The city of Fairhope has named Alan Samry as the new director of the Fairhope Museum of History, moving him from a longtime post at the Fairhope Public Library to lead the small museum that chronicles the city’s Single Tax colony roots, its literary heritage and its evolution along Mobile Bay.
Fairhope Mayor Karin Wilson praised the hire, saying Samry’s deep familiarity with the city’s past made him a natural fit to guide the museum’s next chapter. “Our Museum is a treasure, and I am certain that under Alan’s leadership we will be able to preserve and present even more of Fairhope’s history,” Wilson said. “I look forward to seeing the ideas, innovation and programming he will bring to the table to make us the best we can be.”
Samry is not new to the museum. He has worked at the Fairhope Public Library since 2007, where he became known as a go-to resource for residents and researchers digging into local history, and he has also served the Fairhope Museum of History as a volunteer and board member. He additionally brings experience from the Baldwin County Department of Archives and History, giving him a broad background in preserving and interpreting the region’s records and artifacts.
“I loved being the go-to person at the library for Fairhope history,” Samry said of his new role. “Moving across Bancroft Street to the museum is a natural progression and a new challenge. It’s a whole new collection to learn, but a great opportunity to serve the community of Fairhope.”
Samry’s academic background spans several disciplines relevant to the job. He holds a degree in history from the University of South Alabama, a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from Spalding University in Kentucky, and a Master of Library and Information Studies from the University of Alabama. Over the years he has conducted extensive research and writing on topics tied to Fairhope’s built and cultural history, including the story of Clay City Tile, profiles of past Fairhope librarians, and historical analyses of several of the city’s notable buildings.
Samry is also a published author. His book, “Stump the Librarian: A Writer’s Book of Legs,” reflects an interest he plans to carry into his new position: promoting the literary history that has long been part of Fairhope’s identity, from its ties to writers and publishers to the storytelling traditions embedded in the community.
“I’m so excited to share the Fairhope stories I’ve discovered, but I’m looking forward to learning so much more about the city’s past,” Samry said. “I know many of the docents at the museum and they love sharing Fairhope’s history as much as I do. For me, Fairhope history never gets old.”
Samry and his wife, Susan, a second-grade teacher at Daphne East Elementary, live in Fairhope.
The Fairhope Museum of History is housed in the historic circa-1928 Spanish mission-style former City Hall at 24 N. Section Street. The building’s permanent exhibits trace the city’s founding and growth, while a mezzanine gallery hosts rotating and large-scale changing exhibits throughout the year. The museum is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and admission is free. Residents with questions can reach the museum at 251-929-1471.
Samry’s appointment comes as the museum continues to serve as a hub for residents and visitors interested in Fairhope’s Single Tax colony origins, its development as a resort and arts community, and its ongoing role as a keeper of local memory. City officials said they expect his combined library, archival and museum experience to help expand programming and community engagement in the years ahead.