A filmmaker who spent two years traveling the state believes Alabama has a lot to say about the American experience.

Beginning July 1, travelers passing through Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport will be able to see that perspective for themselves when Whitman, Alabama, opens as part of the nation’s observance of America’s 250th anniversary.

Created by filmmaker Jennifer Crandall, the installation is based on a 52-part documentary series that features people from communities across Alabama reading passages from Walt Whitman’s Song of Myself while sharing moments from their daily lives. Project materials state that the series was created to explore American identity through the experiences and voices of Alabamians.

Whitman, Alabama, traces its roots to 2013, when Crandall first visited Alabama while working on an assignment for Alabama Media Group. What began as a short-term visit eventually led to an artist-in-residence role and the development of Whitman, Alabama.

Over two years, she crisscrossed the state, inviting Alabamians to share moments from their lives while reading portions of Whitman’s poem. The result was a collection of stories and perspectives drawn from communities across Alabama.

Along the way, Crandall reached a conclusion that became central to the project.

“If you look at Alabama closely enough, it will reveal the whole country,” she said to local reporters.

The installation arrives as communities across the country continue marking America’s 250th anniversary. Beginning July 1, travelers passing through Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport will be able to experience the project firsthand, encountering stories and perspectives gathered from communities across Alabama.

Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].