Anniston, AL – The Anniston Public Library is gearing up for an insightful and engaging event as it prepares to host historian James L. Baggett for a special presentation titled “John Wilkes Boothe in Alabama.” Baggett, a seasoned historian, served as the Archivist for the City of Birmingham and Director of the Department of Archives and Manuscripts at the Birmingham Public Library from 1997 to 2023.
A native of St. Clair County, Alabama, Baggett’s journey into history began at Moody High School, where he graduated in 1981. He then attended Jefferson State Community College before earning a bachelor’s degree in public history at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) in 1986. Baggett initially joined the Birmingham Public Library as an intern, but his passion for history led him to pursue a Ph.D. in history at the University of Mississippi. He returned to the Birmingham Public Library in 1996 and held the position of head of the archives until his retirement in 2023.
The upcoming event is organized by the AlBenton Genealogical Society, who believes it presents an outstanding opportunity for attendees to delve into the history of John Wilkes Boothe in Alabama. The society extends a warm welcome to all visitors interested in attending this informative presentation.
Attendees are encouraged to sign in at 12:45 on February 3, with the program scheduled to commence promptly at 1 pm. The event will take place upstairs in the Ayers room at the Anniston Public Library, providing a comfortable and inviting setting for the historical exploration.
