Invest in Birmingham's Future: Volunteer with Vulcan

Article Submitted by Audra Bean, PR Director, Vulcan Park Foundation. Call 205-933-1409 for more information on how to become a Vulcan Volunteer.

Vulcan, the Roman god of the forge, has been the proud symbol of Birmingham for over 100 years. Created by Italian sculptor Giuseppe Moretti, this colossal statue was created as Alabama's entry to the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair to showcase the growing industrial might of the young city of Birmingham. After the fair, Vulcan returned to Birmingham where he was on public display at the Alabama State Fairgrounds, then permanently placed atop Red Mountain overlooking the city in 1939.

In the early 1990s, engineering studies cautioned that the statue could collapse due to structural problems. After 60 years, Vulcan Park closed and Vulcan was removed from his pedestal. In 1999, Vulcan Park Foundation was formed to raise monies to restore Vulcan and Vulcan Park. After an intensive four-year restoration project, Vulcan returned to his rightful home and the newly restored park was opened to the public in March 2004.

Vulcan Park is now a world-class facility that tells the story of Birmingham's past, present and promise for the future. Vulcan Center, the centerpiece of Vulcan Park's educational mission, houses interactive exhibits that not only portray the fascinating history of Vulcan, but also Birmingham's rich history from its industrial roots to its health care, medical research and financial institutions of today.

Vulcan Park is operated by Vulcan Park Foundation, a non-profit organization whose key mission is to educate visitors about Vulcan's significance to our community. Through volunteer support, the Foundation is working to fulfill this mission. Volunteers are needed to assist with daily operations of the park, provide administrative support, orient and educate guests on the park, and lead school children on engaging school tours. Volunteers not only invest in Vulcan's future, but also the future of Birmingham.