Ever since the smash hit Broadway musical Hamilton debuted, it has become cool to be into history.
But even as amazing as that musical is, I would like to argue that history has always been cool – you just need to experience it.
Some of it you can find in your own backyard, and there are plenty of spaces to do that in Huntsville, AL.
[pro_ad_display_adzone id=”44001″]
As a self-proclaimed history nerd, one of my favorite things to do is check out all of the history hot spots in Huntsville.
These places are full of Alabama history, art history, military history, and more.
Alabama Constitution Village
Take a trip back in time to the 1800s, where delegates of the constitutional convention met to organize Alabama as the 22nd state.
The state constitution was signed in the exact spot where Constitution Village stands today, and is an exact replica of the buildings that stood back then.
Currently closed for renovations, Alabama Constitution Village will re-open in October.
Burritt on the Mountain Museum
This “Jewel of the Mountain” overlooks the city of Huntsville and is comprised of a historic mansion build by Dr. William Henry Burritt and other 19th century homes. The Historic Park also has a barnyard with authentic farm animals and two very cute barn cats. Take a tour of the historic mansion, or learn what life was like in the are in the 19th century in the Historic Park.
Open in Winter Season (Nov-March) Tues-Sun and Summer Season (April-Oct) Tues-Sun.
Huntsville Museum of Art
Art and history blend seamlessly together at this museum, and feature a walk through the history and styles of art around the world.
Check out traveling exhibitions that are in town, or browse the museum’s 2,300 works in their permanent collection.
Open Tuesday-Sunday.
Editor’s Note: Want to check out the museum, but on a budget? Thursday nights from 5-8 pm, you can get in for $5.
Earlyworks Children’s Museum
Great for the young and young at heart, the Children’s Museum is the largest interactive history museum in the south.
Visitors can climb aboard a keelboat, play large musical instruments and listen to a tale from the Talking Tree.
Open Tuesday-Saturday with special Summer Hours from May through October.
The Weeden House
A unique part of Huntsville’s art history resides downtown in the Weeden House, home to the painter and poet Maria Howard Weeden.
Weeden is most known for her portraits of African Americans residing in Huntsville in the 20th century. The house is now restored to its 19th century glory.
To schedule a museum history tour, call 256-536-7718 or email at theweedenhouse@att.net
Alabama Center of Military History and Veterans Memorial Museum
As one of the most comprehensive military museums in the country, this place has memorabilia from the American Revolutionary War to present day.
Open Wednesday through Saturday with availability for group tours
Huntsville Depot and Museum
Climb aboard the train cars at this museum and learn what it was like on the rails in 1860.
The Depot served as the passenger house and as corporate for the eastern division of the Memphis and Charleston Railroad, operating until 1968.
Open Wednesday-Saturday.
Guest blogger for We Are Huntsville. Are you interested in writing a post for our site? Email katelyn@wearehuntsville.com.
All of these spots are fantastic history spots but you left out Burritt on the Mountain, Huntsville’s first museum. It houses Dr. Burritt’s 1938 mansion that is used for exhibits and a historic park that includes the oldest documented log house in the state of Alabama (circa 1810). Burritt’s historic park is used to present what life was like in rural North Alabama in the 1800s. Check out all they have to offer at http://www.burrittonthemountain.com. There is always lots of neat programming being offered.
Hi Tammy! Thank you for bringing that up! I love Burritt on the Mountain and can’t believe I left this off of the list. Info on Burritt on the Mountain will be added to this article. 🙂