FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Andi Martin, Marketing and Public Relations Manager  

andi.martin@ahc.alabama.gov, 334-230-2680

March 16, 2020

Alabama Historical Commission Responds to COVID-19

(Montgomery, AL) As of Monday, March 16, the Alabama Historical Commission will act on the recommendations of public health officials and Governor Ivey to implement a plan for social distancing. In the interest of public health and safety, the Alabama Historical Commission's main office and select historic sites will be closed to the public beginning March 16, and all events and programs are cancelled until April 6. The agency will reevaluate after that time.

The Alabama Historical Commission Main Office in Montgomery will be operating with limited staff. Any and all correspondence is encouraged via email to program coordinators.

“The Alabama Historical Commission remains vigilant as we prepare our staff, historic sites, and visitors to the coronavirus and the COVID-19 situation,” said Lisa D. Jones, Executive Director Alabama Historical Commission. “We are dedicated to the safety and well-being of our employees and historic sites visitors. This new protocol has been implemented to serve the public and maintain safety for all those impacted under the AHC umbrella.”

Museum closures include Pond Spring, Belle Mont, Fendall Hall, Gaineswood, Magnolia Grove, Freedom Rides Museum, the museum at Fort Morgan, and the museum at Confederate Memorial Park. Visitors’ centers will close at all AHC historic sites.

At this time, AHC sites with green spaces will remain open as a service to citizens who wish to engage with the outdoors. These open green spaces include Fort Morgan, Old Cahawba, Fort Toulouse-Fort Jackson, Confederate Memorial Park, grounds at Pond Spring, and Fort Mims. 

·         These sites will continue to take admissions through “honor boxes” or at the gate.

·         AHC encourages the public to use credit/debit cards as a form of payment at Fort Morgan.  

·         AHC will maintain a presence at all sites for the duration of this evolving situation.

The full list of impacted AHC events through April 6, 2020:

March

All month - Guided tours and small arms demonstration every Tuesday & Thursday – Fort Morgan, Gulf Shores, AL

March 19 Alabama Register Meeting (postponed)

March 21 Bird Walk for Beginners (& History Buffs) – Old Cahawba, Orrville, AL

March 21 Living History Saturday – Fort Toulouse - Fort Jackson, Wetumpka, AL

March 21- April 4 Gaineswood Quilt Exhibit – Gaineswood, Demopolis, AL  

March 28 Historic Clocktowers and Bells of Alabama with Thomas Kauffmann – Old Cahawba, Orrville, AL

March 28 Miss Annie’s Plant Sale – Pond Spring, Hillsboro, AL

April

All month - Guided tours and small arms demonstration every Tuesday & Thursday – Fort Morgan, Gulf Shores, AL

Coastal Bird Banding – Fort Morgan, Gulf Shores, AL

April 4 Civil War Walking Tour & Prisoners of War Memorial Service – Old Cahawba, Orrville, AL

AHC acknowledges that this situation will continue to evolve as protocol and policy is put into place at the state and federal levels.

About the Alabama Historical Commission

Located in historic downtown Montgomery at 468 S. Perry Street, the Alabama Historical Commission is the state historic preservation agency for Alabama. The agency was created by an act of the state legislature in 1966 with a mission to protect, preserve and interpret Alabama’s historic places. AHC works to accomplish its mission through two fields of endeavor: Preservation and promotion of state-owned historic sites as public attractions; and, statewide programs to assist people, groups, towns, and cities with local preservation activities. For a complete list of programs and properties owned and operated by the AHC, hours of operation, and admission fees please visit ahc.alabama.gov  

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