Experience The Revolution

Celebrate Independence Day in a 1776 setting this year at American Village in Montevallo where history comes alive.

Historical interpreters in period dress relive important moments in a young country’s struggle for independence and liberty. With fireworks at twilight, the Fourth of July event is the largest of the year.

The daylong celebration at the 18th century-inspired village includes more than 40 patriotic activities throughout the day, including music, dance and games.

Encounters with patriots of the past and the battle at Concord Bridge will be reenacted this year.

American Village was created by Tom Walker, whose perseverance brought the living-history center to life on 188 acres in Shelby County. Walker envisioned students being able to “step into the scene” of history, making our country’s legacy real, personal and relevant. Each year, 30 to 40 thousand students from Alabama and nearby states visit the Village.

The authentic reproduced village offers a glimpse of history in the buildings and sites. There is a full-scale replica of the White House Oval Office and the President’s desk. The Resolute desk is a reproduction of the one used by most presidents since Rutherford B. Hayes.

A replica of the East Room at the White House is named the Lt. Gen. Harold G. Moore Liberty Hall. Moore, who lived in Auburn, was the Distinguished National Honorary Chair for the American Citizenship Trust. The American Village is the educational campus of the Trust.

The Miniature Museum of American History has been restored and has found its home in the American Village. Businessman H. Pettus Randall Jr. commissioned sculptors and artists from 14 states to create dioramas illustrating America’s past. The Inaugural Ballroom scene displays every president and first lady in authentic period formalwear.

Step into history at the Colonial Courthouse, Washington Hall, Colonial Chapel, President’s House, Liberty Hall, the National Veterans Shrine and Register of Honor, two Colonial gardens and a replica of the North Bridge in Concord, Massachusetts.

Washington Hall was inspired by Mount Vernon with a

life-size statue of George Washington in the grand foyer. The green room features a reproduction of Washington’s secretary desk.

Inspired by Philadelphia’s Independence Hall, the Assembly Room is where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were adopted. The hall contains a reproduction of the “Rising Sun Chair” where Washington sat during debates. In this room, students recreate the Constitution Convention.

The replica 1770 Colonial Courthouse of Williamsburg hosts outdoor and indoor educational programs. The interior is transformed into the Mayflower for Thanksgiving programs.

Patterned from the first president’s home, the James B. and Sylvia S. Braswell President's House is furnished to interpret the presidency of the 1790s. The original house, which no longer exists, was the home of the Washingtons and Adams when the first capital was in Philadelphia.

In late 2000, during excavation for the new Liberty Bell Center, foundations of the Philadelphia President's House were uncovered.

Washington occupied the house from November 1790 to March 1797. President John Adams lived there from March 1797 to May 1800. Adams oversaw the transfer of the federal government to the District of Columbia and first occupied the White House on Nov. 1, 1800.

Modeled after the Bruton Parish Church of Williamsburg, the Ryals Thompson Colonial Chapel is the site of many weddings. From a 100-year-old pulpit, an interpreter representing Patrick Henry gives a stirring “Give me liberty or give me death” speech.

Completed in 2014, the National Veterans Shrine is patterned after Philadelphia's Carpenters’ Hall. The Shrine honors veterans' service and sacrifice for America. It features major sculptures and paintings by nationallyrenowned artists, interactive media, artifacts and exhibits.

Housed within the Shrine is the Veterans Register of Honor, a website and database containing photographs, biographical sketches and stories of America's veterans and active members of the United States Armed Forces.

After visiting American Village, you will leave with a better understanding of how our country was formed.

“We have almost a national amnesia of about the roots of our freedom,” Walker said. “When we have an understanding that freedom and liberty did not come cheaply, it increases our stewardship.”

The American Village is located at 3727 State 119, Montevallo and is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. For summer activities, check the events list. For further information, visit the American Village website: www.americanvillage.org or call 205-665-3535.

American Village Summer Events

Celebrate America!

- Tuesdays through Saturdays June 1 through July 30 (excluding July 1 to 3 and 5) - $5 admission. Veterans, active military and children ages 4 and under are free. - Open 10 .m. to 4 p.m.

Family-friendly red, white and blue fun for patriots of all ages. Play colonial games, explore the Randall Museum of miniature American history, meet patriots of the past, see a puppet show, learn about apothecary herbal remedies and march with Washington’s Continental Army.

Be sure to experience the multi-sensory West Wing of Independence Hall and see the original film “Choosing to be an American People.”

Independence Day 1776!

- Monday, July 4 - Gates open at 11 a.m. with programming offered from noon through evening fireworks. - $5 admission. Veterans, active military and children ages 4 and under are free. - Food trucks will be onsite.

The fourth of July means fun, food and fireworks at the American Village. Enjoy more than 40 patriotic activities throughout the day, including music and dance, games, encounters with patriots of the past, the battle at Concord Bridge and fireworks at twilight’s last gleaming.

August at American Village

- Mondays through Fridays, August 1 to 31 - Free self-guided walking tours of campus.

Pick up a Gazette and a map at the gift shop and explore the 188-acre campus at your own pace. The public buildings and grounds will be open, but there will be no scheduled programming.