Leading Change: The Lasting Impact of Chief Calvin McGhee
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The enduring legacy of Chief Calvin McGhee and the Poarch Creek Indians is featured in the current exhibit at the Vulcan Park & Museum in Birmingham, Alabama.
The exhibit, Revolutionary Roots: Celebrating Alabama’s Unique History and Natural Beauty in Birmingham, Alabama, recognizes Chief McGhee’s story as one of the state’s dynamic change-makers for his profound contributions to education, to the Poarch Creek Indians, and to the broader Alabama community.
Excerpt from the Exhibit: The Poarch Creek Indians are the only federally recognized Indian tribe in Alabama. Although the Tribe’s ancestors had been in Alabama for hundreds of years, it wasn’t until 1983 that the Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Indian Affairs extended government-to-government relations with the Poarch Creek, giving the tribe the same privileges and immunities that other federally recognized tribes received.
(Chief McGhee) was the first to organize the tribe into a government complete with laws and elections…in 1950 he officially established the predecessor to the Poarch Creek Tribe, the Creek Nation East of the Mississippi at Poarch. McGhee continued to lead the Poarch Creek Indians until his death in 1970.
“It became a must to feature him in the exhibit,” said Casey Gamble, museum Curator of Collections and Exhibitions.
Samil Baker, Director of Marketing and Public Relations at the museum, noted that the team was searching for people and stories with genuine impact at both the state and national levels.
A central vision for the exhibit was that these stories would not simply read as history lessons, but instead live as ongoing legacies, relatable, relevant, and reflective of each person’s influence today and for generations to come.
Chief McGhee’s story stood out, Baker said, because of his groundbreaking work, which included helping bring federal recognition to the Tribe. This work touched countless lives and remains a critical achievement with national impact.
“Sharing these remarkable accomplishments with a new audience has given us the chance to tell his story through a different lens,” said Baker.
“As the nation marks its 250th anniversary, Revolutionary Roots offers an opportunity to reflect on the people who helped shape America through Alabama’s lens,” said Cynthia Cardona, President & CEO. “This exhibition honors individuals like distinguished Chief McGhee, whose valor, vision, and leadership affirm that Alabama’s influence extends far beyond its borders and is deeply woven into the larger American story in powerful and unexpected ways
“Chief Calvin McGhee was deeply committed to ensuring our tribe would persevere as a people and achieve federal recognition. His work paved the way for us to move from poverty to prosperity, and we are honored that his remarkable story will be told in this exhibit. Chief Calvin has had a lasting impact on generations of our Poarch tribal citizens, and we hope that through this exhibit, his legacy will serve to inspire others,” said Stephanie A. Bryan, Tribal Chair & CEO.
Museum hours and details: visitvulcan.com/explore/exhibits/