PLANTATION HEIRS TO PERFORM AT CULTURAL CROSSROADS ON JANUARY 30

January 25, 2010

MONTGOMERY, Ala.--Gospel music favorites the Plantation Heirs will perform at the ninth annual Cultural Crossroads Symposium on January 30. Scholars from some of the state's top institutions will discuss Religion in Antebellum Alabama at the event, focusing primarily on the Protestant religion in the state from 1800-1850, and the day's activities will culminate with a performance of spirituals by the Plantation Heirs.

Hailing from the Auburn-Opelika area, the Plantation Heirs has become popular around the state for their unique presentation of traditional African-American spirituals, which they perform A Cappella while dressed in 19th century clothing. 

Cultural Crossroads was created in 2001 when a group of historians met at the Landmarks Foundation to discuss their desire to delve into the rich history of Central Alabama's Creek Indians. After six years, they moved on to other topics on Alabama's early settlers, including "A New Country: 1800-1830" at 2008's symposium and "Settling In: 1820s-1840s" in 2009. For 2010, the event will explore the formal and informal representations of religion in early Alabama, including religious practices and religion's effects on the state as it developed. 

Participating scholars include Richard Bailey, Montgomery historian; Timothy Buckner, Troy University; Chris Haveman, University of West Alabama; Charles Israel, Auburn University; Adam Jortner, Auburn University; John Mayfield, Samford University; and Johanna Shields, University of Alabama-Huntsville. 

The event is sponsored by the Landmarks Foundation, Auburn University's Caroline Draughon Center for the Arts and Humanities, the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts and the Alabama Humanities Foundation. 

Registration, which includes a light breakfast, lunch and refreshments, is $35 for the general public, $30 for members of sponsoring organizations, and $20 for faculty and students. The registration deadline is January 28. Please call 1-888-240-1850 for more information or to register. 

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