For more than 175 years, the Wilcox Female Institute has stood as one of Wilcox County’s defining landmarks—a place shaped by education, community, memory, and generations of people who understood that some places are simply too important to lose. In fact, the Institute is largely part of the reason the Wilcox Historical Society exists at all. When the building faced demolition, local citizens rallied to save it. Their determination helped give rise to a preservation movement that has continued for more than half a century.
A Landmark That Refused to Be Lost.
Raise the Bell
A Historic Landmark, Reimagined
For more than 175 years, the Wilcox Female Institute has stood at the heart of Camden—and at the heart of the Wilcox Historical Society’s own story. Raise the Bell is the campaign to preserve this landmark and transform it for a new generation of public use. Through careful restoration, the Institute will become a vibrant center for history, education, research, exhibitions, lectures, and community gatherings.
This project goes far beyond saving a building. It is about returning one of Wilcox County’s most important places to public life and ensuring its story continues to be seen, studied, shared, and celebrated.
The Institute can be saved—but the longer we wait, the more difficult and costly that work becomes.
As shown in the images below, time is taking its toll on the Wilcox Female Institute. Water intrusion, deteriorated stairs, and areas requiring structural stabilization threaten this landmark, while its historic bell remains in storage awaiting restoration.
They Walked These Halls.
From governors and university presidents to educators, business owners, members of Congress, musicians, and civic leaders, the Wilcox Female Institute has shaped generations of Alabamians.
Governor Kay Ivey
Governor of Alabama
A Camden native who rose from Wilcox County to become Governor of Alabama. Her career in public service has included roles as state treasurer, lieutenant governor, and governor, connecting the Institute’s local legacy to statewide leadership.
Dr. Consuela Lee
Educator & Musician
Raised in Snow Hill, Consuela Lee became a celebrated jazz pianist, composer, educator, and arts advocate. She later returned to Wilcox County to establish a performing arts program that expanded cultural and educational opportunities for rural students.
Dr. Judy Bonner
University President & Educator
Raised in Camden, Judy Bonner built a distinguished career in higher education and became the first woman to serve as permanent president of the University of Alabama. Her work has centered on education, leadership, and service.
Jeff Sessions
U.S. Senator & Attorney General
Born in Selma and educated in Camden, Jeff Sessions went on to serve Alabama in the U.S. Senate and later as Attorney General of the United States, building a decades-long career in law and public service.
Jo Bonner
Congressman & University President
Born in Selma and raised in Camden, Jo Bonner represented Alabama in the U.S. House of Representatives before moving into higher-education leadership, ultimately serving as president of the University of South Alabama.
A century of stories, captured in ink and preserved in memory.