Citizenship involves participation and so do the programs at the American Village!  If your group includes children, remember, they will be more willing to take part in simulations if they see adults enthusiastically involved.

Your group may be involved in outdoor activities – rain or shine. Dress appropriately for the weather. Don’t forget sunscreen on sunny days and ponchos are preferred over umbrellas on rainy days. Wear comfortable shoes as you will be walking for much of your visit.

Our costumed historical interpreters are talented and dedicated people who bring history to life by interacting with our visitors. Please respect the interpreters and the job they are performing by telling children in your group not to touch them or their props unless invited to do so.  Many of our props are special reproductions of 18th century items.

It is important to help preserve the American Village by not chewing gum, smoking, or bringing food or drinks into the buildings, and by placing all trash in appropriate receptacles.

Video or audio taping of the program is not permitted. Still photographs may be taken at any time. Please be courteous to other guests by turning off all cell phones. Electronic devices (radios, iPods, Blackberries, etc.) are not allowed.  

If your group includes children, we strongly encourage you to bring at least one or two chaperones for every 20 children in your group. All children should be accompanied by an adult throughout the entire tour. The adults will be responsible for the behavior of children.

CAMPUS SAFETY AND SECURITY

On behalf of visitors and staff, The American Village extends sincere appreciation to our local Security partners – Chief Jeremy Littleton and the City of Montevallo Police Department and Sheriff John Samaniego and the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office.

Items not permitted:

• firearms and other lethal weapons (these must be secured in a locked vehicle before entering the Visitor Center/campus)
• alcoholic beverages (private event usage is governed under local law and other American Village policy)
• personal fireworks
• controlled substances
• pets (other than bona fide service animals for individuals with disabilities)
• motorized vehicles, skateboards, bicycles, scooters, etc. (except for approved handicapped use)
• smoking is not permitted in any facility or within the inner campus of the American Village

Admission to a public program or event is conditioned on the admitted person complying  with applicable laws, with the foregoing safety and security policies, and the following rules and regulations of the Citizenship Trust.

No person without specific authorization may enter or attempt to enter into any building, room, or space that is specifically identified as closed to the public.  Admitted persons may not bring into public or program space items which are deemed and identified to them by the Trust as a potential hazard to themselves, other persons, or to the facilities and programs of the Trust. The Trust reserves the right to inspect carry-items being brought onto campus by the public.

No person may conduct himself/herself in a manner that is intended or has the effect to disrupt, impair, or infringe on the ability of the Trust or its agents, employees, or contractors to conduct a program or event, and/or that is intended or has the effect to disrupt, impair, or infringe on the ability of duly admitted persons and audiences to enjoy or participate in programs or events of the Village. 

On-campus solicitation for commercial, non-commercial, political, or partisan purposes or products is not permitted, except by specific prior written authorization of the Trust, and if and when granted, shall not impinge on or interfere with Trust-sanctioned programs or events and the authorization will further regulate the time, place, and conditions of such authorization.   

The administration of safety and security policies is vested with law enforcement personnel, security, and with senior staff members.