In April 2025, history came alive every Saturday as Visit Tuscaloosa teamed up with Historic Tuscaloosa for an exciting new activity: the Historic Tuscaloosa Downtown Walking Tours. This special series was part of the Alabama Tourism Department’s statewide history-focused walking tour program. It was the perfect opportunity to dive deep into the stories that have shaped the area. Historic Tuscaloosa Downtown Walking Tours In April 2025, history came alive every Saturday as Visit Tuscaloosa teamed up with Historic Tuscaloosa for an exciting new activity: the Historic Tuscaloosa Downtown Walking Tours. This special series was part of the Alabama Tourism Department’s statewide history-focused walking tour program. It was the perfect opportunity to dive deep into the stories that have shaped the area. The walking tours took place every Saturday in April at 10:00 a.m. at the historic Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion . The tour lasted about 90 minutes and offered a fascinating journey through more than 200 years of Tuscaloosa’s history. Each tour was limited to 20 participants. These intimate walks ensured a personal and interactive experience as attendees discovered the city’s most historic landmarks and hidden gems. Leading the tours was Will Hawkins, the Executive Director of Historic Tuscaloosa. With his expertise and passion for the city’s past, Hawkins guided guests through Tuscaloosa’s transformation, from its time as Alabama’s state capital to its vibrant architectural and cultural evolution. He said, “The Downtown walking tour will be an informative, fun, and entertaining experience. We’ll cover as much of Tuscaloosa’s 200-year history as possible and dive into some captivating stories from our shared past. Come learn something new and walk away with a better understanding of Tuscaloosa’s glorious history.” While the tours were free to attend, donations to Historic Tuscaloosa were encouraged to help preserve the city’s historic landmarks. This event served as a great way to give back and support the ongoing preservation of the city’s heritage.

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< Back Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion tour gives real taste of luxurious life https://www.tuscaloosanews.com/story/news/2013/05/31/jemison-van-de-graaff-mansion-tour-gives-real-taste-of-luxurious-life/29906890007/ Previous Next

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!

The Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion event/wedding photography collection: Outdoor Events Part 2 Outside the Mansion Load More Outside Events Part 2

The Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion event/wedding photography collection: Portraits Load More Portraits

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!!

17949ba1-e337-4f44-bd3b-e45399c1a182 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!!

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

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