Preserving Huntsville: Donna Castellano on Memory, Community & Connection

In this on‑the‑road episode of Coffee & History, hosts Rebecca Todd Minder and Caroline Gazzara-McKenzie take listeners along for a scenic drive through North Alabama before settling in Huntsville to chat with Donna Castellano, executive director of the Historic Huntsville Foundation. Donna shares insights from her decades of work preserving Huntsville's historic resources, from the legacy of Harrison Brothers Hardware to the powerful story of Black builder Daniel Brandon, whose craftsmanship shaped the city's downtown.   The conversation explores Huntsville's women's history walking tours, Reconstruction‑era storytelling, and the importance of elevating lived experiences through community‑centered interpretation. Donna also reflects on the discovery of Brandon family records, the role of inclusive preservation, and how Huntsville's past—from early political cooperation to modern cultural investment—continues to influence its rapid growth today. It's a thoughtful, moving discussion about memory, identity, and the people who built Alabama's history.   Coffee & History: A Conversation with Alabama Heritage is brought to you in partnership with the Poarch Band Creek Indians.