SPANISH FORT — The Baldwin County Historical Society celebrated the 100th anniversary of the first gathering at the location where it all started.

In 1923, Lydia Comings and Martha Albers founded BCHS. The two would travel throughout the county and search for local historians and gather information. One hundred years later, this organization would still be doing what the founders hoped for — preserving history and keeping it alive. The group created the Baldwin County Department of Archives and History and ensures historical sites are taken care of.

In October 1923, the initial gathering took place in Blakely, chosen for its perceived abandonment. Attendees used various means of transportation including horses, wagons, motorboats and automobiles.

This Oct. 22, Baldwin County residents assembled under a tent at Blakely State Park to honor BCHS's century-long journey.

Harriet Outlaw, president of BCHS, said this celebration was special because they unveiled two monuments honoring the centennial celebration.

"The small one is done by the society and in commemoration of the founding meeting that was here in 1923," Outlaw said. "The second slab is a list of what we call our centennial Honor Roll members, and they are people whose families have wanted to honor by having their names engraved."

Elected officials, such as Baldwin County Commissioner Billie Jo Underwood, were present. Underwood, a fifth-generation Baldwin County resident, expressed gratitude for her role in serving the county. She highlighted the county's archives department.

"With the County Commission Association, you meet people from all 67 counties in the state in Alabama," Underwood said. "I don't think anybody has an archives department as good as ours."

Before presenting a resolution to the society, the commissioner stated she believes the word needs to get out that Baldwin County has an archives department that is full of history.

"One thing I want to say is the county commission has made a commitment to Blakely," she said. "It is over a half a million-dollar commitment. Those are funds that the county commission chose a whole to do for Blakely because it is so important."

State Rep. Jennifer Fidler, who represents Fairhope, Foley, Summerdale, Silverhill and Magnolia Springs, presented the Baldwin County Historical Society will a legislative resolution that recognizes their achievement of serving Baldwin County and preserving history for over 100 years.

Recognized as the only organization of its kind in the state of Alabama, BCHS also produces publications highlighting Baldwin County's history. "A Brief History of Baldwin County," authored by BCHS founders, is available at multiple county museums. The society publishes "The Quarterly" every quarter.

Historians convene at different locations within the county four times a year, including Stockton, Gulf Shores, Elberta, Foley, Fairhope, Daphne and Robertsdale, corresponding to the program being discussed.