Preserving history: Leeds Historical Society awarded $75K to support local efforts

Published 7:03 am Wednesday, August 6, 2025

The Leeds Historical Society was recently awarded a $75,000 grant from the Alabama Historical Commission, presented in a ceremony at the historic J.W. Bass House, home of the City of Leeds Museum, on Friday, Aug. 1. This funding will support renovations and upgrades to preserve, protect and promote the history of Leeds.

In a post to social media, the Leeds Historical Society thanked Sen. Dan Roberts and State Rep. Susan Dubose who sponsored the grant request to the Alabama Historical Commission.

The presentation took place prior to the unveiling of the new permanent exhibit Terminal Station: Birmingham’s Great Temple of Travel at the Historic Leeds Depot. The display explores the architectural splendor and historical significance of Birmingham’s iconic Terminal Station — once considered the “Great Temple of Travel” in the South.

The exhibit is the result of a partnership between the Leeds Historical Society and the Mid-South Chapter of the Railway & Locomotive Historical Society. The Historic Leeds Depot, owned and maintained by the City of Leeds, is leased by the Leeds Historical Society for public programming and interpretation. The Mid-South Chapter subleases the Agent’s Office and exhibit room, where this installation will be permanently housed.