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Every event we organize is unique in its own way, and we’re happy to share some of the highlights from past fundraisers. Take a look at the gallery to get a better idea of what you can expect at our upcoming event. We hope you can join us in supporting our cause. GREETINGS CLICK BELOW TO SEE PHOTOS FROM OUR EVENTS 2022 PROGRESSIVE DINNER | VIEW ALL 2022 ANNUAL AWARDS RECEPTION | VIEW ALL 2022 RAMBLE TO COLUMBUS | VIEW ALL 2022 LECTURE SERIES | VIEW ALL 2022 HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE | VIEW ALL 2022 PINE & PROSECCO | VIEW ALL 2023 CENTURY CLUB PARTY | VIEW ALL 2024 CENTURY CLUB PARTY | VIEW ALL 2025 WALKING TOUR | VIEW ALL 2025 LECTURE SERIES | 1 OF 4 2025 LECTURE SERIES | 2 OF 4 2025 ANNUAL AWARDS RECEPTION | VIEW ALL 2025 LECTURE SERIES | 3 OF 4 2025 LECTURE SERIES | 4 OF 4 2025 NEW MEMBER RECEPTION | VIEW ALL 2025 HAUNTING TUSCALOOSA | VIEW ALL 2025 HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE | VIEW ALL 2025 BOURBON & BARBECUE | VIEW ALL 2026 TIMELESS TABLESCAPES | VIEW ALL 2026 CENTURY CLUB PARTY | VIEW ALL 2026 CAMEO GUILD EASTER EGG HUNT | VIEW ALL

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Mark your calendar for special events hosted by Historic Tuscaloosa. Calendar of Events Below you will find an up-to-date calendar of all scheduled Historic Tuscaloosa events, museum/tour closings, board meetings, and scheduled private events! The Old Tavern • The Battle Friedman House • The Jemison van de Graaff Mansion • The Murphy Collins House • The McGuire Strickland House Calendar Scheduled Events Tuscaloosa Cameo Guild Christmas Tea Sun, Dec 14 Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion “Join us for a Victorian Christmas Tea — a conversational tea where guests are encouraged to mingle, share stories, and enjoy lively discussion while sipping tea and savoring treats.” Details Bourbon & Barbecue Thu, Dec 11 Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion Join us for an unforgettable evening at the Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion on Thursday, December 11, 2025, from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM for Historic Tuscaloosa’s third annual Bourbon & Barbecue fundraiser! Details Holiday Open House 🎄 Sun, Dec 07 Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion Celebrate the season with Historic Tuscaloosa at our Annual Holiday Open House on Sunday, December 7, 2025, from 2:00–4:00 PM! 🎄 Learn more Old Tavern Work Day Sun, Nov 16 Old Tavern Join Historic Tuscaloosa for an afternoon of hands-on community service and historic preservation at one of our city’s most cherished landmarks—the Old Tavern! Learn more Haunting Tuscaloosa Wed, Oct 29 Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion Join the Gorgas House Museum and Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion on October 29, 2025 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. for a free event to hear the tales of the people who lived and died right here in Tuscaloosa. Learn more Multiple Dates Historic Tuscaloosa Lecture Series | 2025 Thu, Sep 25 Lloyd Hall Room 38 Come join us for a series of lectures that explore the fundamentals of historic preservation. Historic Tuscaloosa features live lectures from preservation professionals with a wide range of backgrounds and expertise, and includes interaction between participants and presenters through Q&A sessions Learn more Preservation Awards Banquet | 2025 Thu, Aug 21 Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion Historic Tuscaloosa will present five awards to individuals, businesses, and organizations at its annual meeting and preservation awards banquet at 5:30 p.m., Thursday, August 21, 2025, at the Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion. Learn more Dining Through Time: A Taste of Historic Tuscaloosa Thu, May 08 Shirley Place Learn more Jemison-Van de Graaff Spring Cleaning Sat, Apr 19 Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion Learn more Tuscaloosa Cameo Guild's Annual Easter Egg Hunt Sun, Apr 13 Battle-Friedman House Learn more Multiple Dates Timeless Tablescapes Sat, Jan 25 Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion "Tis not the food but the content that makes the table's merriment" - Robert Herrick Details Annual Work Day | 2025 Sat, Jan 18 Battle-Friedman House Learn more 2024 Bourbon & Barbecue Tue, Dec 10 Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion Details 2024 Pine & Prosecco 🌲🥂 Wed, Dec 04 Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion Join us for an evening of fun, food and floral Design! Details Holiday Open House 🎄 Sun, Dec 01 Tuscaloosa Visit Historic Tuscaloosa's 5 historic properties & enjoy the ambiance of these historic structures. Admission is free, donations are welcome. Learn more Member Tailgate Party Sat, Nov 16 Battle-Friedman House Learn more 2024 Ramble to Athens, AL Sat, Nov 02 Athens Learn more Mourning Matters 👻 Tue, Oct 29 Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion The Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion and the Gorgas House Museum are collaborating for a Halloween celebration! Learn more Load More

The Battle-Friedman House & Gardens event/wedding photography collection. Outdoor Events Indoor Events Portraits

June 26, 2025 | Topic: The University of Alabama’s Coal Lands and Alabama’s Convict Lease System Speaker: George Adair 2025 Lecture Series — 1 of 4 The University of Alabama’s Coal Lands & Alabama’s Convict Lease System Speaker: George Adair Recorded: June 26, 2025 For more information →

Accessibility A Special Welcome to Guests with Disabilities and Their Families See below for exact building accessibility information. Service animals are permitted in all buildings. Visitors with disabilities may request reasonable accommodations or modifications to assist them in accessing Historic Tuscaloosa's programs, services, and facilities. These requests can be made by contacting the main office at 205-758-2238 Guests with wheelchairs will find the streets, most gardens, and outdoor activities in the Historic Area accessible. While ramps are available at selected exhibitions, many of the historic buildings require at least a few steps. Many of the exhibition buildings have second floors that are interpreted, and stairs are often steep and narrow. Wheelchair-accessible Restroom Locations The only location that has wheelchair-accessible restrooms is the Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion. Battle-Friedman House | DISABILITY ACCOMADATION Battle-Friedman House and Gardens endeavor to provide reasonable accommodations and to ensure equal access to all visitors with disabilities. Due to the configuration of the house and the inability to make modifications to a protected building, issue may arise for visitors with mobility concerns. A good access point for wheelchairs is on the right side (when facing the house) of the house, near the kitchens. Parking for visitors with mobility issues is available. Jemison-Van de Graff Mansion | DISABILITY ACCOMADATION The Jemison-Van de Graff Mansion endeavor to provide reasonable accommodations and to ensure equal access to all visitors with disabilities. Due to the configuration of the house and the inability to make modifications to a protected building, issue may arise for visitors with mobility concerns. A good access point for wheelchairs is on the right side (when facing the house) of the house, near the kitchens. Parking for visitors with mobility issues is available. Rules The rules help the museum maintain and preserve this historic site. Do not touch: Please do not handle objects, touch the woodwork or furnishings, lean against the walls, or sit on the furniture. Please do not try to open any drawers or doors. Visitors must be accompanied at all times by a museum guide: Groups must stay together. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Smoking is not permitted anywhere on the grounds or in the building. Leave large items outside or in your car: The museum does not take responsibility for the safety of any personal items left by visitors at the site. Photography: Photography is allowed at all Historic Tuscaloosa sites, but for personal use only. Any photographs intended for anything other than for personal use requires contact with the event coordinator or Director of Historic Tuscaloosa. No food is allowed during the tour. No running during the tour.

The Tuscaloosa Cameo Guild is a group of young women, enrolled in the 11th and 12th grades of high schools located in Tuscaloosa County, or whose parents reside in Tuscaloosa County. They learn about history throughout West Alabama and our state, contribute to their community by completing service projects and sponsoring fund-raising events to meet Historic Tuscaloosa needs. THE CAMEO GUILD OF TUSCALOOSA History, Knowledge, Beauty, Grace Scroll Down About Us Membership Annual Events Testimonials WHO WE ARE The Tuscaloosa Cameo Guild is a group of young women, enrolled in the 10th, 11th, and 12th grades of high schools located in Tuscaloosa County, or whose parents reside in Tuscaloosa County. They learn about history throughout West Alabama and our state, contribute to their community by completing service projects and sponsoring fund-raising events to meet Historic Tuscaloosa needs. On average each class (of which there are 50 young women) has served over 1,500 service hours during their membership. In addition, the members serve as representatives at Historic Tuscaloosa events and experience working together as a group in order to accomplish specific goals. Members of the Cameo Guild are considered members of Historic Tuscaloosa. The Cameo Guild’s fundraising events consist of an annual Easter Egg Hunt planned by the junior class and a fall Heritage 5K and Fun Run/Walk planned by the senior class. Each year the Cameo Guild, through these fundraising efforts, maintains a scholarship fund and makes a generous gift to Historic Tuscaloosa using the remaining proceeds. These gifts make the Historic Tuscaloosa properties more appealing to the public, which in turn brings in revenue that helps maintain these wonderful structures. After completing two years of service, these young women are presented at a special event in December where scholarships and awards of excellence are given to those whose service has been exemplary. About Us OBJECTIVES Educate future preservationists through monthly Cameo Guild meetings focused on history, preservation, and etiquette. Teach philanthropic and charitable practices through community service hours and class projects. Support Historic Tuscaloosa's mission of local preservation through fundraising events. Strive to embody the attributes of a well-rounded individual by practicing kindness, thoughtfulness, and self-confidence. BECOMING A TUSCALOOSA CAMEO GUILD MEMBER Tuscaloosa Cameo Guild members are chosen each year through an application and interviewing process. Applications, accompanied with required recommendations, are accepted in the spring followed by interviews during the summer. Cameo Guild applicants must be entering their sophomore or junior year of high school and be able to fulfill all of the requirements for membership. For more information, please contact a Tuscaloosa Cameo Guild Director by calling 205-758-2238. CRITERIA For Selection as a Cameo Guild Member Applications are accepted March 29th through May 30th 1. The applicant must be a young woman entering the 10th or 11th grade in the fall of 2025, enrolled in an accredited school, and whose parent(s)/guardian(s) reside in the Tuscaloosa County area. If home-schooled, the applicant must provide proof of accreditation. 2. The applicant must have a 3.0 or higher GPA. A copy of her official transcript must be submitted — complete through the end of the current school year. If GPA is under a 3.0, please provide a written explanation and documentation regarding why, if available. 3. Dues o f $300.00 must be paid by October 1st of each year. These dues include a complimentary Century Club membership for the parent(s)/guardian(s) in Historic Tuscaloosa (formerly the Tuscaloosa County Preservation Society). 4. The applicant must complete an interview with the Cameo Guild Director(s) and current year’s officers. 5. The applicant must provide three letters of recommendation, one letter from each of the following: acad emic record (from School Principal or Guidance Counselor), extra-curricular activities (from Club Sponsors or Coaches), and civic involvement (from Pastor, Youth Leader, Civic Club Sponsor, etc.). 6. Once accepted into the Cameo Guild, the Cameo must provide at least one approved formal dress that represents one of four designated eras* within 1820-1925. Ensemble must include all accessories, shoes, gloves, etc. She must also provide black/white attire for less formal occasions that includes black dress pants or skirt and white blouse/top. 7. The applicant must be willing to fulfill the following: A. Attend an information meeting in August 2025. Date/time/location TBA. B. Attend monthly general membership meetings** during each school year . C. Complete service hours coordinated by the Tuscaloosa Cameo Guild. Sophomores and Juniors are expected to earn a minimum of 15 credits each year, and Seniors are expected to earn a minimum of 10 credits throughout each year. D. Serve as a hostess for Historic Tuscaloosa events (often in time-period dress). E. Participate in the class project each year. Participation is mandatory. F. Commit to two-and-a-half years in the Cameo Guild. * The four designated eras are: Late Regency Period, Romantic Period, Victorian Period, Flapper Period **There are nine meetings, one of which is the information meeting at the beginning of each year. Three absences are allowed but must have written excuses. Application for Membership 2024-2026 Membership Annual Events ANNUAL EVENTS Heritage 5K Run The annual Tuscaloosa Cameo Guild 5K Fun Run/Walk is a fun-for-all-ages family event hosted every fall. Benefits from the run primarily go towards the Cameo Guild Scholarship Fund with additional proceeds going toward a project voted on by the senior class members for the Battle-Friedman House and Gardens. Easter Egg Hunt This family-friendly party is hosted each spring at the historic Battle-Friedman House and Gardens. It includes games, a petting zoo, refreshments, a raffle, a visit with the Easter Bunny, and the main attraction, the Easter egg hunt. With more than 2,000 eggs this year there were plenty for each participating child. Formal Dinner The Tuscaloosa Cameo Guild’s Formal Dinner is held each year in honor of the senior class members. It is an opportunity for members and their dates to practice the elements of formal dining etiquette that have been covered throughout the year. Testimonials TESTIMONIALS Lili B. Cameo Guild was a great way for me to give back to our community. From our 5K to our Easter Egg Hunt and other projects, it allowed me to further develop my leadership skills as an officer. I was able to make friends with girls from other schools who I never would have had an opportunity to meet. I am thankful for my time in the Cameo Guild and serving Historic Tuscaloosa. 2020-2022 Shelby B. I could not have asked for a more amazing organization to be a member of during my junior and senior year of high school. Being part of a group that is dedicated to giving back was an experience that showed me just how important it is to serve the community around us. I am so grateful I was able to have this experience and the memories I made will stay with me forever! ❤️❤️❤️ 2018-20 Suzanna M. Being a member of the Tuscaloosa Belles (now known as "Cameo Guild") was easily one of the most rewarding and enjoyable experiences throughout my time in high school! Not only did I get a hands-on approach to being educated on the history of my hometown and the beautiful historical homes it hosts, but it was also an opportunity to make genuine connections with some outstanding girls throughout our community. I acquired a great deal of knowledge and leadership experience, while also being able to give back to my community via the Tuscaloosa County Preservation Society. My experience as a Tuscaloosa Belle and the relationships I gained through this organization are something I hold dear to my heart and will cherish forever. 2018-2020 McKenzie C. The Tuscaloosa Cameo Guild allowed me to grow in my knowledge of our town and the structures that tell that history. I was able to gain qualities such as learning to better communicate with my peers and elders, how to plan fund raisers, and how to work together with other people to reach a common goal. These have helped me succeed in college and graduate school and will continue to help me succeed in the future. It allowed me to see the importance of preserving the history of our town and learn more about where I am living and how I can help my community. I would be a part of this organization a million times over! 2017-2019

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This year's Historic Tuscaloosa Annual Awards Reception was held on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at the Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion.  Annual Awards Reception 2025 This year's Annual Awards Reception was held Thursday, August 21, 2025 at the Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion. DAN SUTTON received the 2025 Work Day Excellence Award in recognition of the outstanding service contributed during Historic Tuscaloosa’s Work Days. NIKKI AND MATT RAY received the 2025 Brick and Mortar Award in recognition of the time, effort, and dedication to the restoration of their property in Tuscaloosa’s Historic District. GLENNA BROWN received the 2025 Volunteer of the Year Award in recognition of the countless hours of volunteer service and for the fundraising she has done on behalf of Historic Tuscaloosa. CLAIRE FRIDAY received the 2025 Emeritus in recognition of the many years of dedicated service and generous support of Historic Tuscaloosa. JAMES BRAZIL received the 2025 Community Partner Award in recognition of the time and professional expertise that have been generously donated to 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.

About Us | Historic Tuscaloosa has been preserving and promoting Tuscaloosa County’s historic resources since 1966. A non-profit organization, the society's mission is to develop an awareness and appreciation of the historical and cultural heritage of our community. Our Organization Our Members Our History Our Properties Our Objectives Our Vision Since 1966, Historic Tuscaloosa has been preserving and promoting the county’s historic resources. As a non-profit, our mission is to build community appreciation for Tuscaloosa’s historical and cultural assets. We are proud to be recognized as one of the strongest preservation organizations in the Southeast. Our Objectives Historic Tuscaloosa’s specific goals include: Educating all citizens of the county about its heritage Collecting, organizing, and cataloging local historical information and materials Encouraging tourism through tours and pilgrimages Maintaining historical archives and informational files Promoting and participating in the identification and preservation of old homes, buildings, and historic sites throughout Tuscaloosa County Collaborating with local governments, schools, and organizations to advance preservation efforts Our Objectives Our Vision Our Vision Our vision is for the Tuscaloosa County community to understand and appreciate the irreplaceable value of historic buildings and places and their relevance to modern life and recognize the economic and cultural benefits of preservation. We envision communities where new development complements and reinforces thriving downtowns and our historic neighborhoods Our Members Our members are the heartbeat of Historic Tuscaloosa. They give their time and talents to help preserve the area’s history. Membership benefits include : Free tours of all Historic Tuscaloosa properties Free admission to lectures Exclusive access to member-only events, including annual home tours, fundraisers, private parties, and our yearly Ramble trip We’d love to welcome you as a member of Historic Tuscaloosa! Our Members Our Properties Historic Tuscaloosa operates and maintains five historic landmarks: Old Tavern Battle-Friedman House Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion Murphy-Collins House McGuire-Strickland House Our Properties Our History On March 24, 1966, in the auditorium of the Alabama Power Company on Broad Street, local citizens voted unanimously to incorporate the Tuscaloosa County Preservation Society—what we now know as Historic Tuscaloosa. The effort was initially formed to save the Old Tavern from demolition. After securing support and funds, the Tavern was relocated to Capitol Park in December 1966. This event marked the beginning of many preservation successes. In 1968, the Old Tavern was officially dedicated. That same year, the Society led restoration efforts for the Battle–Friedman House, now a fully restored and functioning historic site. Our History Meet The Faces of Our Organization Welcome to our organization! We are proud to introduce our dedicated team members who bring diverse talents and expertise to our mission. Each individual plays a vital role in driving our vision forward, and together, we strive to make a positive impact. Get to know the faces behind our success! Our Team See what it's all about..... Every event we organize is unique in its own way, and we’re happy to share some of the highlights from past fundraisers. Take a look at the gallery below to get a better idea of what you can expect at our upcoming event. View Support Our Mission Our mission is to develop an awareness and appreciation of the historical and cultural heritage of Tuscaloosa County. We are a non-profit that operates based on grants, gifts, and the support of our community. If you are unable to participate as a member but would like to support our cause, donations can be made at the link below. Donate Here