Al Ashley was born and raised in Tuskegee, Alabama. Growing up in the 1940s, he was surrounded by greatness. Tuskegee Institute drew African American intellectual, artistic and entertainment giants to the small town, making it a cultural oasis for African Americans in the midst of an otherwise segregated south. As a child, Al had the good fortune to meet many of the individuals in this elite group including: the poet, Langston Hughes; jazz composer, Duke Ellington; educator, Mary McLeod Bethune; surgeon and pioneer in blood transfusion, Dr. Charles Drew; and one of the best jazz singers of all time, Billy Holiday. He also met and was treated by renowned scientist, George Washington Carver. In 1978, Mr. Ashley began assembling a collection of U.S. coins and stamps honoring legendary African Americans. His presentation will focus on the contribution that African Americans have made to U.S. History. After the presentation, students will be able to view the Al Ashley Collection: African Americans on U.S. Coins and Stamps and tour the rest of the Museum.

There will be two presentations. One begins at 9:00 am and the other at 11:00 am. Reservations will be made on a first come first serve basis. If you are interested in having your students attend the event, please call Jessamy South at 208-7723 to book a time slot. Please limit group size to 60 people or less (including teachers and chaperones). The Museum of Mobile is located at 111 South Royal Street in historic downtown Mobile, Alabama.