Historic Tuscaloosa

Historic Tuscaloosa Historic Tuscaloosa preserves and promotes local heritage through exhibits, educational programs, Use of the library is free, but appointments are required.
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Since 1966, Historic Tuscaloosa has been preserving and promoting Tuscaloosa County's historic resources. As a non-profit organization, the Society's mission is to develop an awareness of and appreciation of our community's historical and cultural heritage. The Society has enjoyed steady growth over the years and is recognized as one of Southeast's most vital preservation groups. Specific objectiv

es of the Society include:
- Identifying and preserving historic structures and sites.
- Maintaining an endangered structures list and seeking preservation solutions for these structures.
- Promoting heritage education and awareness.
- Maintaining information files regarding the heritage of the community.
- Promoting heritage tourism.
- Working with local governments and agencies to promote historic preservation. The Society operates and maintains five historical landmarks: The Old Tavern (1827), the Battle-Friedman House (1835), the McGuire-Strickland House (1820), the Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion (1865), and the Murphy African-American Museum (1923). The Historic Tuscaloosa Research Library, which features collections focusing on local history and local architecture, is housed in the Society's office on the ground floor of the Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion. Donations to the Society are not only accepted but also play a crucial role in our ability to continue preserving and promoting Tuscaloosa County's historic resources. Your support is greatly appreciated. OUR BEGINNING
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The Tuscaloosa County Preservation Society was "born" in 1965 from a committee doing a study regarding the possibility of saving the Old Tavern, which was then doomed to be torn down. After many meetings, letters, and consulting with the National Trust for Historic Preservation, it was voted at a meeting held at the residence of Senator and Mrs. Bill McCain to incorporate and pursue the preservation of the Old Tavern. The organization was incorporated, and the group began efforts to stir community interest for monies to save the Old Tavern by relocation. The first event, a testament to the growing support for the preservation efforts, was planned and sponsored by the Tuscaloosa County Preservation Society. One Sunday afternoon, it was an open house at three empty, rundown houses after a particular one-hour radio and TV program. The turnout was overwhelming, with hundreds of people from throughout Tuscaloosa County showing their support by visiting these three empty houses: The Washington Moody House, The Guild-Verner House, and The Old Tavern. With the tremendous community interest shown by this event, the committee had confidence that the Old Tavern could be saved by relocation. At the same time, the group launched efforts to raise money to relocate the Old Tavern. The Preservation Society sought and obtained endorsements from local governing bodies for historic preservation efforts and initiated a survey of important historic landmarks in this area. Memberships in the Society were solicited. Preservation leaders made an intensive "selling" effort, speaking at club meetings, writing letters, talking to friends, and appealing to elected officials. By mid-1966, we had obtained approval from the University and the City of Tuscaloosa to relocate the Tavern to Capitol Park and had almost enough money to initiate this historic move. After a contract was signed with B.& C. Company to dismantle and move the Old Tavern, there were months of waiting because of weather and utility line clearance. Finally, the move occurred on a very cold Sunday morning in December 1966. The Preservation Society was then on its way to doing many things. The first annual home tour was in 1966. In addition to the pilgrimage, the Society planned and sponsored frequent "flea" market sales to raise money for The Old Tavern. Interest and support for preservation in our area have grown each year. The Old Tavern was dedicated on October 13, 1968. This same year, the Preservation Society took a lead in the preservation efforts of the Battle-Friedman House, now completely restored and a helpful structure in the community. In 1971, Heritage Week was created. This week-long celebration incorporated the pilgrimage of homes and a Class "A" hunter-jumper show at North River Hunt Club. Many events have been added since then, and the event encompassed two weeks of activities and was renamed Heritage Celebration. It was the biggest annual event of The Tuscaloosa County Preservation Society and one of the largest in Tuscaloosa County. Heritage Celebration involved hundreds of volunteers and brought many visitors to Tuscaloosa County. It served as the primary source of funds raised for the Society. Projects have included photo surveys of landmarks throughout the county, preservation by the relocation of the Strickland House, and assistance with the initial plan for the restoration of Guild-Verner House. The Preservation Authority, a county-wide government agency created because of the Tuscaloosa County Preservation Society, received a $20,000.00 grant for this important landmark. Equally interested in preserving historical records and photos, the Preservation Society's library grows each year with valuable documents and historical records of our area. Many Tuscaloosa/Northport residents have been active in this needed community organization. Some have continued from the very first organizational meetings. Our sincere thanks go to all who have supported preservation and those who are assisting in making Tuscaloosa County a better place to live through preservation.

🏛️ Fun Fact Friday: The Legacy of James ShirleyDid you know that one of Northport's oldest surviving commercial building...
06/19/2026

🏛️ Fun Fact Friday: The Legacy of James Shirley

Did you know that one of Northport's oldest surviving commercial buildings traces its roots back to a remarkable local pioneer?

In the mid-1800s, James Shirley (1809–1866) helped shape the future of Northport. A builder, merchant, and town surveyor, Shirley played a key role in the community's development. After a devastating fire destroyed much of Northport's business district in 1850, he rebuilt the town's commercial center with brick structures, the first of their kind in Northport.

More than 175 years later, one of those buildings still stands as the structure many know today as the Five & Dime Store in downtown Northport.

Shirley's influence extended far beyond Main Avenue. Around 1838, he built the historic Shirley Place, one of Northport's most recognizable antebellum homes. Following the deaths of James and his wife, Mary Ann Christian Shirley, the home passed to her brother, William Lewis Christian (1824–1899), a Confederate veteran, merchant (The Cristian & Daniel General Mercantile), and owner of a Northport hat factory that was destroyed during General John T. Croxton's raid in April 1865.

Another fascinating connection to the Shirley family is through Marvin Harper, one of Tuscaloosa's most respected historians and a descendant of James Shirley. In 1979, Marvin Harper acquired Shirley Place and later donated it to the City of Northport in 1997, helping ensure the preservation of this important historic landmark for future generations.

The next time you stroll through downtown Northport, take a moment to appreciate the Five & Dime building. It's more than a storefront—it's a surviving piece of the city's story and a lasting reminder of the craftsmanship, vision, and legacy of one of Northport's earliest builders.

📸 We encourage visitors and natives to take a walk down Main Avenue in downtown Northport, enjoy the small-town atmosphere, and visit our Five & Dime store!

Friends of Historic Northport, Inc.
Anders Hardware
City Cafe Northport Alabama

06/17/2026

We had a wonderful time at the Dedication of Tuscaloosa County’s Liberty Tree.

The Liberty Tree itself holds a special place in American history. In the years leading up to the American Revolution, a stately elm on the Boston Common became a gathering place for colonists protesting British rule. When loyalists cut down the original Liberty Tree in August 1775 in an attempt to silence the movement, patriots across the thirteen colonies responded by designating new Liberty Trees as symbols of resistance and unity.

Join us tomorrow at 11 AM!!
06/16/2026

Join us tomorrow at 11 AM!!

The Liberty Tree dedication will take place tomorrow during a ceremony at the Synergic Center in Northport.

🌳 Liberty is taking root in Tuscaloosa County.As we prepare to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States, w...
06/05/2026

🌳 Liberty is taking root in Tuscaloosa County.

As we prepare to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States, we invite you to join the Tuscaloosa County America 250 Committee for the dedication of a living Liberty Tree.

Historically, Liberty Trees served as gathering places where citizens discussed ideas of freedom, civic responsibility, and self-government during the Revolutionary era. This local Liberty Tree will honor that legacy while providing a lasting symbol for future generations.

Join us Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at 11 a.m. at the Synergic Center, (across the street from Kentuck Park) at 3650 5th Street, in Northport, as we celebrate this important milestone in our nation's history. 🇺🇸🌳

05/29/2026

We will not have tours next week, June 2-5.
This includes the Old Tavern, The Battle-Friedman House and Gardens, and the Jemison-Van De Graaff Mansion!

Historic Tuscaloosa believes that preserving history means telling the full story — even when that history is painful."B...
05/28/2026

Historic Tuscaloosa believes that preserving history means telling the full story — even when that history is painful.

"Bloody Tuesday" remains one of the most difficult chapters in Tuscaloosa's past, but it is also an important part of our shared community history. Acknowledging these events is not about assigning blame to people today, nor is it about reopening wounds for division. It is about ensuring that the experiences, struggles, and voices of those who lived through these moments are not forgotten.

Communities grow stronger when they are willing to learn from their history rather than ignore it. Remembering the past helps us better understand one another, honor those who endured injustice, and continue building a more informed and compassionate future for Tuscaloosa.

We encourage the community to attend this important event hosted by First African Baptist Church as we reflect, learn, and remember together.

05/28/2026
What an incredible weekend for our 2026 Ramble! We are so thankful to all of our ramblers who joined us this past weeken...
05/26/2026

What an incredible weekend for our 2026 Ramble! We are so thankful to all of our ramblers who joined us this past weekend for three days filled with history, architecture, fellowship, and unforgettable experiences across Georgia. Thank you for making this year’s Ramble such a wonderful success.

A very special thank you goes to Mike Kitchens, who served as our liaison with all of the historic homes and sites we visited throughout the trip. Mike truly put this entire experience together for us — arranging tours, coordinating visits, sharing fascinating stories, and answering countless questions along the way. His knowledge of Athens, Madison, Macon, and the surrounding areas added so much depth to our journey. From detailed house histories to narrated driving tours through historic towns, Mike helped make every stop meaningful and memorable.

Our Ramble began bright and early Friday morning as we departed Tuscaloosa for Athens, Georgia. After arriving and checking into the hotel, we boarded the bus for our first afternoon of tours. Our first stop was the A.P. Dearing House (1856), now the Kappa Alpha Theta House, followed by the historic T.R.R. Cobb House. On our way to the evening’s final destination, Mike narrated a driving tour through Athens, pointing out important historic sites and sharing the rich history of the city.

Friday evening concluded at the beautiful Taylor-Grady House, where we not only toured the home but also enjoyed dinner on the grounds. Despite the rain arriving just as we did, it made for an unforgettable evening filled with wonderful food, conversation, and hospitality. Guests enjoyed a Southern feast featuring hoop cheddar with Piedmont saltines, dog lick soup, roasted hen, braised pork backbones & gravy, collard greens, tomato bread pudding, country green beans, new potatoes, pickled peaches, Dutch oven cornbread, and bread pudding before returning to the hotel for the evening.

Saturday morning, ramblers boarded the bus once again to continue touring homes in both Athens and Madison. In Athens, we visited the Church-Brumby House (1820) and the Ware-Lyndon House (1850). From there, we traveled to Madison, Georgia, where we toured the Madison-Morgan Cultural Center (1895), Bonar Hall (1834), Heritage Hall (1811), Rose Cottage (1891), and the Rogers House (1809).

After returning to the hotel for a short break, we departed again Saturday evening for another special tour and dinner at The Hill (1800–1930). Following our tour of the property, we enjoyed a delicious Southern supper featuring seafood and sausage gumbo with wild rice pilaf, minted fresh peas, fried apples, hot cheese biscuits, and fresh fruit cobbler before heading back to the hotel for our final night.

On Sunday morning, we checked out early and traveled south to Macon to visit the magnificent Hay House (1855–1859), often referred to as “The Palace of the South.” Touring this extraordinary home was the perfect conclusion to an amazing weekend before we began our journey back to Tuscaloosa.

Thank you again to everyone who traveled with us this year. We are grateful for your enthusiasm, curiosity, and support of historic preservation. We hope you enjoy reliving some of the memories from this year’s Ramble through these photos!

Address

1305 Greensboro Avenue
Tuscaloosa, AL
35403

Opening Hours

Tuesday 9:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 9:30am - 5pm
Thursday 9:30am - 5pm
Friday 9:30am - 5pm

Telephone

+12057582238

Website

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