UA Museum to Host Symposium and Exhibit on the Life and Work of Walter B. Jones

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The Alabama Museum of Natural History will host a symposium and exhibition highlighting the life and work of the late Walter B. Jones, former state geologist, Saturday, Aug. 26 in Smith Hall, near Sixth Avenue on The University of Alabama campus.

In 1924, Walter Bryan Jones, a young Ph.D. scholar fresh from Johns Hopkins University, accepted the position of assistant state geologist, under the direction of Eugene Allen Smith (University of Alabama professor and state geologist since 1873). Jones began an unlikely adventure that would become the primary focus of his career; a study of the Indian culture of the Mississippian Period that existed on the bluff of the Black Warrior River at Moundville.

After Smith’s retirement, Jones became the third state geologist and first Oil and Gas Supervisor. During his tenure, the Geological Survey of Alabama flourished. In addition to the archaeological survey work done at Moundville, many important studies and assessments of our mineral, water, and fossil fuel energy resources were completed and laid the foundation for work that continues today.

“Dr. Jones’ influence and impact on the conservation, preservation and beneficial development of Alabama’s natural and cultural resources and heritage cannot be overstated,” says Dr. Nick Tew, state geologist.

“From the rescue of the world-class archaeological site at Moundville to overseeing the establishment of the State Oil and Gas Board of Alabama, his legacy is still very much with us today. Dr. Walter B. Jones was truly a giant among Alabama’s 20th Century leaders, and we owe him a debt of gratitude for his many contributions to the state,” Tew says.

Dr. Richard Cobb, project coordinator for the exhibition, selected photographs to illustrate the widely varied interests and experiences of Jones, who died in 1977.

“The photos reflect his love of life in general and his work in particular,” Cobb says. “Dr. Jones’ intense scientific curiosity led him across the boundaries of disciplines which few scientists successfully traverse.”

While his accomplishments with the Geological Survey and Oil and Gas Board are widely recognized, his other contributions are less known.

“Walter B. Jones almost single-handedly created Mound Park, and he was the true father of Alabama cave science,” says Cobb. “His massive photographic documentation of Alabama’s natural landscape, people and industry is a valuable and almost untapped resource in its own right.”

The opening of the exhibition on Aug. 26 will include a day-long symposium and free lunch provided by volunteers with the Alabama Wildflower Society. To make reservations, contact UA’s Alabama Museum of Natural History at 348-7550.

Guest speakers at the event include Lewis Dean, Geological Survey of Alabama; Ellen Garrison, Middle Tennessee State University; and Dr. Richard Cobb, project coordinator.

Operating hours for UA’s Museum of Natural History are 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Admission is $2 for adults and $1 for children and retirees.

For more information about the exhibition and symposium, contact the Alabama Museum of Natural History, The University of Alabama, Box 870340, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0340, or phone 205/348-7550, or visit the web site www.amnh.ua.edu.

For information on the Jones photographs, contact W.S. Hoole Special Collections Library, The University of Alabama, Box 870266, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0266 or phone 205/348-0500.