New Alabama Olympian and Paralympian exhibit now open at Vulcan Park
Published: July 15, 2022
What do Jesse Owens, Charles Barkley and Alice Coachman have in common? They’re all Alabama Sports Hall of Fame inductees and they’re all Olympians. Discover these Alabama Sports Hall of Fame inductees and more in Vulcan Park and Museum’s latest exhibit.
Going for the Gold: Alabama’s Olympians and Paralympians introduces all 25 Olympians and Paralympians on the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame roster. With photos and engaging AR technology, Going for the Gold reminds us the state is not just a football powerhouse. Figure skating, diving, swimming, track and field, wheelchair rugby and more are represented in this exhibit, by athletes whose careers span a century of competition.
Vulcan Park and Museum’s own Jennifer Chandler knows the subject matter intimately. In 1976, Chandler competed on Team USA at the Summer Olympics in Montreal, clinching the gold medal in the 3-meter springboard competition. Today, Chandler is Director of Development at Vulcan Park and Museum.
“Going for the Gold depicts what’s best about Alabama, the determination and pursuit of excellence that often takes others by surprise. So many great Olympians and Paralympians have called Alabama home, some for a chapter in their lives, others for their entire lives. I’m honored to be a part of the community,” Chandler says.
“Vulcan Park and Museum is the perfect place to celebrate their accomplishments,” she continues. “The spirit of our Olympians and Paralympians is also embodied in Alabama’s great iron man, Vulcan. He brought fame and glory to the state at the St. Louis World’s Fair in 1904.”
Going for the Gold is on view in the Birmingham Today gallery at Vulcan Park and Museum. It is a new permanent exhibit. Entrance to the exhibition is included with general admission to VPM. Admission to the exhibit is $6 for 13 and up, $4 for kids ages 5-12 and children under 4 are free. Vulcan Center Museum is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. – 6.pm.
Going for the Gold: Alabama’s Olympians and Paralympians is supported with corporate sponsors Protective, Birmingham Coca-Cola Bottling Company, Regions and Vulcan Materials.