Since 1966, Historic Tuscaloosa has been preserving and promoting Tuscaloosa County's historic resources. As a non-profit organization, the Society's mission is to develop an awareness of and appreciation of our community's historical and cultural heritage. The Society has enjoyed steady growth over the years and is recognized as one of Southeast's most vital preservation groups. Specific objectives of the Society include:
- Identifying and preserving historic structures and sites.
- Maintaining an endangered structures list and seeking preservation solutions for these structures.
- Promoting heritage education and awareness.
- Maintaining information files regarding the heritage of the community.
- Promoting heritage tourism.
- Working with local governments and agencies to promote historic preservation. The Society operates and maintains five historical landmarks: The Old Tavern (1827), the Battle-Friedman House (1835), the McGuire-Strickland House (1820), the Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion (1865), and the Murphy African-American Museum (1923). The Historic Tuscaloosa Research Library, which features collections focusing on local history and local architecture, is housed in the Society's office on the ground floor of the Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion. Donations to the Society are not only accepted but also play a crucial role in our ability to continue preserving and promoting Tuscaloosa County's historic resources. Your support is greatly appreciated. OUR BEGINNING
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The Tuscaloosa County Preservation Society was "born" in 1965 from a committee doing a study regarding the possibility of saving the Old Tavern, which was then doomed to be torn down. After many meetings, letters, and consulting with the National Trust for Historic Preservation, it was voted at a meeting held at the residence of Senator and Mrs. Bill McCain to incorporate and pursue the preservation of the Old Tavern. The organization was incorporated, and the group began efforts to stir community interest for monies to save the Old Tavern by relocation. The first event, a testament to the growing support for the preservation efforts, was planned and sponsored by the Tuscaloosa County Preservation Society. One Sunday afternoon, it was an open house at three empty, rundown houses after a particular one-hour radio and TV program. The turnout was overwhelming, with hundreds of people from throughout Tuscaloosa County showing their support by visiting these three empty houses: The Washington Moody House, The Guild-Verner House, and The Old Tavern. With the tremendous community interest shown by this event, the committee had confidence that the Old Tavern could be saved by relocation. At the same time, the group launched efforts to raise money to relocate the Old Tavern. The Preservation Society sought and obtained endorsements from local governing bodies for historic preservation efforts and initiated a survey of important historic landmarks in this area. Memberships in the Society were solicited. Preservation leaders made an intensive "selling" effort, speaking at club meetings, writing letters, talking to friends, and appealing to elected officials. By mid-1966, we had obtained approval from the University and the City of Tuscaloosa to relocate the Tavern to Capitol Park and had almost enough money to initiate this historic move. After a contract was signed with B.& C. Company to dismantle and move the Old Tavern, there were months of waiting because of weather and utility line clearance. Finally, the move occurred on a very cold Sunday morning in December 1966. The Preservation Society was then on its way to doing many things. The first annual home tour was in 1966. In addition to the pilgrimage, the Society planned and sponsored frequent "flea" market sales to raise money for The Old Tavern. Interest and support for preservation in our area have grown each year. The Old Tavern was dedicated on October 13, 1968. This same year, the Preservation Society took a lead in the preservation efforts of the Battle-Friedman House, now completely restored and a helpful structure in the community. In 1971, Heritage Week was created. This week-long celebration incorporated the pilgrimage of homes and a Class "A" hunter-jumper show at North River Hunt Club. Many events have been added since then, and the event encompassed two weeks of activities and was renamed Heritage Celebration. It was the biggest annual event of The Tuscaloosa County Preservation Society and one of the largest in Tuscaloosa County. Heritage Celebration involved hundreds of volunteers and brought many visitors to Tuscaloosa County. It served as the primary source of funds raised for the Society. Projects have included photo surveys of landmarks throughout the county, preservation by the relocation of the Strickland House, and assistance with the initial plan for the restoration of Guild-Verner House. The Preservation Authority, a county-wide government agency created because of the Tuscaloosa County Preservation Society, received a $20,000.00 grant for this important landmark. Equally interested in preserving historical records and photos, the Preservation Society's library grows each year with valuable documents and historical records of our area. Many Tuscaloosa/Northport residents have been active in this needed community organization. Some have continued from the very first organizational meetings. Our sincere thanks go to all who have supported preservation and those who are assisting in making Tuscaloosa County a better place to live through preservation.
