In a celebration of history and progress, the Alabama Ironworks Historic Commission, in collaboration with the Tombigbee RC&D Council, gathered with esteemed guests at the Brierfield Ironworks Historical State Park on October 25th, 2023. The occasion was none other than the RCD Grant Ceremony, an event that marked the culmination of a remarkable transformation. Attended by local legislative delegation, county officials, and dedicated RCD staff, this event was a significant milestone in the history of the Brierfield Ironworks Park.
The focus of this momentous gathering was the acknowledgment of a grant that was secured last year, a grant that breathed new life into a historic building, the Hubbard Studio, at Brierfield Park. The Studio, which had stood silent and forgotten since 2015, is now on the path to becoming a Museum and Educational Building, thanks to the generous support of the Tombigbee RC&D Council.
The history of the Hubbard Studio is as intriguing as the carvings that adorned it. In the 1980s, Dr. Leslie Hubbard, a passionate advocate for preserving the heritage of Brierfield, became captivated by the carousel carvings created by Ted Burnett, a dedicated maintenance worker at Brierfield. Dr. Hubbard’s vision took shape as he commissioned the building to be converted into a wood carving studio, designed in the style of the 19th-century miner’s cabins. This special place, crafted by the hands of Burnett, came to be known as the Hubbard Studio, affectionately referred to around the park as “Ted’s Cabin.”
The Studio, a humble structure, would stand as a testament to the dedication and artistry of those who once labored within the Brierfield Ironworks.
For years, Ted’s Cabin remained dormant, an empty shell with stories to tell but no one to hear them. That was until 2022 when the Tombigbee RC&D Council bestowed upon this historic building a grant of $10,000. This generous contribution marked the beginning of an ambitious transformation project aimed at turning the Hubbard Studio into an interpretive center and tutoring space.
Why, one might ask, was this particular project chosen, and why did the Hubbard Studio capture the hearts and imaginations of those involved? The answer is simple but profound: the need to preserve the history of Brierfield.
Until now, there was no dedicated place to delve into the fascinating history of this cherished community. William Morris, Museum Director for the Alabama Historic Ironworks Commission and the visionary behind many grant applications, emphasized the significance of the Hubbard Studio’s revival. “This building will now serve to tell the history of the parks and Brierfield as well as their mutual impact on the ironworks industry in Alabama,” he explained.
The Hubbard Studio, now poised to become a Museum and Educational Building, will house a treasure trove of history. Inside, visitors will be able to explore the past through artifacts and photographs, each item a piece of the intricate puzzle that is Brierfield’s history.
Acknowledging the success of this transformative project, Senator April Weaver and Duane McGee were extended heartfelt gratitude for their unwavering support. These champions of history and preservation played pivotal roles in making the revitalization of the Hubbard Studio a reality.
In the heart of Brierfield Ironworks Historical State Park, where the echoes of history still resonate, the RCD Grant Ceremony was a testament to the power of collaboration, dedication, and the unwavering commitment to preserving the rich heritage of Alabama. With the Hubbard Studio’s transformation, this corner of the world will not only honor the past but will also serve as an enlightening beacon for generations to come.
