CACC Takes History Classrooms into the Community

by Chance Jones

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Prattville, Ala. – Central Alabama Community College is demonstrating its commitment to experiential learning by sending history students beyond the classroom into local communities. This semester, 55 students are actively preserving, documenting, and sharing the rich history of central Alabama through a series of local service projects.

Recently, 24 students conducted the Rocky Mount Cemetery project in Prattville. This was in partnership with the Old Autauga Historical Society where students learned professional techniques to clean and repair damaged historic gravestones. These practical skills also helped restore a significant local landmark, while learning about the community’s local history.

Additional projects this semester include:

Collecting and digitizing oral histories for long-term preservation with the “Tell Me a Story” initiative through the Alabama Genealogical Society (5 students).

Serving as volunteer guides for “The Americans,” a Smithsonian exhibit exploring Native American culture and history. This collaboration with the Elmore County Historical Society will have students serve at the Elmore County Museum in Wetumpka from November 16 through December 18 (8 students).

Supporting Southeastern Myskoke School Days on October 16 with the Old Autauga Historical Society. Students will help set up the event and educate attendees about the culture and history of the Myskoke (Creek) people in Alabama (3 students).

Digitizing 1800s probate records with the Old Autauga Historical Society (5 students).

Digitizing the historic Pratt Gin Company and Continental Gin Company records from the 1800s and cataloguing artifacts at the Prattaugan Museum in partnership with the Autauga County Heritage Association (10 students).

“These service projects take education outside the traditional classroom and into the heart of our communities,” said CACC history instructor James Hurst. “Our students are making an impact by protecting the stories and heritage of the people who shaped this region.”

Through these partnerships, CACC history students are developing professional skills in archival work, public history interpretation, artifact care, and community engagement.

“We are so grateful to our community partners that make projects like these possible,” added CACC President Jeff Lynn. “Our mission is to positively impact our local communities, and I’m so proud of CACC faculty and staff for finding ways to embrace that mission.”

To apply for free at one of CACC’s four campuses, visit cacc.edu. Course enrollments for Spring 2027 open October 29.

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