PRATTVILLE, Ala. – Central Alabama Community College history students are taking lessons beyond the classroom this semester, helping preserve the region’s history through community service projects across the region.
Fifty-five students are documenting local stories, caring for historic artifacts, and educating the public. The projects provide hands-on experience while supporting historical organizations in central Alabama.
Recently, 24 students partnered with the Old Autauga Historical Society at Rocky Mount Cemetery in Prattville. Students learned techniques for cleaning and repairing damaged gravestones, helping restore the historic site while gaining insight into the community’s past.
Other projects include collecting and digitizing oral histories for the Alabama Genealogical Society’s “Tell Me a Story” initiative and digitizing 19th-century probate records with the Old Autauga Historical Society.
Students are also digitizing records from the historic Pratt Gin Company and Continental Gin Company and cataloging artifacts at the Prattaugen Museum with the Autauga County Heritage Association. In addition, eight students will serve as guides for “The Americans,” a Smithsonian exhibit exploring Native American culture and history at the Elmore County Museum in Wetumpka from Nov. 16 to Dec. 18. Three students will support Southeastern Myskoke School Days on Friday, Oct. 16, helping educate attendees about the Myskoke, or Creek, Nation in Alabama.
“These service projects take education outside the traditional classroom and into the heart of our communities,” said Central Alabama Community College history instructor James Hurst.
Central Alabama Community College President Jeff Lynn thanked community partners and said the projects reflect the college’s mission to positively impact local communities.
Through the work, students are developing skills in archival research, public history, artifact care, and community engagement. Information about applying for free is available at cacc.edu. Enrollment for the spring 2027 semester opens Thursday, Oct. 29.
