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The Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion event/wedding photography collection: Indoor Events Part 2 Inside the Mansion Load More Inside Part 2

The Tuscaloosa Cameo Guild is a group of young women, enrolled in the 11th and 12th grades of high schools located in Tuscaloosa County, or whose parents reside in Tuscaloosa County. They learn about history throughout West Alabama and our state, contribute to their community by completing service projects and sponsoring fund-raising events to meet Historic Tuscaloosa needs. THE CAMEO GUILD OF TUSCALOOSA History, Knowledge, Beauty, Grace Scroll Down About Us Membership Annual Events Testimonials WHO WE ARE The Tuscaloosa Cameo Guild is a group of young women, enrolled in the 10th, 11th, and 12th grades of high schools located in Tuscaloosa County, or whose parents reside in Tuscaloosa County. They learn about history throughout West Alabama and our state, contribute to their community by completing service projects and sponsoring fund-raising events to meet Historic Tuscaloosa needs. On average each class (of which there are 50 young women) has served over 1,500 service hours during their membership. In addition, the members serve as representatives at Historic Tuscaloosa events and experience working together as a group in order to accomplish specific goals. Members of the Cameo Guild are considered members of Historic Tuscaloosa. The Cameo Guild’s fundraising events consist of an annual Easter Egg Hunt planned by the junior class and a fall Heritage 5K and Fun Run/Walk planned by the senior class. Each year the Cameo Guild, through these fundraising efforts, maintains a scholarship fund and makes a generous gift to Historic Tuscaloosa using the remaining proceeds. These gifts make the Historic Tuscaloosa properties more appealing to the public, which in turn brings in revenue that helps maintain these wonderful structures. After completing two years of service, these young women are presented at a special event in December where scholarships and awards of excellence are given to those whose service has been exemplary. About Us OBJECTIVES Educate future preservationists through monthly Cameo Guild meetings focused on history, preservation, and etiquette. Teach philanthropic and charitable practices through community service hours and class projects. Support Historic Tuscaloosa's mission of local preservation through fundraising events. Strive to embody the attributes of a well-rounded individual by practicing kindness, thoughtfulness, and self-confidence. BECOMING A TUSCALOOSA CAMEO GUILD MEMBER Tuscaloosa Cameo Guild members are chosen each year through an application and interviewing process. Applications, accompanied with required recommendations, are accepted in the spring followed by interviews during the summer. Cameo Guild applicants must be entering their sophomore or junior year of high school and be able to fulfill all of the requirements for membership. For more information, please contact a Tuscaloosa Cameo Guild Director by calling 205-758-2238. CRITERIA For Selection as a Cameo Guild Member Applications are accepted March 29th through May 30th 1. The applicant must be a young woman entering the 10th or 11th grade in the fall of 2025, enrolled in an accredited school, and whose parent(s)/guardian(s) reside in the Tuscaloosa County area. If home-schooled, the applicant must provide proof of accreditation. 2. The applicant must have a 3.0 or higher GPA. A copy of her official transcript must be submitted — complete through the end of the current school year. If GPA is under a 3.0, please provide a written explanation and documentation regarding why, if available. 3. Dues o f $300.00 must be paid by October 1st of each year. These dues include a complimentary Century Club membership for the parent(s)/guardian(s) in Historic Tuscaloosa (formerly the Tuscaloosa County Preservation Society). 4. The applicant must complete an interview with the Cameo Guild Director(s) and current year’s officers. 5. The applicant must provide three letters of recommendation, one letter from each of the following: acad emic record (from School Principal or Guidance Counselor), extra-curricular activities (from Club Sponsors or Coaches), and civic involvement (from Pastor, Youth Leader, Civic Club Sponsor, etc.). 6. Once accepted into the Cameo Guild, the Cameo must provide at least one approved formal dress that represents one of four designated eras* within 1820-1925. Ensemble must include all accessories, shoes, gloves, etc. She must also provide black/white attire for less formal occasions that includes black dress pants or skirt and white blouse/top. 7. The applicant must be willing to fulfill the following: A. Attend an information meeting in August 2025. Date/time/location TBA. B. Attend monthly general membership meetings** during each school year . C. Complete service hours coordinated by the Tuscaloosa Cameo Guild. Sophomores and Juniors are expected to earn a minimum of 15 credits each year, and Seniors are expected to earn a minimum of 10 credits throughout each year. D. Serve as a hostess for Historic Tuscaloosa events (often in time-period dress). E. Participate in the class project each year. Participation is mandatory. F. Commit to two-and-a-half years in the Cameo Guild. * The four designated eras are: Late Regency Period, Romantic Period, Victorian Period, Flapper Period **There are nine meetings, one of which is the information meeting at the beginning of each year. Three absences are allowed but must have written excuses. Application for Membership 2024-2026 Membership Annual Events ANNUAL EVENTS Heritage 5K Run The annual Tuscaloosa Cameo Guild 5K Fun Run/Walk is a fun-for-all-ages family event hosted every fall. Benefits from the run primarily go towards the Cameo Guild Scholarship Fund with additional proceeds going toward a project voted on by the senior class members for the Battle-Friedman House and Gardens. Easter Egg Hunt This family-friendly party is hosted each spring at the historic Battle-Friedman House and Gardens. It includes games, a petting zoo, refreshments, a raffle, a visit with the Easter Bunny, and the main attraction, the Easter egg hunt. With more than 2,000 eggs this year there were plenty for each participating child. Formal Dinner The Tuscaloosa Cameo Guild’s Formal Dinner is held each year in honor of the senior class members. It is an opportunity for members and their dates to practice the elements of formal dining etiquette that have been covered throughout the year. Testimonials TESTIMONIALS Lili B. Cameo Guild was a great way for me to give back to our community. From our 5K to our Easter Egg Hunt and other projects, it allowed me to further develop my leadership skills as an officer. I was able to make friends with girls from other schools who I never would have had an opportunity to meet. I am thankful for my time in the Cameo Guild and serving Historic Tuscaloosa. 2020-2022 Shelby B. I could not have asked for a more amazing organization to be a member of during my junior and senior year of high school. Being part of a group that is dedicated to giving back was an experience that showed me just how important it is to serve the community around us. I am so grateful I was able to have this experience and the memories I made will stay with me forever! ❤️❤️❤️ 2018-20 Suzanna M. Being a member of the Tuscaloosa Belles (now known as "Cameo Guild") was easily one of the most rewarding and enjoyable experiences throughout my time in high school! Not only did I get a hands-on approach to being educated on the history of my hometown and the beautiful historical homes it hosts, but it was also an opportunity to make genuine connections with some outstanding girls throughout our community. I acquired a great deal of knowledge and leadership experience, while also being able to give back to my community via the Tuscaloosa County Preservation Society. My experience as a Tuscaloosa Belle and the relationships I gained through this organization are something I hold dear to my heart and will cherish forever. 2018-2020 McKenzie C. The Tuscaloosa Cameo Guild allowed me to grow in my knowledge of our town and the structures that tell that history. I was able to gain qualities such as learning to better communicate with my peers and elders, how to plan fund raisers, and how to work together with other people to reach a common goal. These have helped me succeed in college and graduate school and will continue to help me succeed in the future. It allowed me to see the importance of preserving the history of our town and learn more about where I am living and how I can help my community. I would be a part of this organization a million times over! 2017-2019

Join Now! Members help run our society through a recommendation board and donate their time and efforts to help us preserve our historical sites. Membership Plans Student $ 20 20$ Valid for one year Join Free tours of all Historic Tuscaloosa properties Free admission to lectures Access to Society sponsored events Copy of the yearly newsletter, The Preservationist Regular $ 50 50$ Valid for one year Join Free tours of all Society structures Free admission to lectures Access to Society sponsored events Copy of the yearly newsletter, The Preservationist Junior Century Club $ 100 100$ Valid for one year Join Receives the same privileges as regular membership Discounts on the use of an Society structures for events Invitation to the annual Century Club party Priority access to Ramble events Century Club $ 175 175$ Valid for one year Join Same privileges as Junior Century Club membership 5% discount on event venue rentals Sustaining $ 500 500$ Valid for one year Join Receives the same privileges as Century Club membership Special recognition in Historic Tuscaloosa programs 5% discount on event venue rentals Grand Benefactor $ 1,000 1,000$ Valid for one year Join Receives the same privileges as Sustaining membership Special recognition in Historic Tuscaloosa programs 5% discount on event venue rentals

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. Select an album Portraits Outside the Mansion Outside the Mansion Inside the Mansion Inside the Mansion

9a29b77b-2eb2-40ad-9cf5-3b8a6ff355ad In the News... We work hard to get our efforts noticed by the media and are so proud when this goal comes to fruition. Take a look at some of our latest coverage and help spread the word about all the amazing developments at Historic Tuscaloosa!!

In April 2025, history came alive every Saturday as Visit Tuscaloosa teamed up with Historic Tuscaloosa for an exciting new activity: the Historic Tuscaloosa Downtown Walking Tours. This special series was part of the Alabama Tourism Department’s statewide history-focused walking tour program. It was the perfect opportunity to dive deep into the stories that have shaped the area. Historic Tuscaloosa Downtown Walking Tours In April 2025, history came alive every Saturday as Visit Tuscaloosa teamed up with Historic Tuscaloosa for an exciting new activity: the Historic Tuscaloosa Downtown Walking Tours. This special series was part of the Alabama Tourism Department’s statewide history-focused walking tour program. It was the perfect opportunity to dive deep into the stories that have shaped the area. The walking tours took place every Saturday in April at 10:00 a.m. at the historic Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion . The tour lasted about 90 minutes and offered a fascinating journey through more than 200 years of Tuscaloosa’s history. Each tour was limited to 20 participants. These intimate walks ensured a personal and interactive experience as attendees discovered the city’s most historic landmarks and hidden gems. Leading the tours was Will Hawkins, the Executive Director of Historic Tuscaloosa. With his expertise and passion for the city’s past, Hawkins guided guests through Tuscaloosa’s transformation, from its time as Alabama’s state capital to its vibrant architectural and cultural evolution. He said, “The Downtown walking tour will be an informative, fun, and entertaining experience. We’ll cover as much of Tuscaloosa’s 200-year history as possible and dive into some captivating stories from our shared past. Come learn something new and walk away with a better understanding of Tuscaloosa’s glorious history.” While the tours were free to attend, donations to Historic Tuscaloosa were encouraged to help preserve the city’s historic landmarks. This event served as a great way to give back and support the ongoing preservation of the city’s heritage.