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Historic Tuscaloosa Catering Vendor Agreement - Effective as of December 2025. Thank you for your interest in working with Historic Tuscaloosa at one of our beautiful historic venues. As of December 2025, Historic Tuscaloosa has adopted a new catering program for the following venues: The Old Tavern, The Battle-Friedman House and The Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion Effective as of December 2025 Thank you for your interest in working with Historic Tuscaloosa at one of our beautiful historic venues. As of December 2025 , Historic Tuscaloosa has adopted a new catering program for the following venues: The Old Tavern The Battle-Friedman House The Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion All previous , current , and future caterers are required to complete the Catering Vendor Application and Catering Vendor Agreement included below. Once your completed application and agreement are received and approved, it will be submitted to the Executive Director for final signature. Upon approval, you will be added to our official Approved Catering List . If applying via email, please send the Vendor Application , Vendor Agreement , and proof of business license and insurance to info@historictuscaloosa.org Historic Tuscaloosa Catering Vendor Agreement Company name(Required) First name(Required) Last name(Required) Phone(Required) Email(Required) Address(Required) I hold a valid Tuscaloosa Business License . (Required) I maintain liability insurance with a minimum of $1,000,000 in coverage , listing the Tuscaloosa Historic Society as an additional insured . (Required) I am a current member of the Tuscaloosa Historic Society . (Required) I will attend an orientation with the Executive Director and Event Manager covering rules, regulations, and procedures. (Required) I will submit my invoice and remit the 15% commission (excluding tax and gratuity) within 30 days of the event . (Required) I understand that failure to remit commission will result in removal from the Preferred Partner List . (Required) I agree that only positive information about the Tuscaloosa Historic Society will be posted on my website and social media , and I expect the same in return. (Required) I agree that one social media post will be made after every event by both the Tuscaloosa Historic Society and the Preferred Partner . (Required) I have read and will adhere to the Vendor Policies found on Catering Vendor Agreement Page. Please fill out and submit below (Required) Upload Signed Catering Agreement Form Upload File I have read and will adhere to the Vendor Application Form. Please fill out and submit below (Required) Upload Signed Catering Application Form Upload File Next

The Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion event/wedding photography collection: Portraits Load More Portraits

Don’t miss out on our exclusive events, discounts, and lectures. Members are always the first to know whenever there is something new happening at Historic Tuscaloosa, and they enjoy exclusive events as well. Get great benefits, discounts and savings by becoming a member of Historic Tuscaloosa. Membership Join Historic Tuscaloosa Whether you’re new to the area or a lifelong resident, we’d love to have you join our mission to preserve Tuscaloosa’s history. Click Here to Join Membership is open to anyone interested in historic preservation. Voting membership is granted to those current on dues. Honorary Memberships may be conferred by the Board for special contributions (non-voting). Annual Meeting - Held each August as the organization’s General Meeting. Student and regular memberships entitle the member to free tours of all structures, free admission to lectures, first access to our sponsored events, and a copy of the yearly newsletter, The Preservationist. Junior Century Club and Century Club memberships entitle the member(s) to the same privileges as regular membership as well as discounts on the use of any structures for events, an invitation to the Century Club party, and priority access to Rambles. Sustaining and Grand Benefactor memberships entitle the member(s) to the same privileges as Century Club membership as well as special recognition which may be in the form of a gift. Legacy Membership entitles the member(s) to the same privileges as Grand Benefactor memberships as well as gifts or recognition as determined by the Board. Membership renewals are due and payable at the start of the fiscal year. Membership letters will be mailed in September. A member in good standing must be current in payment of membership dues. Student Membership $20 per person, per year Student memberships entitle the members to free tours of all structures, free admission to lectures, access to sponsored events, and a copy of the yearly newsletter, The Preservationist. This membership is only for High school students, undergraduate, or graduate students enrolled full-time for credit in an institution of higher education. Join as a Student Member Regular Membership $50 per person, per year Regular memberships entitle the members to free tours of all structures, free admission to lectures, access to our sponsored events, and a copy of the yearly newsletter, The Preservationist. Join as a Regular Member Jr. Century Club Membership $100 per person or couple, per year Must be under the age of 40. Receives the same privileges as regular membership, as well as discounts on the use of structures for events, and invitation to the annual Century Club party, and priority access to Ramble events. Join as a Jr. Century Club Member Century Club Membership $200 per person or couple, per year Receives the same privileges as regular membership, as well as discounts on the use of structures for events, an invitation to the annual Century Club party, and priority access to Ramble events. Join as a Century Club Member Sustaining Membership $500 per person or couple, per year Receives the same privileges as Century Club membership, as well as special recognition in Historic Tuscaloosa programs. Join as a Sustaining Member Grand Benefactor Membership $1,000 per person or couple, per year Receives the same privileges as Century Club membership, as well as special recognition in Historic Tuscaloosa programs. Join as a Grand Benefactor Member Legacy Membership Legacy Membership Pledge Receives the same privileges as Grand Benefactor membership. Join as a Legacy Member Cameo Membership Join as a Cameo Guild Member Support our Mission Our mission is to promote awareness and appreciation of Tuscaloosa County’s historic and cultural heritage. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on grants, donations, and community support. If membership isn’t for you, you can still help preserve our history by donating today. Support Historic Tuscaloosa

The Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion event/wedding photography collection: Outdoor Events Part 1 Outside the Mansion Load More Outside Events

Learn more about Historic Tuscaloosa's property, the Murphy-Collins House. The Murphy-Collins House has been listed in the National Register as a historic site. Murphy Collins Museum 2601 Paul W. Bryant Dr. Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 Brief History The Murphy-Collins House is the home of the Murphy African American Museum. Tuscaloosa’s first licensed black mortician, Mr. Will J. Murphy built this two-story craftsman bungalow in the early 1920s as his private residence. Materials from the old state capitol building a few blocks away, such as bricks and windowsills, were salvaged when it burned in 1923 and used in the house’s construction. Today, the structure operates as a museum focusing on the lifestyle of affluent blacks during the early 1900s. Tours can be arranged by contacting the staff at 205-758-2861. This is a property owned by the City of Tuscaloosa and managed by Historic Tuscaloosa. The Murphys The Murphy's home was built around 1923 by African-American contractors hired by Will and his wife, Laura. Bricks, beams, windowsills and other materials salvaged from the burned remnants of Alabama’s Capitol in Tuscaloosa. Will Murphy was the first licensed black mortician and funeral director in Tuscaloosa and also a successful businessman. His wife, Laura B. Murphy was an educator who taught at Central School and St. Paul Lutheran School before she was appointed the principal at 20th Street Elementary School. William Murphy William Murphy was born in 1872 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama and was married to Laura Murphy who was the principal of the 20th Street School and she was a graduate of Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical School. He was Tuscaloosa’s first licensed black embalmer/mortician and funeral director but did not cease to continue to build his legacy. He went on to buy the entire stock of the Tuscaloosa Undertaking Company in 1916, thus making himself the sole owner of all the embalming stock in Tuscaloosa. Murphy hired African-American contractor George Clopton to build this two-story craftsman bungalow in the early 1920’s as his private residence. Materials from the old state capitol building, such as bricks and windowsills, were salvaged when it burned in 1923 and used in the house’s construction. He was one of the few affluent African Americans in Tuscaloosa and serves as a role model too many to this day. Ms. Collins After the Murphys owned the house, it was sold to Sylvia Collins, who lived in the home for a time and rented it to the Phoenix House, a nonprofit for women, and later men, recovering from alcoholism. Ruthie Pitts formed the organization Revealing a Heritage in 1985, which ultimately led to the foundation of the Murphy African-American Museum. The city of Tuscaloosa purchased the house from Collins in 1986 in order to preserve it and continue the museum foundation. Visit the Museum The Murphy-Collins Home houses the Murphy African-American Museum. The museum focuses on both the individual families who lived in the home and on the history of African-American life and culture surrounding Tuscaloosa, AL. The Museum is available for touring every Tuesday-Friday. All tours must be scheduled by calling the Museum at 205-758-2238. Call to Schedule a Tour What People Say DEBRA B. "A lot of rich history and the guide was very knowledgeable in Tuscaloosa's part in the Civil Rights movement." IAN C. "Unique Small Museum. Downstairs has a guided tour of rooms set up similar to how the house was used. Upstairs rooms are set up as exhibits on various subjects of African American history. Guide had incredible and powerful accounts of people involved with the Bloody Tuesday events at First African Baptist Church which is one block over." DELORES W. "Great History of African Americans. The tour guide was very knowledgeable." Want to add a review from your trip to see the Murphy-Collins House and Museum? Leave your review for us on our Trip Advisor page. Review Us

A trip to Historic Tuscaloosa will take you on an incredible journey through history. To make the most of your visit, make sure you plan your day in advance. Have a look through the general information for visitors, and feel free to contact us if you have any questions. Visit Historic Tuscaloosa A trip to Historic Tuscaloosa will take you on an incredible journey through history. To make the most of your visit, make sure you plan your day in advance. Have a look through the general information for visitors, and feel free to contact us if you have any questions. The Basics Daily Tours → Click here for tour information Group Tours → For more information on customized guided tours or to make reservations for groups larger than 5, please call 205-758-2238 or email info@historictuscaloosa.org Know before you go → Click here for a successful visit Accessibility → Click here for accessibility Getting Around Orient yourself on the map and check out onsite guides in advance.

Annual Awards Reception 2022 This year's Annual Awards Reception was held Thursday, August 18, 2022 at the Battle-Friedman home. Each year, Historic Tuscaloosa (formerly known as the Tuscaloosa County Preservation Society, or TCPS) honors individuals and organizations that have made a significant contribution to the community and the preservation of its architectural and cultural history. Mr. Ben Uzzell: 2022 Brick and Mortar Award in recognition of your time, effort, and dedication to the restoration of 5 Pinehurst Mrs. Sherry Jones: 2022 Volunteer of the Year Award to you in recognition of the countless hours of volunteer service in support of the Cameo Guild of Tuscaloosa program for Historic Tuscaloosa Mr. and Mrs. Paul Moreton: 2022 Brick and Mortar Award in recognition of your time, effort, and dedication to the restoration of 1 Pinehurst Mr. and Mrs. William Hamner: 2022 Brick and Mortar Award in recognition of your time, effort, and dedication to the restoration of your home on Queen City Avenue Ms. Camilla Canty: 2022 Educator of the YearAward to you inrecognition of yourmany hours of scanning documents for our archives

Tuscaloosa Cameo Guild Easter Egg Hunt 2023 took place Sunday April 2 2023 from 2-4 PM at the Battle-Friedman House and Gardens in Tuscaloosa Alabama. Tuscaloosa Cameo Guild 13th Annual Easter Egg Hunt 🐰 The Cameo Guild of Tuscaloosa and Historic Tuscaloosa proudly invited the community to visit this historic home on the afternoon of Sunday April 2, 2023. The goal for this event is to raise funds that will go toward a current project of the junior class’s choosing within Historic Tuscaloosa while providing a safe and fun environment for the young participants.

Historic Tuscaloosa operates and maintains five historical landmarks across the city of Tuscaloosa, The Murphy-Collins House, The McGuire-Strickland House, The Old Tavern, the Battle-Friedman House, and the Jemison-Van De Graaff Mansion. OUR PROPERTIES Historic Tuscaloosa operates and maintains five historical landmarks across the city of Tuscaloosa. We help to preserve the history of our city and county through using these structures as doorways into the past. We interact with the Tuscaloosa community and visiting tourists by using our structures to conduct daily tours, school field trips, and community projects. It is our goal that when guests enter a Historic Tuscaloosa structure, that they are transported by to its original time period, whether that is the 1820's of the Old Tavern, the 1860's of the Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion, or the early 1900's of the Murphy-Collins House. Choose a button below to learn more about our structures. Old Tavern Battle-Friedman House Murphy-Collins House Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion McGuire-Strickland House TAKE A TOUR Tours for three of our five structures are offered every Tuesday-Friday, and are $5/person/structure. The Old Tavern tour begins at 1:30pm on each of those days, followed by the Battle-Friedman House at 2:30pm, and then the Jemison-Van De Graaff Mansion at 3:30pm. The Murphy-Collins House, home of the Murphy African American Museum, is open for tours by appointment. The McGuire-Strickland House is only open for touring on special occasions as it houses the local Capitol School. Visit Us WHERE TO FIND US

Historic Tuscaloosa is a great place to make new friends and socialize in Tuscaloosa. As a society, we organize annual events of every kind for our members and local friends. From our annual Ramble weekend getaway to monthly lectures and charity drives, we have events for everyone. Events & Socials Historic Tuscaloosa is a great place to make new friends and socialize in Tuscaloosa. As a non-profit organization, we organize annual events of every kind for our members and local friends. From our annual Ramble weekend getaway to monthly lectures and charity drives, we have events for everyone. Click here to view the organization's calendar of events. Our beautiful historic structures are also available to rent out for private parties, weddings, and get-togethers. What kind of event information are you looking for? Historic Tuscaloosa Upcoming Events Property & Facility Rentals Calendar of Events What's the Occasion? Whether you're looking for a vintage or modern feel for your event, both seamlessly compliment the ornate architectural elements and period details of the homes Luncheons Meetings Launch Party Album Release Music Videos Dinner Parties Sorority Socials Baby Showers Holiday Parties Corporate Events Non-Profit Fundraisers Business Retreats Networking Events Weddings Rehearsal Dinners Wedding Reception Venue Elopements Engagement Parties Birthdays Anniversaries Hear What People Are Saying

Historic Tuscaloosa Lecture Series 2025 — 4 of 4 Topic: "Virginia Tunstall Clay – The Most Fascinating Woman in America" Speaker: John Allen Recorded: September 25, 2025 Topic: "Virginia Tunstall Clay – The Most Fascinating Woman in America" Speaker: John Allen Recorded: September 25, 2025 Lecture Series September 3 Play Video Lecture Series September 2 Play Video Lecture Series September Part 1 Play Video Virginia Tunstall Clay – The Most Fascinating Woman in America Watch Now Share Whole Channel This Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Share Channel Info Close

Our dedicated team of experienced professionals are at the heart of what we do at Historic Tuscaloosa, utilizing their unique skills and passion to move the work of Historic Tuscaloosa forward. Without them, Historic Tuscaloosa would not be where it is today. Meet some of our team members below. Historic Tuscaloosa Staff Our dedicated team of experienced professionals are at the heart of what we do, utilizing their unique skills and passion to move the work of Historic Tuscaloosa forward. Without them, Historic Tuscaloosa would not be where it is today. Meet some of our team members below. Mission Statement and Objectives Mission Statement: Historic Tuscaloosa's mission is to develop an awareness and appreciation of the historical and cultural heritage of the Tuscaloosa community. Specific objectives of Historic Tuscaloosa include: Identify and preserving historic structures and sites Maintain an endangered structures list and seek preservation solutions for these structures Promote heritage education and awareness Maintain information files regarding the heritage of the community Promote heritage tourism Work with local governments and agencies to promote historic preservation Historic Tuscaloosa staff is currently maintaining the following structures: The Old Tavern Battle-Friedman House McGuire-Strickland House Murphy African-American Museum Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion Meet Our Team William Hawkins Executive Director Nikki McGillivray Office Manager Sarah-Katherine Helms Event & Digital Media Coordinator William Hawkins Executive Director Nikki McGillivray Office Manager Sarah-Katherine Helms Event & Digital Media Coordinator Historic Tuscaloosa Office Historic Tuscaloosa Main Office Ho urs: Office hours (basement floor of Jemison-Van de Graff Mansion) are 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. These hours are subje ct to change if decided by the Director and Board. In addition, hours will adapt when certain occasions arise, such as special events, public programs, and holidays. Historic Tuscaloosa Office