The land between Mullet Point on Mobile Bay and Fish River...

...has long been a desirable region for farmers and fishermen, with its fertile soil and waterways teeming with fish.  Native Americans discovered the area’s natural resources as far back as 10,000 years ago and the natural beauty and abundant resources of this area has continued to attract settlers from all walks of life.  

From the earliest American settlers who built a home through sheer grit and faith, to the most recent of settlers, retiring from colder climes and looking for the warmth and slow pace that can only be found in the South. Barnwell is vibrant because of our diverse, shared histories. There are common threads throughout the region’s history. Stories of settlement, migration, and diversity.

And we at the Barnwell Community Organization are working to collect, curate and preserve those stories into a narrative that tells the Barnwell Story.

The Barnwell Story

The Barnwell Story is a community-focused history project and exhibition. Storytellers (you, your neighbor, or your Great-uncle Joe) talk about their ties to the region.  We listen and gather the individual stories into an inclusive and celebratory account of the experiences of Barnwell residents (past and present).

Through your story, you share and describe your personal or family history and their ties to this community. While sometimes mundane, these personal narratives are powerful and carry great import for the storyteller and comprise local history, as it was and is lived. Listening to these personal stories connects each storyteller and listener within a greater whole. Once collected, the stories will be archived and organized and then made accessible for researchers, descendants, and community members for generations to come.

The goal of this project is to create an archive of local histories and supporting documentation provided by storytellers (either loaned, photographed/scanned, or donated), including historic images, objects, and ephemera relating to individuals and significant places; in order to demonstrate the depth and breadth of the history of our community.   Through this, we highlight how diverse identities and individual stories intertwine to create a unique picture of our region.