The Department of Family and Consumer Sciences has unveiled “Heritage Divine: An Exhibition Honoring 150 Years of Alabama A&M University,” a new display commemorating the University’s Sesquicentennial year. Located in the Carver Complex Hobson Wing display cases on the first floor, the exhibition opened during Homecoming Week and will remain on view through January 30, 2026, during regular business hours.

Curated by Dr. Kristian Hogans, assistant professor of Apparel, Merchandising, and Design in the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, “Heritage Divine” traces AAMU’s journey from its founding in 1875 to its modern-day identity as a land-grant institution rooted in education, empowerment, and progress.

“When guests visit the exhibition, they’ll begin at the left side of the wing and follow a story I’ve titled “Heritage Divine,” said Hogans. “As I explored the archives, I kept returning to the themes of tradition, heritage, and divinity – along with a profound sense of purpose. Those values form the heart of Alabama A&M’s story.”

Among the first items on display is a tribute to the University’s founder. “We start with our pioneer, Dr. William Hooper Councill,” Hogans explained. “He was born enslaved and sold in Huntsville behind what was then the Green Bottom Inn. That same house later became his residence as AAMU’s first president. His life embodies the soul of this institution – resilience, transformation, and a belief in education as the pathway to uplift.”

The exhibition features historical photographs, documents, and garments drawn from the department’s Clothing and Textile Collection, including a West Point cadet uniform symbolic of the American Civil War and the University’s early ties to military training and discipline, and an academic hood representing the institution’s growth into a center of higher learning for African Americans.

Hogans, now in her third year at AAMU, brings a scholarly perspective to the exhibition as both a socio-cultural and historical researcher in apparel studies. “Apparel education has been part of Alabama A&M since our first term in 1883,” she said. “Courses like sewing, dressmaking, and embroidery were among the earliest offered here. Fashion and design continue to shape student identity and economic empowerment today.”

“Heritage Divine” was a collaborative effort involving faculty, students, and staff across campus. Charquenta Dishmon, a graduate student in Family and Consumer Sciences, contributed to the visual design and construction of the display cases. Ashlon Eberhart, an undergraduate in Family and Consumer Sciences, contributed to the visual design for some of the dress forms. “Representation was a key part of the process,” said Hogans. “We wanted the dress forms, imagery, and stories to reflect the students and communities that make Alabama A&M unique.”

The exhibition also honors contributions from members of the Divine Nine organizations and AAMU alumni who donated archival clothing and images. Partnerships with the J.F. Drake Memorial Learning Resource Center, Alabama Cooperative Extension System, and local business Dream Workx Graphix & Signz helped bring the vision to life.

“Creating this museum exhibition helps me feel connected to this esteemed institution,” Hogans said. “I hope visitors reflect on Councill’s sacrifices, appreciate the impact of Family and Consumer Sciences, and leave with a sense of belonging. When you come from Alabama A&M University, you can truly start here and go anywhere.”

In addition to the exhibition, AAMU Apparel, Merchandising, and Design students extended their creativity into Homecoming Week by designing custom outfits and T-shirts for students and alumni ahead of this weekend’s celebrations. Hogans says students, faculty, staff and alumni can request style consultations and custom designs for Homecoming festivities or any other campus event.

Free and open to the public, “Heritage Divine” invites alumni, students, and the community to experience the history, artistry, and legacy that continue to define Alabama A&M University – 150 years strong.