Within a few blocks of the state capitol and amid the traffic noises of downtown Montgomery, a surprise awaits—an oasis of buildings and gardens representing "the way it was." Old Alabama Town is an open-air museum interpreting central Alabama’s history, architecture, and lifestyle with authentic structures and artifacts from the settlement, antebellum, and postbellum eras of Alabama’s history.

Developed and administered by Landmarks Foundation for the city of Montgomery, the site has a unique collection of both high style and vernacular architecture, including 1850s Italianate and Greek Revival townhouses and cottages, a circa 1815 tavern, and an 1898 one-room schoolhouse. The latter two are in the Living Block, which also includes the Country Doctor’s Office, Corner Grocery, Carriage House, Grange Hall, plus Log Cabin, Dogtrot, and Shotgun houses.

In the Working Block there is a sense of productivity as guides relate the stories of cotton at the Gin, of corn at Canary Green’s Grist Mill, of the work of blacksmiths, druggists, and printers. Early Alabamians engaged in spinning, weaving, and wood carving, and crafts people are frequently on hand to demonstrate. Music fills the air daily, and all acoustical players are welcome for the Second Saturday Jam Sessions.

The Ordeman-Mitchell Townhouse was the first restoration and is the crown jewel house museum. Preservation continues this spring as the Foundation starts restoration work on the 1850s Noble House, which will be followed by several other restorations.

Landmarks sponsors a variety of programs in Old Alabama Town, including lectures and exhibitions, seminars for teachers, specialty tours, workshops, and educational programs for some 35,000 children annually. In addition, Landmarks cosponsors a number of other events such as concerts with the Alabama Jazz and Blues Federation and out-of town historic tours with Huntingdon College.

Open Monday through Saturday, Old Alabama Town offers informative and entertaining tours from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. For additional information, write Old Alabama Town, 301 Columbus Street, Montgomery, AL 36104, or inquire by telephone (888-240-1850), e-mail (oldaltown@mindspring.com), or the Web (www.oldalabamatown.com).

MARY ANN NEELEY

Editor’s Note: Landmarks Foundation are presently seeking applications for the position of executive director and Old Alabama Town. See announcement next page.