American Village News
Coming Soon: The Washington Museum
The Karl C. Harrison Museum of George Washington in Columbiana has been relocated to American Village East Wing of Independence Hall, which will open in Fall 2026 Founded in 1982 by Karl C. Harrison, a Columbiana banker and philanthropist, the Karl C. Harrison Museum of George Washington provided an important forum for learning about America’s first First Family. Through the foresight and early efforts of Martha Washington’s granddaughter, Eliza Parke Custis, many family heirlooms have been lovingly passed down through generations. In the early 1980s, Shelby County resident Charlotte Smith-Weaver, a sixth generation granddaughter of Martha Washington, decided to share her legacy with the public, providing the basis of the museum. Containing paintings, letters, furniture, porcelain, glassware, silver, jewelry, busts and more, the collection focuses on Washingtonia from the colonial period through 1865. Martha Washington’s prayer book, printed in New York in 1783, a 19th century copy of Samuel Vaughn sketch of Mt. Vernon grounds, a lyre musical instrument said to belong to Eliza Custis, and a Sheffield, England silver teapot bearing a family crest for a leading Baltimore, Maryland, founding family that would eventually marry into the Washington family-the Buchanans, are just a few collection highlights. The beauty and craftsmanship of 18th and 19th century furniture is evidenced by a number of carefully preserved pieces from the estates of the Washington family and their descendants. Coin-silver utensils used at Mount Vernon, a 207-piece set of Haviland porcelain and an exquisite pair of Sevres-style vases, circa 1785, from the estate of Augustine Washington, half-brother of George, highlight the display. Another highly regarded piece is a walnut games table with tulip and rosewood inlay (circa 1805). The beautiful table belonged to Bushrod Washington, a direct descendant, who inherited Mount Vernon upon Martha’s death. The oldest item in the Museum is the handwritten will of Colonel Daniel Parke, dated 1710. His grandson, Daniel Parke Custis, married Martha Dandridge. After his death Martha married George Washington. “We are very excited to have this amazing collection here at American Village. The addition of the Washington Museum to the American Village campus will expand our opportunities to allow students and citizens to engage in the study and appreciation of America’s founding history.” Alan B. Miller, President and CEO, American Village The Harrison Washington collection is estimated one of the most important collections of George and Martha Washington artifacts and memorabilia outside of their famous home site, Historic Mount Vernon. It will be housed in the East Wing of Independence Hall, which is slated in open in the fall of 2026. Artifacts in the collection are currently being conserved and acclimated to the new museum space. Below are photographs of some of the items in the collection, as well as the meticulous cataloging, conservation, and transfer steps that have taken place in preparation for the new museum opening. A pair of George Washington’s “sleeve buttons,” called cuff links today. The match to this set resides at Mount Vernon. Delicate humidity monitors ensure that the collection remains stable while in storage. A few pieces of furniture from the Harrison Collection, stored until put on display. A Sheffield, England silver teapot. Each piece in the collection is meticulously studied, cataloged, cleaned and restored if necessary.
2026 Summer Season
This summer, celebrate America’s 250th birthday by experiencing the events that led to the signing of the Declaration of Independence. American Village and America 250 Alabama present The Road to Independence. Tuesday-Saturday, June 2 – August 1. On Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, experience The Pursuit of Happiness. Boston, March 1776. The King’s army controls the city, and the patriots outside its walls are determined to take it back. In this moment, everyone, from shopkeepers to soldiers, will be forced to pick a side. In this immersive program, you’ll go undercover in the streets and households of occupied Boston to uncover a plot that could change the war. Will you risk everything for the Patriots and the pursuit of happiness, or remain loyal to the Crown? Step into history and witness the birth of a nation! The Independence Hall Experience begins in the West Wing, where the tension of colonial unrest builds, and an original short film brings the chaos of revolution to life. Then, experience a one-of-a-kind encounter where voices from all walks of life passionately share their views on independence—in a way you’ve never seen before. Finally, take your seat with the 2nd Continental Congress and find yourself right in the middle of the heated debate that would shape a new nation. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, a little lighter experience for young patriots with colonial games and a Continental Army encampment, called “Life and Liberty.” Learn more about these special summer programs and purchase tickets here: www.americanvillage.org/summer-season-2026/
Sweet Home 250
Preliminary Schedule for Sweet Home 250 has been announced. Download the PDF here: Buy Your Tickets Today at SweetHome250.com! On July 4, 2026, America will celebrate its 250th birthday. Nationwide celebrations will mark this historic milestone, and the official event for the State of Alabama is being organized by the America 250 Alabama Commission. The centerpiece of Alabama’s celebration will be held at American Village in Montevallo. Sweet Home 250 – Where Freedom Feels Like Home – is two-day music, arts & food festival happening on July 3-4. Sweet Home 250 will honor Alabama’s rich musical heritage by featuring artists across the state, while celebrating our history, visual arts, and culinary traditions. See more at SweetHome250.com. Music! Over two unforgettable days, Sweet Home 250 will showcase 18 musical acts from across Alabama—featuring some of the finest artists our state has to offer. From legendary performers to rising stars, this lineup celebrates the rich musical tradition that makes Alabama one of America’s most influential musical homes. Taylor Hicks The Blind Boys of Alabama Chuck Leavell Myles Morgan PJ Spraggins and the Alabama Jazz All Stars Rick Carter and the Loveland Orchestra Lolly Lee Will McFarland and the Muscle Shoals All Stars Roman Street Act of Congress Anthony Crawford and Savana Lee Michael Warren Cole Spain Birmingham Youth & Young Adult Fellowship Choir The Montevallo Community Band Crimson Pride Chorus Charlie Mato-Toyela Expressions of Freedom original song contest winners Celebrity Chefs’ Kitchen Jonathan Harrison is a chef from Columbiana, Alabama obsessed with southern food and local ingredients. After a run on Gordon Ramsay’s Next Level Chef in 2022, Jonathan has been all over the world cooking and spreading the gospel of southern cooking. See Jonathan, along with Alabama chefs Annie McDaniel, Sally McKay and Natalie Gravois, cooking their hearts out (and letting you sample their creations!) at the Sweet Home 250 Celebrity Kitchen. It all takes place on Friday, July 3rd only. Eating Contests Think you can handle the cold? Step up and prove it! Watch (or compete) in the Blue Bell Brain Freeze Challenge. Brave contestants race against the clock to devour as many Blue Bell Vanilla Mini Ice Cream Cups as possible in just five minutes. It’s fast, it’s freezing, and it’s guaranteed to have the crowd cheering—and shivering! How many Priester’s mini pecan pies can you eat in five minutes? Priester’s is an Alabama original known for handcrafted pecan treats since 1935. What began as a small roadside stop in Fort Deposit has grown into one of the South’s most beloved pecan brands—still family-owned and rooted in tradition. An Alabama classic takes center stage at the Conecuh Little Chief Challenge. Contestants will race to eat as many legendary Conecuh Little Chief Premium Franks as possible in five minutes — and with sausage this good, who needs a bun? Interested in signing up for one of these eating contests? https://sweethome250.com/americas-kitchen#eatingcontests Sweet Home 250 Kids’ Zone Perondi’s All-Star Stunt Dog Show has been seen on the Tonight Show, Ellen DeGeneres, Oprah Winfrey, the Queen Latifah Show, the Today Show, NatGeo Wild’s “World’s Greatest Dogs”, top trick dog on the CW’s “World Dog Awards”, Animal Planet’s “Funniest”, “Amazing Pets”, and was a winner on “Pet Star” with Mario Lopez. The dogs have also starred in commercials for Animal Planet, Suzuki, Stargate Studios in the Lucy Pet Foundation’s SuperBowl commercial and have performed for millions in the 2014 annual “Rose Parade”. They have also been featured in Sports Illustrated Magazine, Dog Fancy, Dogs for Kids, National Geographic Kids, in the USA Today, and 100’s of regional TV, radio and newspapers across North America! Catch 3 performances each day – Friday and Saturday. Sgt. Stubby – America’s most decorated war dog – returns to theaters, bringing a story of courage, loyalty, and unity to a new generation. As communities across the nation prepare to celebrate America’s Semiquincentennial, one of the country’s most beloved heroes was invited to make a surprise return in a special theatrical edition as the official selection for all States’ hosting America’s 250th events – and we have him here at Sweet Home 250! The award winning animated feature Sgt. Stubby: An American Hero returns to theaters as part of America 250 celebrations taking place throughout the country, and we have it here at American Village for Sweet Home 250! The special edition theatrical events invite veterans, first responders, families, educators, animal lovers, and history enthusiasts to rediscover the remarkable true story of a stray dog who became an American legend. See the animated feature in the West Wing Theatre Saturday, July 4th at 6:30pm. America’s Stories From the fiery echoes of Patrick Henry’s “Liberty or Death” to the triumph of Olympic legend Jesse Owens, these 30-minute stories celebrate the people and moments that shaped our home and our nation. With more than 100 stories presented across the festival, history comes alive the way it was meant to be—one story at a time. Experience these powerful moments in remarkable settings, including replica venues of Independence Hall, Congress Hall, Williamsburg’s Bruton Parish Church, and the East Room of the White House. Hear firsthand accounts from the giants of 1776—Ben Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and Abigail Adams—and discover the hidden Alabamian threads woven into the American story. From the soaring bravery of the Tuskegee Airmen to Gálvez and the Gulf—the Revolutionary War battle fought in Alabama Territory—these stories connect our state to the larger American tapestry. Short, powerful, and unforgettable—each story invites you to step into the moments that defined a nation. James Spann and the Weather That Shaped America (Saturday only) Theatre Huntsville presents scenes from “1776” Sloss Furnaces Vulcan Park & Museum The Clotilda Story Heart of Dixie Railroad Moundville Rick Burgess discusses the Black Robed Regiment American Servicemen Living History Museum The Shaping of Uncle Sam Building Independence: Recreating America’s Most Historic Room Freedom Friends children’s book author Cameron Marasco Author Betty Bolté highlights the life of pioneering Revolutionary-era printer Mary Katherine Goddard Author and historian Mike Bunn talks
Teacher Preview Days
American Village has not one, but TWO Teacher Preview Days this summer! Dates are July 17 for Cornerstones of Freedom, the new program for high school students, and July 24 for Liberty and Independence, our two most popular programs for grades 4-12. $10 registration fee. Lunch and 6 Hours of CEUs are provided. 9AM-3PM, registration starts at 8:30AM. Reserve your spot here: https://ticketscandy.com/e/teacher-preview-days-17258 Contact Jessica Averett at (205) 665-3535 x 1062 for more information.
2026 Calendar of Events
Are you interested in what activities are planned at the American Village in 2026? Just click CALENDAR on the Home Page to go to our daily Calendar of Events. You will see School Programs, Public Programs, Special Events and holiday closings. This calendar will be updated with new information regularly, so please check back.
Electric scooters now available for rental
Electric scooters are now available for rental at American Village, for use during your visit. The electric scooters are limited in number and available for rental on a first-come, first-served basis from the Gift Shop. Reservations are not accepted. Electric scooter: $25 + tax/day* *A driver’s license will be retained as a deposit.
