Alumnus honored with Alabama History Preservation Award

Troy University alumnus, Theo Moore II, has been granted the 2025 Alabama Historical Association’s Jeff Jakeman Digital History Award.

The award is named after Robert J. “Jeff” Jakeman, the 69th President of the Alabama Historical Association, to honor his dedication to the association before his untimely death in 2023.

This award is granted to recognize those with small or large history projects that

contribute to preserving Alabama’s local or state history.

“I really do feel grateful and honored that I’m respected amongst my peers in the history field,”

Moore said in aTroy.Today press release “I always was the type of person who wanted other

people to know about these things.”

Alabama Historical Association was founded in 1947, deeming it as the oldest statewide

historical society in Alabama.

Moore expressed his gratitude to Alabama Historical Association for honoring him with

this award, but he also is grateful to Troy University’s history department for bringing him this far.

Moore graduated from Troy with a bachelor’s degree in history in 2012, followed by a

master’s degree in post-secondary education in history in 2016.

“The history department was amazing,” Moore said in the press release. “They specialize

in different topics as it pertains to history, so it’s a very well-rounded staff.

“The department was very open to my perspective, but coming from a different background and seeing history from a totally different lens gave me a good challenge as well.”

Moore shared the primary thing he took away during his time studying history at Troy.

“I definitely learned the craft of being unbiased,” Moore told Troy.Today. “I had to take

myself out of the equation and actually write from various perspectives.

“It’s something that I really use now in the craft of historical filmmaking, as well.”

Moore also owns his own nonprofit organization, Hiztorical Vision Productions, which

brings awareness to unknown or overlooked African American histories within specific regions of Alabama. The organization, founded in 2017, produces films and documentaries, presents oral history projects at varying locations and also offers an internship opportunity for college students called Bama Black History 365.

“We understand that we play a role in preservation for the next generation,” Moore said, to

Troy.Today. “The films and projects we usually see of African Americans are from the

victimization standpoint, rather than a focus on the success stories of those who were civically engaged or made contributions to this country.”

With the production of these films, Moore hopes to continue to educate and empower

certain communities that feel overlooked.

He shared some testaments of individuals who have already been impacted by these films and feel seen thanks to Moore’s efforts.

“We understand that we play a role in telling history and giving a voice to people that

would probably never be heard,” Moore said. “We don’t take that lightly, and we try to do the best we can.

“When we have screenings for the community, and they come out in their best dress … we do a red carpet, and they’re smiling ear to ear. Some are crying happy tears of finally feeling heard and finally feeling like their story means something.”

Moore continues to shine a light on African American history, bringing awareness to

people and educating others on the significance of preserving their history.

Hiztorical Vision Productions will be releasing a new film this year, diving into the civil

rights history of Prattville, Alabama. For more information about the upcoming film, visit their instagram @historicalvp