, and we’re just getting started.
