HISTORY OF SBARCM

History of the State Black Archives Research Center & Museum

The Councill Domestic Science (Old Home Economics) Building was among several buildings constructed by students from 1891 to 1911. This building was one of many erected during the Buchanan Administration. Construction began in 1911 and was completed in 1912 and was named in honor of the University’s founder, William Hooper Councill who served as president from 1875 to 1909.

The pressed brick, stone and stucco pediment building is supported by four Doric columns. This modern well-equipped brick structure, housing women’s industries, was set apart exclusively for the domestic sciences. The females enjoyed sewing, cooking, and other household duties. A gymnasium was provided on the third floor. At one point, the building was used as a dormitory for faculty, students, a nursery school, and classrooms. The 100 x 50 ft., in its greatest dimension, is three stories high with two balconies providing one of the most picturesque views of Huntsville and the surrounding community on the AAMU’s campus, even today. The Domestic Science Building has been placed on the National Register of Historic Buildings both because the funds for its construction were given by the McCormick family and because of its outstanding architecture.

A Legislative Bill, sponsored by former State Representative and AAMU Professor Dr. George Grayson of Huntsville, established the State Black Archives Research Center and Museum in 1987. In 1990, the Councill Domestic Science Building was renovated and re-named the James Hembray Wilson, Sr. Building for the purpose of displaying a collection of papers, artifacts, and works depicting the history of Blacks in Alabama. The Wilson Building now serves as a living, vital remembrance of not only the University motto, “Service is Sovereignty”, it now houses remenants of African American life, culture, and tradition in Alabama. Its past usage and present function reminds us that it has never been “a residence” for the recluse, but “an inn” where people of diverse cultures and backgrounds do enter and have their needs met….

Compiled by Dr. Annie M. Payton, Director of Drake Learning Resources Center c2013