Historical Museum Guide for Alabama

Alabama History Museums

Autauga County

The Heritage Center is housed in a historic home in downtown Prattville, the museum offers insight into the history of Prattville and Autauga County.  Included are displays of Civil War memorabilia and the Autauga County Archives where genealogical materials are available.  It is located in Old Prattvillage at 125 W. Main Street in Prattville, AL where you will find a collection of 1800s structures.

Baldwin County

Baldwin County Heritage Museum  [Photo Tour]

Focused on the history of agriculture and the cultural history of Baldwin County.  Located at 25521 Hwy 98 E in Elberta, Alabama.

Daphne Museum

Built in 1858, the Old Methodist Church of Daphne is now a museum focused on the history of Daphne.  On the East side, you will find the oldest grave yard in Daphne.  Address: 405 Dryer Avenue, Daphne, AL.

[Tour of Old Towne Daphne]   [History and Heritage of Daphne]

Fort Morgan State Historic Site and Museum

Fort Morgan was built between 1819 and 1834.  Was operable during the Civil War, Spanish American War, WWI and WWII.  As a museum it is now focused on the history of the Fort.  Location is 51 Hwy 180W in Gulf Shores, AL.

Gulf Shores History Museum

Housed inside a beach house, the museum is dedicated to hurricane history.  Hurricane Fredrick and Hurricane Ivan are the main focus.  Features include Lagoon Village and many artifacts related to the hurricanes which occurred here.  Located at 244 W. 19th Avenue in Gulf Shores, AL.

Calhoun County

Visitors to the Anniston Museum of Natural History can explore the North American wilderness, study mummies, view the wilds of Africa and much more.  Located at 800 Museum Drive in Anniston, AL.

Historic Anniston

Cherokee County

[Museum Brochure]

Containing over 15,000 artifacts related to the history of Centre and Cherokee County, the museum is located at 101 E. Main Street in Centre, AL.

Cullman County

Housed in a replica of Colonel Johann G. Cullman's home, the museum is a place to experience the heritage and history of Cullman.  Located at 211 2nd Avenue NW in Cullman, AL.

Dallas County

The town was the State Capital of Alabama 1820-1826.  Learn about the importance of this location during the Civil War, when a Civil War prison was established here.  After the war, the town became a ghost town.  Archaeological digs are in progress here and they are finding many things of interest.

History and Legacy

Elmore County

Elmore County Museum

Currently closed for renovations.

Elmore County Museum of Black History

Focus is on the history of schools, churches and black families of Elmore County.  Located at 1004 Lancaster Street in Elmore, AL.

Fort Toulouse State Historic Site   [Frontier Days - Livig History Schedule]

Step back in time with a walk through the French and American Forts, where living history re-enactments take place some weekends.  The park is also home to the Mississippi Mound site built by the Mississippian Mound Builders.  Location is in Wetumpka, AL.

Jefferson County

Statue at Vulcan Park

Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park   [History]

1,500 acres in three counties for hiking and camping, as well as a miniature railroad that chugs through the pines. From spring until fall you can see the blacksmith, miller and craftsmen demonstrate their trades. There is a cotton gin, pioneer farm and working gristmill that preserve a long-gone way of life. There are also historical artifacts that can be seen in the Iron and steel museum, as well as a restaurant, and a sweet shop. Located off Interstate 59, 12 miles southwest of Bessemer, less than 30 minutes from downtown Birmingham.

Alabama Iron and Steel Museum

Learn about the Roupes Valley Ironworks at Tannehill in the 1800s.  Behind the museum you will find an 1858 cotton gin house.  Located in Tannehill Ironworks State Park at 12632 Confederate Pkwy, McCalla, AL.

Vulcan Park and Museum

Home to the world's largest cast iron statue and features spectacular panoramic views of Birmingham. We tell the story of Birmingham's past, present and promise for the future. Vulcan, the Roman god of fire and forge, was originally built in 1904 for the St. Louis World's Fair to represent Birmingham's iron industry. The newly renovated Vulcan Park and Museum sits atop Red Mountain with Vulcan standing 124 feet off the mountain on his original 1938 pedestal. A 10-acre urban green space surrounds the 56' high statue and open-air observation balcony. Visitors find interactive exhibits and displays that give insight into the region's geology, history and industrial growth. Groups welcome. Free parking and bus parking. Visit Vulcan Park and Museum, the gateway to the region, and see how imagination makes giants! Located at 1701 Valley View Drive in Birmingham, AL. 

Lauderdale County

W C Handy Home and Museum

A museum dedicated to the work of Blues composer W. C. Handy "Father of the Blues".  The library located on the premises is a resource center for African American history.  Located at 620 W. College Street in Florence, Alabama.

Indian Mound and Museum

Located near the Florence Indian Mound, the museum displays artifacts found in the area.  Address is 1028 S. Court Street in Florence, AL.

Pope's Tavern Museum

One of the oldest structures in Florence it was a stagecoach stop in the 1800s.  Today it serves as a museum of history for the Florence and Shoals area of Alabama.  Located at 203 Hermitage Drive, Florence, AL.

Lee County

History and artifacts of East Alabama and Opelika are on display.  Located in historic downtown Opelika at 121 S. 9th Street.

Limestone County

Honoring veterans and preserving their memories.  Address is 100 Pryor Street in Athens, AL.

Madison County

Alabama Constitution Village

The Alabama State Constitution was signed  here in 1819.  Walk down the path to the past and see Alabama as it was in those days with busy villagers in costume working at their daily chores.  Located at 109 Gates Avenue in Huntsville, AL.

Burritt On the Mountain Living History Museum 

Known as the "Jewel on the Mountain", the museum is actually an historic park full of historical houses and buildings where visitors can learn about the fascinating history of Huntsville and enjoy cultural events such as plays and concerts.  The centerpiece of the park is the 1936 Burritt Mansion where visitors will find original furnishings, exhibits of regional history and information about the life of Dr. Burritt (local physician and inventor.)  Address is 3101 Burritt Drive in Huntsville, AL.

Historic Huntsville Depot

The depot was used as an active passenger station until 1968, and still stands today as a historical symbol of Huntsville's transportation and growth as a city. Come hear the robotic ticket agent tell the history of Huntsville, hear the rattle of the train tracks, or visit the kids corner with costumes, puzzles and maps. You can also climb aboard and explore locomotives and the first ladder truck of Huntsville. Located at 320 Church St. in Huntsville, AL

Humphrey - Rodgers House

 Built in 1848 by David C. Humphreys. Now fully restored, the house displays period rooms and special exhibits on the decorative arts. Notable features of the house are the large pocket doors and 11 foot ceilings. Available for special exhibitions or by appointment only. Located at 109 W. Gates Avenue in Huntsville, AL

Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum

The museum consists of real working standard gauge and narrow gauge trains, two restored depots, an indoor collection of railroad artifacts and historical memorabilia, and an outdoor collection of railroad cars, locomotives, and cabooses. There is also the Boone Library. Located at 1919 9th St. in Calera, AL.

Veterans Memorial Museum

Dedicated to the accomplishments of military men and women. Their focus is on participants of WW1 and subsequent conflicts.  There are over 30 historical military vehicles from WW1 to the present day, as well as tableaus, artifacts, and other memorabilia dating back to the Revolutionary War. The museum is housed in the Paul Bolden Military Museum Building, leased from the City of Huntsville. Located at 2060A Airport Road in Huntsville, AL

Mobile County

Bellingrath Gardens and Home

Constructed in 1935, this historic home features 65 acres of beautiful gardens.  The home contains original furnishings and fine antiques.  Located at 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Road in Theordore, AL.

Conde-Charlotte House Museum

Built in 1822-24 it was the City's first official jail between the south bastions of Fort Conde. The exposed jail floor and these jail doors can still be seen in the house. Each room is furnished to reflect a period and a nationality - French Empire, 18th Century English, American Federal, and the Confederate room is furnished in the fashion of southern parlors at the outbreak of the War Between the States. A walled Spanish garden of late 18th Century design can also be seen. Located at 104 Theater St. in Mobile, AL.

Historic Fort Gaines on Dauphin Island   [Virtual Map Tour]

A fort on Dauphin Island was begun in 1821 but then was abandoned.  It was another 40 years before Fort Gaines was completed in 1861.  The fort played an important role in the Civil War Battle of Mobile Bay and was again used in the Spanish American War.  The fort was used as a camp during WWII.  Today, the Coast Guard uses the it as a base for crash rescue boat operations.  The property is now owned by Dauphin Island Park and Beach Board. Located at 51 Bienville Blvd. on Dauphin Island, AL.

Mobile Police Department Museum

Focused on the history of policing in Mobile, the museum is housed inside a current operating police precinct.  Located at 320 Dauphin in downtown Mobile, AL.

Museum of Mobile   [Exhibits]

Here you can see Mobile as the first Americans discovered it. You can relive the path of an African slave ship, or listen to stories of soldiers. Experience the rage of a hurricane, or visit the hands on Discovery room. They welcome field trips and tours, and they also offer rental facilities. For those who like to shop, you can also visit the gift shop. Located at 111 S. Royal St. in Mobile, AL.

Oakleigh House Museum Complex

Costumed guides lead you through an intimate historical experience of 19th century Gulf Coast living. The complex features society, working class and servant living quarters. Located at 300 Oakleigh Place in Mobile, AL.

The Oakleigh Museum Complex Includes:

Cox - Deasy Creole Cottage

Built in 1850 by a brick mason along with his wife and 11 children. This is a simple four room wooden cottage with one broad hallway, but the house tells a story from early urbanization of the city through WW2.

Minnie Mitchell Archives

Original documents, Confederate documents, maps, first editions, and rare books along with historical photographs are kept at the Minnie Mitchell Archives buildings. Here you can also view a massive framed 1857 flag and the Confederate sword that was surrendered in 1864 at the Battle of Mobile Bay, then returned by its Union captor.

Oakleigh House Museum

Greek revival mansion featuring unique architectural features. Built by a cotton factor from Virginia, and later housed three generations of one of the leading society families of Mobile.

Monroe County

Monroe County Heritage Museums Consist of:

The Old Courthouse Museum

The museum is housed in the old courthouse on the Monroeville town square. There are three permanent exhibits as well as plays and events that take place annually. Located at 31 N. Alabama Ave. in Monroeville, AL.

Rickard's Mill Historical Park

This is an operating water powered grist mill and museum. This mill has served the resident's of North Monroe county ever since it opened in 1845. The museum stages many activities in the park and is dedicated to the preservation of past folk traditions, such as gristmilling, blacksmithing, cane syrup making, and many other things. Come visit the mill and watch as corn is transformed into grits and cornmeal.

The Alabama River Museum

 The Alabama river Festival is held annually in March: Travel back in time to an early 1800’s camp on the river. Visit with Indians, Frontiersmen, Traders, and Travelers. Music, demonstrations & food, all at the only museum on the Alabama River.

 The museum features exhibits of ancient fossils and Native American artifacts as well as steamboat replicas.

Burnt Corn Baptist Church

Available for group tours and special events. This is a church that was built in an Indian Village, which after the Indian creek war, became a small town with a post office a few stores and several houses. Some of the old structures are still in use today.

Montgomery County

Alabama Department of Archives and History   [Museum]

There is a museum with many rooms that feature different historical aspects such as Military, Indian and 19th century rooms. Museum tours are free of charge. They have online archives and resources for teachers, students, genealogists, and state officials. As well as onsite historical records, archives and artifacts.

Old Alabama Town History Village

A collection of 19th and 20th century structures that have been authentically restored. The village stretches along 6 blocks in historic downtown Montgomery, Alabama. Here you can relive over 100 years of history as you step inside meticulously restored and furnished buildings reflecting the lives of the people who settled and developed Central Alabama. Located at 301 Columbus St. in Montgomery, AL.

Rosa Parks Library and Museum

Focused on the life and times of Rosa Parks who was famed for the Montgomery Bus Boycott n 1955.  The museum features activities and exhibits related to other early Civil Rights leaders in America.  Located at 251 Montgomery Street in Montgomery, AL.

Morgan County

The 1833 historic bank building was designed by Andrew Jackson.  Through the years, it has served as a hospital and guard house by the Union during the Civil War.  Visitors will find the original vault, a period teller's cage and the apartment of the bank's first cashier complete with period furnishings.  Located at 925 Bank Street NE in the historic district of Decatur, AL.

Pickens County

A German POW museum / archives which documents Camp Aliceville.  Exhibits also include Coca Cola assembly line equipment along with military and agricultural history exhibits.  Located at 104 Broad Street in Aliceville, AL.

Pike County

The museum is focused on WWI through the Vietnam War military memorabilia.  A gift shop is available and contains many living history supplies for re-enactors.  Located at 246 U.S. Hwy 231 North in Troy, AL, in the parking lot of the Pioneer Museum of Alabama.

Pioneer Museum of Alabama

Dedicated to the preservation of the history of early Alabama pioneers, the museum includes 15 historic buildings, over 18,000 artifacts, even an 1881 wood burning locomotive.  During special events, it becomes a living history museum with people working in period dress.  Address is 248 U.S. Hwy 231 North in Troy, AL.

Shelby County

Birmingham Historical District

Offers a listing of historical landmarks and districts to visit.

Karl C. Harrison Museum of George Washington  [Virtual Tour]

A sixth generation granddaughter to Martha Washington decided to share her legacy with the public, this provided the basis for the museum that was founded in 1982 by Karl C. Harrison. The museum focuses on art and historical artifacts dating from the colonial period to 1865 including paintings, letters, furniture, porcelain, glassware, silver, jewelry, and busts. Also includes Martha Washington's prayer book, and an original 1787 Samuel Vaughn sketch of Mt. Vernon grounds, writing instruments and tools from George Washington’ s survey case and an original tintype depicting Robert E. Lee in his uniform for the last time. The museum is housed in the Harrison Regional Library. Located at 50 Lester Street in Columbiana, Alabama

Shelby County Historical Museum and Archives  [Photos]

Their extensive and growing collection of research materials includes books, periodicals, microfilm, microfiche, family folders and much more. They also maintain the original old Shelby County Alabama courthouse records.

The museum houses many Shelby County photographs and historical artifacts from the Indian era to WW2 such as the bell from the Alabama, a very well known railroad engine, Creek Indian artifacts, and three chestnut wood cars and several feet of wood track that were found on the 4th May 1974 in the forgotten Confederate Gurnee Coal Mine in West Shelby County. Located at 1854 Old Courthouse in Columbiana, AL.

Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark

Now considered a national landmark, Sloss furnaces web of pipes and smokestacks produced iron for nearly 90 years, which gave rise to the city of Birmingham. There are guided tours and concerts festivals and other special events that happen year round. They also offer educations programs and resources, as well as metal arts workshops. Located at Twenty 32nd Street North in Birmingham, AL

The American Village   [Photo Gallery]

This is an amazing educational tool for students to learn about history, freedom and government. Over 45,000 students visit the village every year to gain a better understanding of self government, and the past that brought America to where it stands today. This is an interactive historical adventure for the young and the old. Here you can relive the past and learn about how it changed the future. They offer rentals for special events and weddings, but cater mainly to schools and the future of the children. The mission of The American Village Citizenship Trust is to strengthen and renew the foundations of American liberty and self-government through citizenship education. Located at 3727 Highway 119 in Montevallo, AL

Tuscaloosa County

Bama Belle Paddlewheel Riverboat

Although this is a replica of the old paddlewheel riverboats of yesteryear, it is a great way to experience the grandeur of the lovely riverboats which at one time made their way on the waterways of America.  The Bama Belle is available for sightseeing tours and dinner cruises.  Located on the Black Warrior River at #1 Greensboro Avenue in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

Battle-Friedman House  [Virtual Tour]

Built in 1835, the home was owned by wealthy planter Alfred Battle.  Today the home is filled with antique furnishings and is available for tours.  Located at 1010 Greensboro Avenue in Tuscaloosa, AL.

Gorgas House   [History]

Built in 1829 it was the first structure to be built on the University of Alabama campus, and one of only 4 building to survive the civil war. The house served as a dining hall for the University students until the mid-19th century when it became a faculty residence. The Gorgas family resided there from 1879 until 1953, and is now a museum that houses antiques and Gorgas family memorabilia. May also be rented out for special events. Located at Univ. of AL, 810 Capstone Dr. in Tuscaloosa, AL

Historic Tuscaloosa   [History]  [Photos]

Come visit historic Tuscaloosa, and see many old historical buildings that still stand today. The old Tavern, served as a hotel, and was even the home of Gov. John Gayle at one time. Greenwood cemetery, one of the oldest in Tuscaloosa. The Murphy-Collins house home to the first licensed black mortician is now home to the African American Museum. See the only 4 structures built on the University of Alabama that survived the Civil War. The Northport train depot, which opened as a model railroad museum in 1999, along with many other interesting historical sites. Located in Tuscaloosa County.

Moundville Archaeological Park and Museum

Eight hundred years ago, Moundville was the largest city in North America. Today, the museum houses artifacts and interpretive exhibits providing information on more than 60 years of archaeological excavations and investigations. There is a theater that offers a series of videos on Moundville and the history of the Southeastern Indians. Or you can take a tour on the nature trail and visit over 1,000 years of human activity that started with the Mississippian Indians. The trail takes you from ground level to treetop heights. There are also craft pavilions with Natives who demonstrate their way of life to the visitors. Located 14 miles S of Tuscaloosa on Hwy 69.

Murphy African American Museum

Housed in the Murphy-Collins House at 2601 Bryant Drive, this museum is focused on the lifestyle of affluent blacks in 1900s Tuscaloosa.  The home contains parts of the old state capitol building which were foraged when it burnt in 1923.  Available for tours.

Old Tavern Museum

Erected in 1827 by William Dunton, it served as a hotel and tavern on the stagecoach route in Tuscaloosa.  Tours are offered.  Located at 500 28th Avenue in Tuscaloosa, AL.

Tuscaloosa Museum of Natural History

The museum has displays that consist of natural history, ethnology, geology and mineralogy. The Grand Gallery houses displays of fossils, rocks and minerals from the Coal Age, Ice Age and Dinosaur Era. There are also several temporary changing exhibits, and visitors can view the Hodges Meteorite, the only known meteor to ever strike a human being. Located at the Corner of 6th Avenue and Capstone Drive on the University of Alabama campus in Tuscaloosa, AL.

University of Alabama Museums

Consists of the Gorgas house, Moundville Archaeological Park and museum, Alabama Museum of Natural History and the Paul W. Bryant museum.

Walker County

Learn about the history of coal mining 1890-1940.  Located at 120 East Street in Dora, AL.

Carl Elliott House Museum 

Built in 1913, this house was home to Carl Elliott who authored the Library Services Act which brought bookmobiles and libraries to rural America.

Located at 1700 Birmingham Ave. in Jasper, AL.

Museum Index for Other States

Alabama Census Records