If you missed the traveling Smithsonian exhibit The Way We Worked, which was on display in Andalusia for about five weeks, you missed a treat.

Brought to small towns like Andalusia by the Alabama Humanities Foundation, the interact exhibit provided insight into the way our work has changed over the past 100 to 150 years. But more importantly than that, it was the impetus for documenting very much local history.

The efforts of local students, coordinated by Linda Kyle, produced not only a book of essays about people and their work, but two quilts, timelines, and other documents.

More than 1,500 people – about half of them students – toured the exhibit while it was here. Those visits were facilitated by the many docents who gave numerous half-days to the cause.

Presentations about the way we worked locally drew more audience, and the history and memories shared have been preserved in DVDs, available from Pack and Ship.

Work was explored through music in a program coordinated by Steve Hubbard. DVDs of that show are available from WAAO, project coordinator Barbara Tyler said.

And it’s not too late for locals to preserve their own memories. A mini recording booth provided by the Smithsonian will remain in Andalusia for some time. Those interested can call Tyler at city hall to schedule a time. The film will be archived by the Smithsonian.

The Smithsonian, the Alabama Humanities Foundation, the city, Chamber, and others who contributed to the effort all deserve our praise for a job well done. Thank you for your work in documenting our collective histories.