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The Leeds Historical Society is a nonprofit organization that is celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2008.

You are encouraged to support the Leeds Historical Society by purchasing a commemorative ornament of the Bass House or Rowan Oaks, which are available only for a limited time. The society sells these and other items to raise funds for the society's projects. For more information, see the Fundraising page in the Projects section of the Website.

If you are interested in joining Leeds Historical Society, you can find membership information is the Membership section of the Website.

 Use the other links to find additional information about the organization.

Stagecoach A Comin’; Celebration to Follow

Come to downtown Leeds on Saturday afternoon to see a horsedrawn stagecoach at 9^th Street and Parkway Drive. At 2:15 p.m., the stagecoach will travel down Hwy. 119, Leeds’ Scenic Byway, to the Bass House Museum.

The stagecoach will deliver a proclamation to the museum stating that it has been named to the National Register of Historic Places, the highest honor a historic property can receive.

A celebration will follow on the grounds of the Bass House Museum with musical performances beginning at 2:30 p.m. by the Stoney Road Blue Grass Band, Pauline Hall, the Leeding Ladies and the Alabama Blue Grass Musicians.

In addition to the music, you can see a re-enactment of "Guns For Hire," a famous stagecoach robbery.

A complimentary, homemade country meal of fried chicken, field peas, chow-chow, potato salad, slaw, sliced tomatoes and watermelon will be served.

The event will last until 6 p.m., so you may want to bring a folding lawn chair. There is no charge to attend; however, donations to the Leeds Historical Society will be accepted.

Mark your calendar now for the inaugural Leeds Downtown Folk Festival featuring John Henry Days from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 20, and 12 noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 21. Admission and parking are free to the public.

The two-day outdoor event in Leeds, Ala., celebrating the roots, richness and variety of American culture will feature folk music, craft exhibits and demonstrations, children’s activities, food, storytelling and Leeds’ second annual celebration of John Henry Days.

The festival is being produced by the Leeds Arts Council in conjunction with the Leeds Chamber of Commerce, the Leeds Historical Society, the Leeds Scenic Byway Management Team and McMillan Associates. This program/project has been made possible by grants from the Alabama State Council on the Arts, the Alabama Humanities Foundation, the Alabama Bureau of Tourism and Travel, and the City of Leeds. Corporate sponsors include Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, Covenant Bank and the Monkey’s Uncle.

There will be something for everyone at the festival. You may want to bring a folding chair and stay all day.

A variety of folk musicians and musical groups will perform on Saturday and Sunday. A storyteller and a street dance are planned for Saturday.

At least 27 artisans will display and demonstrate their craftsmanship during the festival. You can watch basketweavers, a metalsmith, felters, woodcarvers and potters at work and take home one-of-a-kind items.

Children ages 4 to 12 can make crafts to take home. The festival will sponsor an interactive creation opportunity for parents and children to work together. Children also can visit agricultural events, see tractors, listen to stories and play games.

John Henry Days will feature a display of artwork sponsored by the Leeds Board of Education and two performances of the play, "Listen to that Cold Steel Ring," presented by the Leeds Historical Society. The play depicts the life of local legend John Henry and the contest he waged with a steam drill at Oak Mountain tunnel in the 1880s.

A food court will open on Saturday and Sunday, and the Leeds Farmers Market will join the festivities on Saturday.

Leeds is located 15 miles east of Birmingham, just two miles off I-20, exit 140.

For more information about the event, see www.leedsfolkfestival.com. For information about artisans, call Regina Arnold at 205-699-1982. For information about sponsorship opportunities, call Joel Corley at 205-324-6881, ext. 101. For information about food vendors, call Andrew Bell, at 205-324-6881, ext. 106.