Friends of the West Jefferson County Historical Society:
We have good news!
On Sunday, June 7, 2026, at 2 p.m., the WJCHS will welcome a special guest, Leigh Hulsey, State Representative for District 15, to the Sadler House.
Of course, since its pioneer beginning in 1818, guests have been welcome at this historic home. This latest guest comes bearing a gift — a grant from the Jefferson County Community Service Fund for preservation of the Sadler House.
The check presentation, along with a brief program about the Sadler House, will be held on the lawn. Guests are encouraged to bring a blanket or chair and enjoy cookies and ice-cold lemonade while hearing stories of the house and its history.
The Sadler Family included builder and lay architect William Rose Sadler, who is credited with construction of the first Jefferson County Courthouse in the City of Elyton. He also built the area’s first grist mill and sawmill.
His son, William Wellington Sadler, was a founder of the Pleasant Hill Academy and Pleasant Hill Methodist Church.
The Sadler House is located at 5262 Eastern Valley Road, McCalla, not far from I-459 Exit 1. We hope you can join us!
The year 2026 holds significant meaning for the WJCHS. Most importantly, our nation marks its 250th birthday — a time to celebrate and remember the values and ideals that forged our nation.
The McAdory House, located just a few miles down Eastern Valley Road from the Sadler House, was the birthplace of Thomas McAdory Owen in 1866 — some 160 years ago.
With ties to the Sadler, McAdory, and Owen homes, Thomas McAdory Owen is a prominent historian best known for his leadership as founder and first director of the Alabama Department of Archives and History (ADAH).
ADAH was the first state-funded archives in the United States and became a model for other states.
His contributions as a historian extended far beyond that role. He revived the Alabama Historical Society, founded the Southern History Association in Washington, D.C., and served as a charter member and first president of the Alabama Library Association.
Those interested in family genealogy will recognize his name as the author of History of Alabama and Dictionary of Alabama Biography.
Another of his works, A Bibliography of Alabama, is recognized as an invaluable resource for historians, researchers, genealogists, and anyone interested in the rich heritage of the Southern United States. It is considered a cornerstone reference work for understanding the documentary record of Alabama.
This year, the Alabama Department of Archives and History marks its 125th anniversary. To commemorate the occasion, ADAH has undertaken a series of museum updates, including:
- A new Children’s Gallery
- An enhanced “Alabama Voices” exhibit
- The first comprehensive update in nearly 40 years focusing on Alabama’s agricultural heritage and contributions to space exploration
Visitors to the Museum of Alabama, located at 624 Washington Avenue, Montgomery, can enjoy a variety of lectures, tours, and exhibits.
While visiting this historic landmark, remember the son of western Jefferson County whose vision and leadership helped make it a reality.
We look forward to seeing you on Sunday, June 7, 2026, at 2 p.m.
