The Coosa County Historical Society was organized at Rockford, Ala., on August 30, 1972. Judge C.J. Coley of Alexander City spoke to the pilot group of 17 present on the organization and functions of such a society, as well as made mention of numerous places within the county of historical significance.

Officers elected were President Judge Mac Thomas; Vice-President John A Smith, IV; Secretary and Treasurer, Edna B. McGalliard.

“On October 17, 1972, the second meeting was held and our vice president pointed out the purpose of a historical society, among which is to preserve our local landmarks.

“Through the effort of Mr. Smith, Judge Thomas and others, the old jail at Rockford was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Properties which the Alabama Historical Commissioner’s policy nominated to the prestigious Register and once placed on the Register they are eligible to have federal funds requested for their restoration and are protected from demolition for any project using federal funds such as highways or urban renewal. In August of 1972 only 68 landmarks in Alabama had been registered. The Alabama Historical Commission is the exclusive agency for administering all funds received by the state under the federal Historical Properties Act of 1966. Also, the Department of the Interior provides matching funds for historic preservation on the basis of recommendations by the Commission. Needles to say, funds allocated for preservation are quite limited.

“We believe the old Jail Museum, the old Rockford Women’s Club and other landmarks and sites in Coosa County should be and can be preserved as a link to our rich historical past. Only through a strong historical society can we hope to achieve these worthwhile goals. To become a strong organization, we are urgently in need of interest, donations, and new members.

The organization had 42 original charter members, then by January 1973 they had a total of 85 charter members. By April that year, there were a total of 124 members which increased to 156 by July 1973.

In January 1980, a new slate of officers was elected: President Mavis C. Sallas; Vice-President Mary George Teel; Secretary Edna Beasley McGalliard; Treasurer Louise Brown Camp; Program Judy W Jackson; and Membership Mrs. Annie L. King.

In February 1981, the publication “Coosa County, Ala. Records, Vol 1, Cemeteries” was published. It was followed by volumes 2 and 3.

The society also participated in the heritage book project. This project compiled the history of various organizations, churches and places around the county, as well as family histories. It all culminated in the “Heritage Book of Coosa County,” or otherwise known as “the big red book.”

In addition to those mentioned above, the Historical Society has several other books that it sells. Several authors over the years have given us the copyright or furnished the books themselves.

At one time, we had space in the rock building behind the courthouse. Now, we are located in the driver’s license building with office and resource room. We are working to make the resource room available for genealogy research.

Current projects include the digitization of our records, improvement of both the old jail museum and the women’s clubhouse in Rockford, establishing a website, and efforts to save the rock building behind the courthouse that was the former home of the Cooperative Extension office.

We meet on the fourth Sunday in January, April, July, and October with occasional changes. The program usually includes business, a speaker and refreshments. Years past, we met in various locations around the county, but for the last year we have met at the Rockford Senior Center located in the old library portion of Coosa County High School. They have a great facility that is easily accessible with no steps.

Currently, we have about 90 members, but only about eight or 10 active members. Our current officers are Sheila Ward, president; Bridget Kelley, vice-president; Debra Lamberth, secretary; and Nicole Law, treasurer. We also have three executive committee members, Kerry Hatchett, J.T. McDonald and Jan Wood.

A 501(c)3 non-profit organization, the Coosa County Historical Preservation Authority relies upon its members and the generosity of individuals, corporations, and foundations to provide support. All donations are tax deductible.