April 15, 2024 through September 5, 2024

9 AM to 4 PM Monday through Thursday

Montgomery, Alabama, is one of the most historically marked cities in the United States. Historical markers throughout the city and county help tell the story of its rich history, from the Civil War to Civil Rights, the Creek Indians, and the Confederacy, with innovators, pioneers, leaders, commerce, culture, and more. Historical markers provide pieces of the past—the stories, people, and occurrences.

This exhibition, Historical Markers: Signs of History, features five historical markers found in Montgomery, plus connected opportunities to inspire exploration. We hope you will use the reference material to plot your tour. Please share your experiences and insights by tagging us on Facebook. Together, we will preserve the past for the future.

October 7, 2024 through January 2, 2025

9 AM to 4 PM Monday through Thursday

Montgomery, Alabama experienced rapid growth after being incorporated in 1819, mainly due to the cotton trade. It became the county seat in 1822, and a new courthouse was built at Court Square. The Montgomery Railroad opened in 1832, improving the city’s transportation connections. In 1846, the state capital was moved to Montgomery, and the Capitol building was constructed. Montgomery became the first city in the United States to install citywide electric street cars in 1886, known as the Lightning Route. From its incorporation in 1819 until the mid-1900s, Montgomery thrived and became a beautiful city.

This exhibit, Constructing the Capital City, features a selection of notable architects, builders, and craftsmen who contributed to the creation of significant architectural treasures in 19th-century Montgomery. Through this exhibit, we aim to share pieces of the past that inspire learning and exploration. We encourage you to share your insights by tagging us on Facebook. Together, we will preserve the past for the future.

February 3 through May 1, 2025
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday

Montgomery During the 19th Century explores the people, commerce, and evolving transportation that shaped Montgomery during this era. The exhibit is part of a larger regional celebration commemorating the bicentennial of Marquis de Lafayette’s tour as “Guest of the Nation”. We are pleased to support this effort by using our collection and temporary loans from friends and partners to present a broader picture of what was happening in the capital city.

Through this and every exhibit, we aim to ignite interest in Montgomery’s history and encourage visitors to delve deeper by exploring local historical sites and attractions.

Feature Exhibit, Figh-Pickett House
June 3rd through September 2nd
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday

Our second exhibit of the year, Commerce, Connection & Culture, aims to honor and amplify the story of the River Region’s Indigenous people in recorded history, fostering a greater appreciation of the era, the landscape, the individuals, and their roles in our region’s history.

Feature Exhibit, Figh-Pickett House
October 6th through January 5th
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday

Our third exhibit of the year, Lasting Impact, showcases historic Montgomery businesses and their enduring contributions to the community’s economic and cultural landscape. This exhibit demonstrates how these enterprises have shaped Montgomery’s identity and contributed to its prosperity.