A St. Clair resident is working with the Daughters of the American Revolution to get a museum for those who have served our country.

Ann Coupland has been working to get Hall of Heroes – St. Clair County, which will be displayed at the Fortson Museum and Archives on Alabama Street in Odenville. The building is a remodeled 100-year-old bank that Coupland is hoping to have opened early next year.

Coupland said, “Those who served, sacrificed and are currently serving this great country may not consider themselves a hero, but they are to me and this is a way of showing them honor and appreciation.”

The Hall of Heroes will feature display cabinets that will contain framed and matted 4 x 6 photos of any serviceperson that has served, is currently serving and reside in St. Clair County.

The hall is expected to house hundreds of pictures and biographies of those who have and still serve in the military.

A file will be kept on each serviceman, so for those who wish to send a photo to be included in the hall, please include a short biography with the photo.

A 4 x 6 photo is desired, but Coupland said that those who will maintain the museum can re-size pictures, if needed. Photos of those who served pictured in uniform is preferred, but not required.

Support from citizens, businesses, and local groups throughout St. Clair County are needed to help fund the hall. Any donation amount will be greatly appreciated.

Broken Arrow Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, Pell City have joined in the project. Coupland is the chapter Regent of the DAR, Pell City. Her daughter daughter, Audrey Armstrong, who serves in the Air Force, is also a member of Broken Arrow Chapter.

Growing up in a military family that dates back to the days of the Revolution and later marrying her husband, Paul, who would later serve as an Army MP, helped Coupland understand the importance of service to the country. She said that the Hall of Heroes is a way to pay respect to those men and women. “Even if they don’t think theyr’e heroes, we do,” she said.

Send military biographies and photos to:

Hall of Heroes Project

150 Ware Avenue

Odenville, AL 35120

If you would like to donate to help fund the Hall of Heroes—St. Clair County, make checks payable to Hall of Heroes Project. Proceeds are tax deductable.