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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. ! Widget Didn’t Load Check your internet and refresh this page. If that doesn’t work, contact us. View Event Gallery

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.

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

Support the Historic Tuscaloosa Endowment Fund. Your donation to the Endowment Fund will help generate an increased infusion of annual income and secure Historic Tuscaloosa for generations to come. Supporting Historic Tuscaloosa has never been easier, and any contribution will be appreciated. We hope you take this opportunity to support our vision, and are greatly appreciative of any contribution you can make. Support Us Share Historic Tuscaloosa Endowment Fund Historic Tuscaloosa is partnering with the Community Foundation of West Alabama to create the Historic Tuscaloosa Endowment Fund. Donations to the endowment will ensure the longevity of our organization and financial stability for years to come. All funds contributed before January 1, 2024 toward the $10,000 threshold for the endowment place contributors into our 1819 Circle, a special group of charter donors, who will be commemorated in our literature and honored with a special reception. Donations are tax deductible. Donate Now

June 26, 2025 | Topic: The University of Alabama’s Coal Lands and Alabama’s Convict Lease System Speaker: George Adair 2025 Lecture Series — 1 of 4 The University of Alabama’s Coal Lands & Alabama’s Convict Lease System Speaker: George Adair Recorded: June 26, 2025 For more information →

Since 1966, Historic Tuscaloosa has collected and preserved centuries of history and continues to document Tuscaloosa’s unique contribution to our national narrative. Historic Tuscaloosa keeps and preserves significant collections of artifacts, documents, and properties. It supports, generates, and collects knowledge on the history of Tuscaloosa County and its place in American history. Resource Center Since 1966, Historic Tuscaloosa has collected and preserved centuries of history and continues to document Tuscaloosa’s unique contribution to our national narrative. Historic Tuscaloosa keeps and preserves significant collections of artifacts, documents, and properties. It supports, generates, and collects knowledge on the history of Tuscaloosa County and its place in American history. Historic Tuscaloosa also develops and delivers a variety of educational programs — exhibits, tours, lectures, publications, and other formats — to convey information and open dialogs with the public about our history. What is a historic resource? A historic resource is any resource (a building, structure, object, or site) that has importance to the past for association with important history, culture, or design. These places can be individually recognized, or could be a concentration of places known as an "Historic District." Buildings and other resources that help tell the story of an historic district are considered "contributing" to that district and are integral pieces of the larger historic story. Resources for Research Visit our Blog A Historical Sketch of Tuscaloosa, Alabama Tuscaloosa Public Library State Archives Gorgas House Museum Alabama Historical Commission Tuscaloosa Virtual Museum Greater Downtown Tuscaloosa Historic Resources Tuscaloosa Memories 1887 Map Project January 4 Historic Tuscaloosa: 1887 Interactive Map Guide Historic Preservation Commission https://www.tuscaloosa.com/hpc Welcome to Capitol Park Tuscaloosa Curb Market PDF Tuscaloosa Curb Market - The Digest Greater Downtown Tuscaloosa Historic Resource

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 Tours are available Tuesday-Friday. Guests are invited to visit any or all of our Historic Tuscaloosa properties!  Please check with our event calendar for daily closings. Daily Tours Tours are available Tuesday-Friday. Guests are invited to visit any or all of our Historic Tuscaloosa properties! Please check with our event calendar for daily closings. View calendar Daily tours begin first with Old Tavern at 1:30 ↓ Then travel .7 miles to the Battle-Friedman House at 2:30 ↓ Then travel .3 miles to the Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion at 3:30 ↓ Go Explore Tuscaloosa!!! Old Tavern The museum is open year-round for guided tours. Please check the events calendar for daily closing and events. Call ahead to confirm tour. HOURS Tuesday-Friday Saturday-Monday 1:30 PM Closed ADMISSION $5/person $5/person Battle-Friedman House & Gardens The museum is open year-round for guided tours. Please check the events calendar for daily closing and events. Call ahead to confirm tour. HOURS Tuesday-Friday Saturday-Monday 2:30 PM Closed ADMISSION Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion The museum is open year-round for guided tours. Please check the events calendar for daily closing and events. Call ahead to confirm tour. HOURS ADMISSION $5/person Tuesday-Friday Saturday-Monday 3:30 PM Closed Murphy Collins House The Murphy-Collins House is open daily, Tuesday-Friday, and tours can be arranged by appointment. Free. Donations are welcome ADMISSION Call for appointments Closed Tuesday-Friday Saturday-Monday HOURS Tour comfort tips Tours will be both inside and outside. Your group will be walking on surfaces that are uneven and include dirt, brick, wood, and asphalt. Encourage all members of your tour group to wear comfortable walking shoes with socks. Be prepared for touring in all weather conditions Make sure all group members have the following: rain gear, such as ponchos and umbrellas for wet weather; an extra sweatshirt or sweater for cooler conditions; sunscreen; a hat or cap; and water. (Keeping hydrated in the heat is extremely important.) Museum Etiquette Please help us preserve this historic town. Please refrain from eating gum, candy, or foods of any kind inside any of the Historic Area sites. Please look with your eyes only, unless an interpreter invites you to sit or touch. Your interpreter knows the best places to provide opportunities for you to touch objects and take part in activities. While photographs are permitted, please be courteous when using your camera. Take care that you do not disrupt any presentations. A guided tour should take around 30-45 minutes. Old Tavern Parking: Guests are encouraged to park on University Boulevard. Entering: Guests should arrive at the front entrance. Please sign the guest book. As you walk outside to enjoy the garden, take note of the sitting area just to the left leading to the back of the tavern. Battle-Friedman: Parking: Guest parking is located on the right side of the house, accessible off Paul W. Bryant Drive. Guests can also park on the street, along Paul W. Bryant Drive and Greensboro Avenue. Entering: For guests with handicaps or required wheelchair accessibility, we advise using the door opposite the stairs facing the parking lot, contains a ramp. Restrooms: Restrooms are located on the main floor below the staircase. Ramps: A wheelchair ramp is located on the right side of the house, next to the parking lot. There is no wheelchair accessible way to the second floor of the house. Guests should arrive at the front entrance. Please sign the guest book. Guests with handicaps or in a wheelchair, it is not advised to proceed with the tour upstairs but may rejoin the tour on the side lawn past the gardens. Once finished with the tour upstairs, the tour will be led back downstairs and through the side door behind the stairs. The tour will continue down the steps into the side lawn. Guests are free to walk amongst the gardens on their own accord after the tour, but please stay by the garden pathway and to not disturb the flowers, pond, or gazebo. Otherwise, guests are to return to their cars or bus. Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion Guests should not roam the house unsupervised but after the tour, feel free to allow the guests to explore the grounds. Parking: Guest parking is located on the right side of the mansion, accessible off 14th street. Entering: All guests must use the side door, also located on the right side on the mansion, facing the parking lot. This entrance is wheelchair accessible and has a ramp. This entrance is located on the basement floor of the mansion. It is also where you will find Historic Tuscaloosa offices, bathrooms, and elevator access. The front doors of the mansion are left locked, unless mentioned otherwise. Guests should arrive at the side entrance on the basement floor. Please sign the guest book. Restrooms: Restrooms are located on the basement floor near the entrance. Ramps: A wheelchair ramp is located at the basement entrance to the parking lot. An elevator is in the basement but only ascends to the main floor of the house. The elevator can be accessed through Mrs. Jemison’s office using the left door. For guests with handicaps or in a wheelchair, it is not advised for them to proceed with the tour to the second level but may rejoin the tour in the hallway outside the dining area. Those unable to join the tour upstairs, due to handicaps or other reasons, may rejoin the tour in the hallway. The tour will end in the lower level of the Conservatory. What to expect at the Old Tavern Contact Us For more information on Customized Guided Tours or to make reservations: call 205-758-2238 or email info@historictuscaloosa.org

July 24, 2025 Topic: Birmingham Mineral Railroad Signs Project Speaker: James Lowery 2025 Lecture Series — 2 of 4 Historic Birmingham Mineral Railroad Signs Project – The BMRR Past and Present Speaker: James Lowery Recorded: July 24, 2025 For more information →

The Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion is a historic wedding and event venue in Tuscaloosa. Operated & maintained by a non-profit preservation organization, Historic Tuscaloosa, the funds acquired from event rentals are returned to these aging structures. On this page, you will find micro-wedding packages and prices, wedding and event rental packages and prices, photography packages and prices, floorplans, pictures, recommended vendors list, FAQ, and event calendar. YOUR NEXT EVENT AT The Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion Wedding Info Explore our pricing packages, amenities, and rental information for weddings at the Jemison- Van de Graaff Mansion. Brochure Floorplans FAQ Contract Gallery Looking for a better idea of how the Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion's spaces will be exactly what you're looking for? View Photos Event Info Explore our pricing packages, amenities, and rental information for events at the Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion. Brochure Floorplans FAQ Contract Photo Shoot Info Inside the home during business hours (Tuesday-Friday 10-5) $50/hour after business hours $100/hour Outside/Grounds FREE PLEASE CALL AHEAD TO CONFIRM THAT THE FACILITY IS AVAILABLE CALL 205-758-2238 Micro-Wedding Info Your marriage is still cause for celebration, even if it looks a little different. Historic Tuscaloosa is here to help you plan an intimate wedding that is also full of joy. Learn More Click below to view the Tour Folder Please Note: This will open a PDF file Share TESTIMONIALS Alex Best experience ever had! SK IS WONDERFUL. Very friendly, had everything that we needed and more ready for us. Great on communication, very knowledgeable, helpful and personable. 2022-06-10 Robin OMG! I can not say enough about how much Sarah went over and beyond for our June wedding. Due to Covid we planned our wedding to take place outside during the late afternoon. However we did not know that the date we chose would be in the middle of a heatwave! Sarah was so accommodating to us during the entire process. She put extra chairs out inside for our guests to be able to come in and escape from the heat. She made sure that we were as comfortable as we could be. Sarah was so friendly and easy to work with while planning my wedding. I HIGHLY recommend the Jemison Mansion for special events! 2022-07-27 Cindy Chaviers Perry The Jemison-Van De Graaff Mansion was the perfect venue for our dinner. Sarah- Katherine Helms was an absolute delight to work with. I would book this venue again just to be able to work with her. The professionalism, attention to detail and love for people and this gorgeous Mansion was outstanding !! Get in Touch 1305 Greensboro Ave. Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 info@historictuscaloosa.org / Tel. 205-758-2238 Name Phone Number Email Is this an event inquiry? * Required Yes No Venue Please choose a venue What's on your mind? Submit Thanks for submitting!

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

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