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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: Be a part of Living History Our members are what keep Historic Tuscaloosa alive. Members help run our society through a recommendation board and donate their time and efforts to help us preserve our historical sites. Our members enjoy free tours of all Society structures, free admission to lectures, and premier access to Society sponsored events, such as our annual homes tours, fundraisers, member-only parties, and our yearly Ramble trip. We would love to have you as a member of Historic Tuscaloosa! The purpose of the Society shall be to develop an awareness and appreciation of the historical and cultural heritage of Tuscaloosa County Its objectives are as follows: To seek to educate all citizens of the county about its heritage To collect, organize, and catalog information and materials related to local heritage To encourage and participate in the identification and preservation of old homes, buildings, and historic sites throughout Tuscaloosa County and to promote the use and appreciation of these assets To encourage tourism by arranging and organizing tours and pilgrimages To involve local governments, educational institutions, and other organizations in specific projects promoting the purpose of the Society. Membership Membership in the Society is open to anyone interested in historical preservation. A person who is current in payment of membership dues established by the Society is a voting member. Honorary membership is a title that may be conferred upon any person, with the approval of the Board of Directors, who should receive special recognition for valued service in the preservation of Tuscaloosa County’s heritage. Honorary membership is non-voting. Your membership includes many benefits. Click here for a description of our Membership levels and related benefits. It takes a community to preserve one! You can also renew a membership or join the Society by calling during our office hours: 9am to 4pm Tuesday through Friday at 205-758-2238 Remember that you can give the gift of history, too! Historic Tuscaloosa Regular Activities / Events Lecture Series – A series of monthly lectures are offered to the public during the summer. Topics address people, places, and events of local historical interest. Holiday Open Houses – Historic Tuscaloosa structures are decorated by local garden clubs and will be open to the public on a selected Sunday in early December each year. Rambles – The Historic Tuscaloosa “Rambles” by bus to a nearby city each spring to tour historical homes and other structures. Families and experts are available to share background and details. The 2022 Ramble was to Columbus, MS, and other recent trips have been to such locations as Camden, Huntsville, Selma, Marion, and Greensboro. An overnight Ramble is under way for Spring 2023. Century Club Party – In the spring of each year, a special event is planned to honor members of the Century Club. Structures – The Old Tavern, the Battle-Friedman House, and the Jemison Mansion are open daily for tours. The Murphy-Collins House is open daily, Tuesday-Friday, and tours can be arranged by appointment. Want to Join? Do you already know you want to be a part of our mission? Whether you are new to the area or a Tuscaloosa native, we'd love to have you in our society. CLICK HERE to join Historic Tuscaloosa!

Take a look at our virtual tour video to learn about 3 of the properties we maintain, the Old Tavern, the Battle-Friedman House, and the Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion. 200 years of TUSCALOOSA HISTORY Right here, on your device. Scroll Down Virtual Tours of Our Buildings Virtual tours of our Old Tavern building, the Battle-Friedman House, and the Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion are accessible right here on our website for those who cannot visit with us in person. These virtual tours feature the highlights of each building and an optional comprehension quiz for educational users. VIRTUAL TOURS Tour Now Battle-Friedman House Built in 1835, this Tuscaloosa landmark has been home to two amazing families with fascinating personal stories and powerful influence over the shaping of Tuscaloosa history. Tour Now Jemison-Van de Graaff Manison Built in 1862, this mansion was originally a vacation home. Now, it boasts a rich history of famous icons such as the first Alabama All-American and the Father of Modern Physics. Tour Now The Old Tavern Built in 1827 during the time when Tuscaloosa was the Capitol of Alabama, this tavern has served as an inn, a home, and a gathering place to the city of Tuscaloosa for almost 200 years.

00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000001 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!!

This past Friday, August 26, we were thrilled to host our New Member Reception at the beautiful Old Tavern — a perfect setting to welcome new faces and celebrate the incredible community that makes up Historic Tuscaloosa. New Member Reception August 26, 2025 This past Friday, August 26, we were thrilled to host our New Member Reception at the beautiful Old Tavern — a perfect setting to welcome new faces and celebrate the incredible community that makes up Historic Tuscaloosa. 1/1

The Battle-Friedman House & Gardens event/wedding photography collection: Portraits Portraits Load More

Historic Tuscaloosa’s 2024 Century Club Party was on April 25, 2024 at 1 North Pinehurst Drive. Century Club Party 2024 Thanks to our wonderful and hospitable hosts, Paul and Angie Moreton, we had a lovely evening at our annual Century Club Party on Thursday, April 25, 2024. 🙏 We would also like to thank our very own Cal Wilson for again providing beautiful floral arrangements for this event. 😍💐 Our Century Club party was held at 1 Pinehurst Drive. Paul and Angie Moreton, the owners of this magnificent home, were awarded a Brick-and-Mortar Award in 2022 for their time, effort, and dedication to its restoration. 👏 We were thrilled to have the opportunity to see the inside of this Prairie-style home! 🤩🙌 1 Pinehurst Drive (Fitts House) was the former home of lumberman and banker William F. Fitts. Constructed in 1915, it is an example of Prairie-style Architecture. The initials W.F.F., a remnant of the original owner, are still very visible on the terrazzo flooring on the front porch. 🔎 We learned that the Prairie style celebrates the long, low landscape of the Midwest. Its most defining characteristic is its emphasis on the horizontal rather than the vertical. Prairie homes spread out over their lots, featuring flat or shallow hipped roof lines, rows of windows, overhanging eaves, and bands of stone, wood, or brick across the surface. Thin Roman bricks sometimes enhance the effect, and cantilevers often extend the horizontal line without vertical support. Even the unwelcome verticals of downspouts are either eliminated or carefully placed.

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

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!