With 188 acres of rolling pasture, come prepared to walk among 20 historically inspired buildings and beautiful gardens. Don’t forget water and a folding chair. Costumed historical interpreters will be wandering the grounds, and there will be featured music and food. Sweet Home 250 runs July 3 and July 4, 2026, from 11:00 am to 10:30 pm each day. Doors open at 11:00 am with programming starting at 11:30 am. Last admission is at 8:30 pm each day. Tickets are available HERE. See you next weekend!
In celebration of the upcoming 250th anniversary of Independence Day, the July 2026 newsletter of Birmingham Historical Society explores the links between George and Martha Washington and the places, residences, food, and artifacts that memorialize them locally.
A prefabricated home plan of Washington’s home, Mount Vernon, was available in the Sears & Roebuck catalogue by 1932, and two residential replicas were constructed in Mountain Brook; one on Mountain Brook Parkway and the other on Fairway Drive. A look-alike building named Washington Hall at American Village in Montevallo, Alabama contains 3 spaces related to the birth of the nation: the Grand Foyer, the Assembly Room, and the Mount Vernon room.
It was in the Assembly Room…”that Washington was appointed Commander-in-Chief of The Continental Army, and on July 4, 1776, The Declaration of Independence was adopted. In the same space, The U. S. Flag was agreed upon and The Articles of Confederation approved. Here also, The Constitutional Convention occurred in 1787, with Washington pressing from The Rising Sun Chair.” (Historical Marker Database)
“The Mount Vernon Room was inspired by what Washington called “The New Room.” It represents the place where on April 14, 1789, he was informed that he had been unanimously elected as The First President of the United States.” (Historical Marker Database)
Montevallo’s American Village now boasts the finest collection of Washington family memorabilia outside of Mount Vernon including almost 1,000 items purchased from Shelby County residents.
Included in the July 2026 BHS newsletter, is the complete recipe of Martha Washington’s Great Cake which was served at her wedding anniversary every year. Baked for 5 ½ hours and serving 40 people, the recipe was passed on to her granddaughter and was eventually adapted and published by culinary historian, Nancy Carter Crump.
It’s well known that George Washington suffered from dental problems throughout his life which may have contributed to his death. Another noted local link to the Washingtons includes UAB’s Reynolds-Finley Historical Library which contains his letters to dentists, confirming Washington’s lifelong trouble with his teeth.
Finally, the July BHS newsletter tributes a number of Revolutionary War soldiers who settled in Jefferson County and lists Alabama Places named for Revolutionary War Era Figures and Battles.
To receive detailed historical information in periodic newsletters like this as well as invitations to special events and lectures, please consider joining BHS. Return this form below or click HERE for more information.
Read the Declaration of Independence below in its entirety in celebration of 250 years of freedom. Consider that when the 56 delegates signed the document, they believed that they were signing their death warrant and would be hung for their beliefs. In gratitude to our founding fathers, let freedom ring! Happy 4th of July!
Alabama is fortunate to have an educational institution in Montevallo that educates families, students, and visitors alike on the history of this country. Its mission is to inspire citizens and future leaders by bringing our history alive through settings and programs especially aimed toward young people. On 183 acres, they recreate the drama of American independence through costumed historical interpreters and replicas of The White House Oval Office, Washington Hall, Concord Bridge, and a colonial chapel.
This anniversary year will be especially important for the venue as American Village prepares to help celebrate America’s 250th birthday. The official event for the State of Alabama is being organized by the America 250 Alabama Commission but the centerpiece of Alabama’s celebration will be held at American Village in Montevallo over two unforgettable days.
The Alabama State Games was established in 1982 at the request of the United States Olympic Committee to give athletes exposure to Olympic-style sports. What started with 600 athletes competing…
The Opening Ceremony will honer Native Americans and/or descendants of Native Americans, active and retired military members and their descendants, as well as descendants of individuals who served in any…
This history series with Niki Sepsas tells the remarkable story of American Independence celebrating our 250th anniversary. Provided through a grant from America 250 Alabama. The key roles played by…
This history series with Niki Sepsas tells the remarkable story of American Independence celebrating our 250th anniversary. Provided through a grant from America 250 Alabama. A chronicling of the events…
Celebrate America’s 250th birthday with sponsor booths, children’s activities, live music, and the SUPER SHOW FIREWORKS SHOW! Free to attend. Food and drinks available for purchase.
This history series with Niki Sepsas tells the remarkable story of American Independence celebrating our 250th anniversary. Provided through a grant from America 250 Alabama. In the city of Philadelphia,…
This history series with Niki Sepsas tells the remarkable story of American Independence celebrating our 250th anniversary. Provided through a grant from America 250 Alabama. A look at some of…
Thunder on the Mountain, Alabama’s most spectacular and largest Fourth of July fireworks show, returns to Red Mountain on Saturday, July 4, 2026. Vulcan Park & Museum invites the community…
This history series with Niki Sepsas tells the remarkable story of American Independence celebrating our 250th anniversary. Provided through a grant from America 250 Alabama. An examination of some of…
This history series with Niki Sepsas tells the remarkable story of American Independence celebrating our 250th anniversary. Provided through a grant from America 250 Alabama. Realizing that America’s rebellious colonies…
This history series with Niki Sepsas tells the remarkable story of American Independence celebrating our 250th anniversary. Provided through a grant from America 250 Alabama. How did a seamstress from…
This history series with Niki Sepsas tells the remarkable story of American Independence celebrating our 250th anniversary. Provided through a grant from America 250 Alabama. A look at the territorial…
As we approach the 250th birthday of our nation, it’s hard to imagine what was going through the minds of those who will sign the Declaration of Independence. See their images, read their biographies, and try to visualize what their struggles were as they navigated loyalty to their homeland versus independence in their chosen new country. (click image below). For more ideas regarding our upcoming historic celebration, please refer to the sidebar.
