By JOYANNA LOVE/ Senior Staff Writer

“Making Alabama: A Bicentennial Traveling Exhibit” will be at the Clanton Conference and Performing Arts Center on the Jefferson State Chilton-Clanton campus starting Nov. 3.

The Chilton County Chamber of Commerce is holding a reception and ribbon cutting for the exhibit on Nov. 4 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. in the upper level of the Conference and Performing Arts Center.

Attendees can enter through the door at the far left of the front of the college.

Light refreshments will be served.

Admission to the reception and the exhibit is free.

“We are excited about it,” Chamber director Francine Wasden said.

The real 200th anniversary of Alabama statehood is in 2019, but celebration and commemoration has begun this year.

“This traveling exhibit essentially highlights the history of the state,” Chamber board member Billy Singleton said. “The intent of the (Alabama Humanities) Foundation was to get this exhibit in every county before the end of 2019.”

Wasden said the exhibit includes a number of storyboards and handouts.

“I think it is going to be so interesting,” Wasden said. “I really feel that they are going to have a great turnout …We are so glad that they (the exhibit) are stopping here.”

Jefferson State Community College also worked to get the exhibit at each of its campuses.

The exhibit will be open Monday through Thursday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Friday 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. until Nov. 21.

Chilton County has received three grants from the Alabama Bicentennial Commission to commemorate the county’s 150th anniversary and to promote the exhibit.

The Chamber is looking for volunteers to greet those who attend the exhibit. Those interested in being a part should contact the Chamber at (205) 755-2400 or Singleton at (205) 389-0864.

Wasden said prior knowledge of Alabama history is not required to volunteer.