A Look Within: Hiram & KD at the Turn of the Century
Celebrating 50 years at Kennedy-Douglass Center for the Arts

In conjunction with the 50th Anniversary Celebration of the Kennedy-Douglass Center for the Arts, the KDAC is pleased to present A Look Within: Hiram & KD at the Turn of the Century beginning January 18, 2026, and continuing through March 5, 2026. This exhibition showcases the life of Reverend Hiram Kennedy Douglass through a collection of items from the Florence Arts and Museums’ Hiram Kennedy Douglass Collection. While known throughout his life as Reverend Douglass, FAM staff know him affectionately as “Hiram.” Organized by guest curator, Luke Grissom and with graphics designed by Grace Ann Griffin, the exhibit follows Hiram’s life chronologically, from his youth in Florence to his early career in the ministry. His generous bequest established the Kennedy-Douglass Center for the Arts out of his own family home—the home from where we now offer this intimate glimpse into his early life. All are invited to attend the opening reception that will be held 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, January 18th.

Hiram Kennedy Douglass was born on August 21st, 1893, in Centre Star, Alabama, to Mary Sue Brooks Douglass and James Josephus Douglass. Hiram attended the college training program at State Normal School of Florence (what is now UNA) from 1900 to 1912. After graduating, he pursued a degree in Business Administration at Columbia University in New York City from 1913 to 1915. While working at White Door Settlement House in New York City, Hiram realized that a business career was not what he wanted in the long term; instead, he wanted one that directly helped those in need.

This reorientation drew him to explore a career in ministry through the Episcopal Church, despite his Methodist background. Hiram left Columbia in 1916 to pursue a degree at the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee. He received his Bachelor of Arts from Sewanee in 1919 and later earned his graduate degree at Oxford University in England that same year. Hiram returned to the United States in 1921 and was ordained as a priest on June 29th, 1922, at St. Luke's Church in Atlanta, Georgia.

In 1926, Hiram was appointed as rector of The Church of the Messiah in Detroit, Michigan, where he served until 1929. He returned to the south in 1929 to work as Chaplain of the Convent of St. Anne in Memphis, Tennessee. Hiram retired from the ministry in 1937 due to medical reasons and came home to Florence where he remained an active member of the community.

Upon his death in 1975, Hiram Kennedy Douglass donated his home, property, and many of his personal belongings, for use as a public cultural space. In 1976, the City of Florence took ownership of the home and property to make it a place to appreciate the arts, and the Kennedy-Douglass Center for the Arts first opened its doors. 2026 marks the 50th Anniversary of the KDAC, which now includes three historic houses dedicated to the promotion and celebration of the arts.

This program is free and is sponsored by Florence Arts & Museums. The event will be held at KD Art Center, at 217 E. Tuscaloosa St. Call 256-760-6379 for more information.