In honor of National Preservation Month in May, Old Alabama Town is hosting a workshop on Old House Living for historic homeowners. This free event is not to be missed by those who reside in Old Cloverdale, Capitol Heights, Garden District, Idlewild or any of the area’s historic neighborhoods. Call 240-4512 to register.

Presentation Schedule

• 9-9:10 a.m.              Greetings from Landmarks President Wilbur Hill
• 9:10-9:35 a.m.         "Architectural Review Board Whats and Whys,"  Brandon Brazil
• 9:35-10:00 a.m.       "The Color Purple...Great Play, But for a House?"  Bil Hitchcock
• 10:00-10:10 a.m.      Break
• 10:10-10:35 a.m.      "Greening Up Your Windows"  Hilda Dent
• 10:35-11:00 a.m.      "Termites, Beetles and Fungus...Oh My!"  Jerry Penson
• 11:00-11:25 a.m.      "Financing the Fixer-Upper"  Denton Hawk
• 11:25-11:45 a.m.      "Does it Pay to Buy in a Historic District?"  Sandra Nickel

Amos Kennedy of Gordo, Alabama, uses the traditional relief printmaking process and equipment to create exciting, thought-provoking artwork. Through assorted fonts, various type sizes and adventurous color combinations he supports political causes and advertises events. Amos and his letterpress are always a hit at the annual Alabama Book Festival, where children and adults alike enjoy crafting their own print creations. In conjunction with this year’s festival, to be held on April 17 at Old Alabama Town, we are featuring a collection of Amos Kennedy’s originals in our gallery. Available for viewing Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free.

On the evening of April 2, 1825, the famous French hero Marquis de Lafayette stopped on Montgomery's Old Federal Road for food, drink and a night's rest at Lucas Tavern. Historically preserved and moved to the grounds of Old Alabama Town, the tavern will be open for viewing all day, while "Mr. Lucas" prepares for the very special guest’s arrival. Admission to Old Alabama Town is required for non-members.

Join historians Mary Ann Neeley and Bob Bradley on a walking tour of Montgomery's Civil War sites, from the Alabama River to the Capitol. The tour will commence from the Commerce Street Tunnel at 2 p.m. Please be prompt. Bring water and wear comfortable walking shoes. Admission is free to members of the Landmarks Foundation, $5 for the general public.

Join us in Kiwanis Park on February 25 at 11 a.m. for an American Liberty Elm tree dedication. The event is co-sponsored by the Montgomery Tree Committee, Clean City Commission, Daughters of the American Revolution, Sons of the American Revolution, and the City of Montgomery. Activities will include a reading of the Arbor Day proclamation and a recitation of the history of the American Liberty Tree. The tree was donated by the Elm Research Institute. For more information, call 334-834-4848.

If you like music and a good time, you'll love Old Alabama Town's Saturday Jam Sessions every 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month at the 1840s Rose House. Musicians, bring your acoustic instruments and join in the fun! Tickets to the Jam Sessions are free. Tickets to tour Old Alabama Town are available in the Reception Center.

Join us as we celebrate Women’s History Month during a luncheon with some of the area’s favorite ladies, Kathryn Tucker Windham and Mary Ann Neeley. Set for March 24, this event will be catered by the fabulous Leslie Bailey of Silver Spoon Catering. Tickets are $15 and must be purchased in advance. Seating is limited: call and make reservations today at 334-240-4500.

As of February 16, 2010, this event is SOLD OUT. However, visitors are welcome to attend the book signing at 1 p.m. in the Old Alabama Town Reception Center. Mrs. Windham, Neeley and Bailey will be on hand to sign books and meet guests.

Old Alabama Town will celebrate Black History Month at 2:30 p.m. with musical presentations, drama performances and special speakers. The program will include a performance by the MacMillan International Academy Choir, readings from an actress portraying Rosa Parks, a photography presentation by former news photographer Tommy Giles, and much more. The event is free and open to the public.

Come take a tour of authentic early American structures that hold an important place in African-American history, including an 1850s slave quarter where domestic servants lived in downtown Montgomery while serving the upper-middle-class residents of the antebellum Ordeman House, an 1880s shotgun style house typical of the housing available to former slaves following the Civil War, and an 1885 chapel which housed the First Presbyterian Colored Church of Montgomery. Individual self-guided tours are available Monday-Saturday, while group tours may be scheduled in advance for groups of 10 or more. Call 334-240-4500 for more information.

View everyday 19th century life portrayed in artwork from the permanent collection of Old Alabama Town. Works will include “The Death of General Montgomery” and “The Burning of the Capitol.” The exhibit is organized by guest curator Erin Schovel Turnham and is available for viewing Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., in the Reception Center gallery. Admission is free and open to the public.

10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The fifth annual Alabama Book Festival will be held in historic downtown Montgomery at Old Alabama Town on April 17, 2010. The free public event is the state’s premier book festival — with more than 4,000 people converging in the capital city to meet with and hear from their favorite authors. The family-friendly event promotes reading and literacy to Alabamians of all ages and backgrounds.