Upcoming Event

Make your school group reservation now for the 2026-27 school year. We invite you and your students to experience the stories of America’s journey for independence, liberty and self-government. Step into the scene and experience the risks, uncertainties, and dramatic events as they unfolded during America’s revolutionary decision to declare its independence. The American Village offers an opportunity for your students to become active participants in “Securing the Blessings of Liberty” and leave with a better foundation for good citizenship. More than a field trip, the American Village educational programs are tied directly to objectives in state courses of study in history, citizenship (civics) and government, as well as graduation standards. Students from every grade level benefit as they participate in experiential learning. Unique in its mission to strengthen and renew the foundations of American liberty and self-government through citizenship education, the American Village is an educational experience like no other! See the 2026-27 School Schedule

Monday, May 25 Open 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Remember America’s fallen at an 11:00 a.m. service in the Colonial Chapel, followed by a wreath-laying at the National Veterans Shrine. Explore the 188-acre American Village campus, including replicas of George Washington’s Mount Vernon, the President’s Oval Office, Concord Bridge, and the Courthouse. Military vehicles and re-enactors will be onsite as well. Admission is free for the Chapel Service, wreath-laying and family-friendly vignettes. We are offering a special discount on the new “Independence Hall Experience.” This state-of-the-art, interactive experience uses cutting-edge technology and special effects to fully immerse visitors in the fight for independence. This docent-led experience begins in the West Wing of Independence Hall, where the tension of colonial unrest builds, and an original short film brings the chaos of revolution to life. Then, step into 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, but we won’t spoil the surprise. 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. Independence awaits… how will you decide? The Independence Hall Experience is offered at 12pm, 1pm, and 2pm on Memorial Day. Total tour time is 1 hour and 20 minutes. The Independence Hall Experience will be $10 per person (regularly $15).

Event Description The name of this event says it all… Because of the Brave!  We love this country and all of us enjoy the freedom of living in the United States of America.  However, the freedom we enjoy came at a price.  On Memorial Day – May 25, 2026, come out and join us in an event that truly honors the brave men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. It’s the second annual Because of the Brave 5K, and it is truly about reflecting on this sacrifice that was made by so many of our heroes. These men and women carried their American flag and served our country with honor.  What better way to honor them, than to carry an American flag while running/walking a 5K?  As part of this event, each runner/walker will carry a 2’x 3’ American flag during the entire 5K course.  The flag will be affixed to a pole so it will be easy to carry.  The flag and pole together will be light so even children will be able to participate. This event is not about you and, therefore, is not a race.  You can run/walk at whatever pace you would like to, but this is not a timed 5K event. Because of the Brave 5K is being hosted by the American Village.  The Alabama National Cemetery next door to the American Village is the final resting place for thousands of our brave heroes.  A portion of your entry fee will be donated to both the Alabama National Cemetery and the American Village. In honor of the 250th birthday of America coming up and being hosted at American Village on July 3-4, it would be amazing to have 250 participants at this year’s Because of the Brave 5K. Because of the Brave 5K starts at 7:00 AM.  This allows runners/walkers to finish the 5K and have plenty of time to visit the Alabama National Cemetery at 9:00 AM for their annual Memorial Day Service, and the American Village for their annual Memorial Day Celebration at 11:00 AM.  So, come out and run Because of the Brave 5K, visit the Alabama National Cemetery’s Memorial Day Service, the American Village Memorial Day Celebration, and enjoy the afternoon at American Village for a full day of honoring the fallen and fun with the family! Course Description The 5K course will wind throughout the beautiful grounds at American Village.  The course consists of a 1.55-mile loop and will be clearly marked with patriotic flags.  Runners/walkers must complete the loop twice to finish the course and complete the 5K distance.  The entire course will be on paved surfaces, so strollers and wheelchairs are welcome. Time and Location Memorial Day: Monday May 25, 2026 @ 7:00 AM Because of the Brave 5K will be held at American Village in Montevallo, Alabama. Address: 3727 Highway 119 Montevallo, AL 35115 The GPS coordinates of the parking lot you’ll want to park in are: (33.137730, -86.829740) Packet Pickup There is no early packet pickup for this event.  Race day packet pickup will be at the start/finish line which will be located near the main parking lots of American Village.  There will be plenty of parking and access to restrooms.  Packet pickup will be from 5:30 AM to 6:30 AM.  A pre-run briefing will take place at 6:40 AM.  The 5K run/walk will begin at 7:00 AM sharp. Runners will receive a 2’ x 3’ American flag attached to a pole at packet pickup. We will also have a custom Because of the Brave 5K flag near the start/finish line.  Please come prepared to write the name of a hero or heroes that you will be running/walking the 5K in honor of. This flag will come back annually at each future Because of the Brave 5K event and be on display during the run.  This, again, ensures we never forget the names of our heroes who died for this country. Swag All runners/walkers will receive a custom Because of the Brave 5K/America 250 Alabama challenge coin at the finish line. Runners/walkers will exchange the American flag they’ve carried during the 5K course for the challenge coin. Challenge coins are commonly exchanged within the military.  Another way to honor the brave is to keep this tradition. This challenge coin will be something you can take away from this event as a reminder of the freedom we have “Because of the Brave!” There will be no awards given to the top finishers. Again, this is not a race but rather an event to honor those brave men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Be sure to sign up by May 1st, 2026, to guarantee that you’ll receive the custom challenge coin. Aid Station We will provide one water station during the course at the start/finish line area.  Runners/walkers will be able to hydrate at the halfway point and at the finish line.  Fruit will also be provided at the finish line. Contact Us If you have any questions about this event, contact us at therunningbirds11@gmail.com For more information about the American Village visit their website: https://www.americanvillage.org/ For more information about the Alabama National Cemetery visit their website: https://www.cem.va.gov/cems/nchp/alabama.asp Donations In addition to a portion of your entry fee that will be donated to the American Village and the Alabama National Cemetery, you can make a donation of any amount to either or both of them.  Any additional donations will go straight to American Village and/or the Alabama National Cemetery. Run Sign Up https://runsignup.com/Race/AL/Montevallo/5KBecauseOfTheBrave