Work starting to open WWII museum in Childersburg
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Work starting to open WWII museum in Childersburg
By Christa Jennings
The City of Childersburg is taking a big step forward in establishing a one-of-a-kind museum in downtown Childersburg.
The mayor and City Council officially named an exploratory committee made up of retired Probate Judge Billy Atkinson Sr. and Don Stephens.
This committee will find ways to establish a first class facility, as well as look into how and where to secure funding and learn more about day-to-day operation of the museum “dedicated to the honor of the greatest civilian generation, supporting and sacrificing for freedom and U.S. Troops during World War II, 1941-1945.”
Artifacts found from Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto’s stay in the area now known as Childersburg would also be displayed as a part of the museum.
Additionally, many artifacts left by American Indians that were found where they had camps along the banks of the Coosa River and area creeks will be included in the Childersburg museum.
The committee has the commitment from The Alabama Department of Archives and History to help guide the forward progress of the work.
The project is still in the early stages, with no timeline yet for when the museum may be established. Stephens said the committee is currently spending time gathering information so that the museum “will be something the state will be proud to own.”
Additionally, the exact location has not yet been determined, but the city has at least two locations in downtown Childersburg being considered for housing the museum.
In addition to the aforementioned items and artifacts, Stephens also shared that there will be a presentation to Childersburg of a 48-star U.S. flag.
The flag was displayed in the lobby of offices at Alabama Ordnance Works and was reportedly received by a woman who worked there when they were ready to demolish the plant at the end of World War II.
More information about the flag presentation will be available later, with a presentation at Childersburg City Hall being scheduled in the future.
Director of Museums Dr. John Hardin perhaps said it best, “The Childersburg story is quite captivating and should be better known.”
For more information on the Childersburg museum project and to share input, please contact Don Stephens at drstephens1063@gmail.com.