Madison Station Historical Preservation Society reaches 40th anniversary

MADISON – Madison Station Historical Preservation Society or MSHPS is celebrating its 40th anniversary and reflecting on its origins, legacy traditions and continuation of the town’s heritage.

On January 24, 1984, citizens met to discuss founding a ‘historical society’ for the City of Madison. The ‘society’ held its first meeting on February 23, 1984. The group then elected charter officers on March 22, 1984.

On March 28, 1984, the “Madison County Record” newspaper stated that Madison Station Historical Preservation Society met on March 22, 1984, “for the purpose of presenting the Articles of Incorporation.” The group intended “to promote interest in the renovation, rehabilitation and preservation of historical properties of all kinds within the City of Madison.”

One charter member, Dennis Vaughn, is still active in MSHPS and hosts the organization’s summer picnic on his front lawn on Front Street. Vaughn also serves on various municipal committees and with civic groups.

To commemorate the society’s 40th anniversary, Phillip Rigsby submitted a resolution with the Alabama House of Representatives. Rigsby serves as Alabama State Representative for District 25.

The proclamation commends the historical society for reaching its 40th anniversary and celebrates its four decades of invaluable contributions to Madison. MSHPS has played a pivotal role “to allure tourists and visitors, actively contributing to the revitalization of Madison Station,” the resolution states.

Through the years, the society has sponsored a “Tour of Historic Homes” with owners opening their houses on Front, Martin, Maple and Church streets.

Individual members have mentored Boy Scouts pursuing the Eagle rank and Girl Scouts working to earn the Gold Award.

During the Christmas season, society members coordinate a full slate of events, such as the Madison Polar Express Christmas Tree Trail and Christmas Capers, a sentimental tradition.

In 2020, Madison Station Historic Preservation Society entered a partnership with the City of Madison to foster mutual stewardship of the Roundhouse. The Roundhouse contains most artifacts that the society owns, including documents and photos. (madisonal.gov)

For more information, visit historicmadisonstation.com or Facebook/ Madison Station Historical Preservation Society.