Alabama is home to several types of attractions where you can learn all about the state’s history. Among these attractions are museums. Interestingly, many of Alabama’s museums are named after some of the state’s most notable people, including the nine listed below.
Take a look:
- F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald Museum — Montgomery
tripadvisor/management F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald lived in this home from 1931 to 1932 and it is now used as a museum. This museum showcases many artifacts from their lives, including manuscripts, photos, and more. Visitors can also stay overnight in the apartment upstairs. Hours: Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Click here for more information.
- Jesse Owens Museum — Oakville
tripadvisor/management The Jesse Owens Museum honors the Olympic track and field star, featuring rare memorabilia from the 1936 Olympics (during which time Owens won four gold medals), trophies from his high school days, and so much more. Hours: Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Click here for more information.
- Ivy Green — Tuscumbia
google/Dustin Williams Ivy Green, which was built in 1820, is the birthplace of Helen Keller — America’s “First Lady of Courage.” Inside this historic house museum, you’ll discover all types of artifacts from Keller’s life. While on the property, you’ll also get to see the famous water pump where the “miracle” took place. Hours: Monday through Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Click here for more information.
- Hank Williams Museum — Montgomery
google/The Hank Williams Museum Hank Williams was a country music superstar, and the Hank Williams Museum houses the most complete collection of his memorabilia, including the baby blue Cadillac he took his final ride in. Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Click here for more information.
- Kathryn Tucker Windham Museum — Thomasville
facebook/Kathryn Tucker Windham Museum The Kathryn Tucker Windham Museum is dedicated to the famous journalist, photographer, and storyteller. It features several artifacts from her life, including photos, a costume, and more. The museum is housed inside the Coastal Alabama Community College’s library building. Hours: Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Click here for more information.
- George Washington Carver Museum — Tuskegee
google/angela kay The George Washington Carver Museum is located on the campus of Tuskegee University and is part of the Tuskegee Institute National Historical Site. It consists of exhibits, interpretive programs, and showcases items from Carver’s life. Hours: Monday through Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Click here for more information.
- Rosa Parks Museum — Montgomery
google/Rosa Parks Museum The Rosa Parks Museum is located on the Troy University at Montgomery campus. It features a variety of exhibits, including artifacts from the famous 1955 Montgomery bus boycott. Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Click here for more information.
- W.C. Handy Home and Museum — Florence
google/Martin Lucas The W.C. Handy Museum is dedicated to W.C. Handy — the “Father of the Blues.” The museum is housed inside the log cabin where Mr. Handy was born and it features a collection of his personal papers and artifacts. This museum is an absolute must visit for all music lovers. Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Click here for more information.
- Paul W. Bryant Museum — Tuscaloosa
google maps The Paul W. Bryant Museum features a collection of items that celebrate the University of Alabama’s sports history. A few exhibits include the following: “Hall of Honor,” “Coach Bryant’s Office,” “Crimson Tide Moments from the Broadcast Booth,” and more. Hours: Daily, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Click here for more information.
Note: Due to COVID-19, several of these museums are currently closed. However, they look forward to your visit when they re-open in the next couple of weeks.
tripadvisor/management
F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald lived in this home from 1931 to 1932 and it is now used as a museum. This museum showcases many artifacts from their lives, including manuscripts, photos, and more. Visitors can also stay overnight in the apartment upstairs. Hours: Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Click here for more information.
tripadvisor/management
The Jesse Owens Museum honors the Olympic track and field star, featuring rare memorabilia from the 1936 Olympics (during which time Owens won four gold medals), trophies from his high school days, and so much more. Hours: Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Click here for more information.
google/Dustin Williams
Ivy Green, which was built in 1820, is the birthplace of Helen Keller — America’s “First Lady of Courage.” Inside this historic house museum, you’ll discover all types of artifacts from Keller’s life. While on the property, you’ll also get to see the famous water pump where the “miracle” took place. Hours: Monday through Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Click here for more information.
google/The Hank Williams Museum
Hank Williams was a country music superstar, and the Hank Williams Museum houses the most complete collection of his memorabilia, including the baby blue Cadillac he took his final ride in. Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Click here for more information.
facebook/Kathryn Tucker Windham Museum
The Kathryn Tucker Windham Museum is dedicated to the famous journalist, photographer, and storyteller. It features several artifacts from her life, including photos, a costume, and more. The museum is housed inside the Coastal Alabama Community College’s library building. Hours: Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Click here for more information.
google/angela kay
The George Washington Carver Museum is located on the campus of Tuskegee University and is part of the Tuskegee Institute National Historical Site. It consists of exhibits, interpretive programs, and showcases items from Carver’s life. Hours: Monday through Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Click here for more information.
google/Rosa Parks Museum
The Rosa Parks Museum is located on the Troy University at Montgomery campus. It features a variety of exhibits, including artifacts from the famous 1955 Montgomery bus boycott. Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Click here for more information.
google/Martin Lucas
The W.C. Handy Museum is dedicated to W.C. Handy — the “Father of the Blues.” The museum is housed inside the log cabin where Mr. Handy was born and it features a collection of his personal papers and artifacts. This museum is an absolute must visit for all music lovers. Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Click here for more information.
google maps
The Paul W. Bryant Museum features a collection of items that celebrate the University of Alabama’s sports history. A few exhibits include the following: “Hall of Honor,” “Coach Bryant’s Office,” “Crimson Tide Moments from the Broadcast Booth,” and more. Hours: Daily, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Click here for more information.
Have you been to any of these museums? If so, please share your experience(s) with us in the comments.
To experience one of Alabama’s most quirky museums, you’ll want to visit the MOOseum in Montgomery. For information about this museum, be sure to take a look at the following article: The MOOseum Is A Quirky Museum That Celebrates Alabama’s Cattle Farming.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: 919 Felder Ave, Montgomery, AL 36106, USAAddress: 7019 Co Rd 203, Danville, AL 35619, USAAddress: 300 N Commons St W, Tuscumbia, AL 35674, USAAddress: 118 Commerce St, Montgomery, AL 36104, USAAddress: 30755 US-43, Thomasville, AL 36784, USAAddress: Campus Rd, Tuskegee, AL, USAAddress: 252 Montgomery St, Montgomery, AL 36104, USAAddress: 620 W College St, Florence, AL 35630, USAAddress: 300 Paul W Bryant Dr, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, USA
