On Wednesday, January 16 at Noon, the Pell City Public Library invites you to step back in time as Ty Malugani, Education Coordinator for Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark presents, “Spirit of Steel: Music of the Mines, Mills, and Railroads of the Birmingham District.”   

Railroad workers, miners, and mill hands who came to Birmingham in the late nineteenth century brought traditional songs and spirituals with them from their native Black Belt cotton fields and Appalachian towns.  This music enriched their lives, serving as a source of comfort and inspiration by lifting their spirits and easing their burdens.   

Did you know that Sloss Furnace, a Birmingham-based iron-manufacturing complex, was once the largest manufacturer of pig-iron in the world? Established in 1881 by Col. James W. Sloss, a railroad developer from Athens, Limestone County, Sloss Furnace was in operation from 1882-1970, and has the distinction of being the longest continually-running blast furnace in Birmingham history. It was declared a National Landmark in 1981, offering visitors insight into Birmingham’s rich industrial heritage, through educational tours, classes, and special events.

An educational resource was produced in 1999 by Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark entitled, “Spirit of Steel: Music of the Mines, Railroads and Mills of the Birmingham District.” It was the work of a group of folklorists and music scholars who realized the importance of preserving the unique songs and labor-related music of this particular time and place.  In addition, this resource preserved the rich histories and personal recollections of the individuals behind the music, as well as their unique traditions and culture.

Ty Malugani’s presentation at the Pell City Library on Wednesday, January 16 at noon will include those personal stories, as well as delightful samplings of the labor-related music, ranging from union songs and old-time fiddling to soulful ballads and heart-rending blues.  The program is free, and is part of the library’s ongoing Wild and Wonderful Wednesday series. Light refreshments will be served afterwards.