Huntsville Museum Explores the Past

The Early Works Museum Complex is a group of several museums full of history located in Huntsville, Alabama. The three museums will take you back in time as you wonder through this amazing Civil War era compound. The three museums comprise the largest hands-on array of its kind in the South. The complex is a fantastic adventure complete with actors and actresses wearing clothes of the period.

The first stop on the trip schedule is the Huntsville historic depot. Guests will wonder at the Civil War graffiti left by soldiers from another era as they listen to the robotic ticket agent, named Andy Barker, recant stories of Alabama's railroad history. In addition to being a standard commuter stop, the depot also served as the corporate office for the Memphis & Charleston Railroad. Built in 1860 the Huntsville depot is a great spot to begin the journey through time. The depot remained active until 1968. The Huntsville depot was visited by Teddy Roosevelt during his Whistlestop Campaign while running for the Presidency of the United States. The depot is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Sleepover field trips are held during the warm weather months. While visiting the depot, students are shown the comparisons of life back in the early 1800's to those of today. Students can unroll their sleeping bags where Civil War soldiers once stood, roast marshmallows over the open fire, and tell scary stories about the Civil War days.

The real heart of the Early Works Museum Complex is the Early Works Children's History Museum. This museum was designed with the inquisitive nature of children in mind, just as the name implies. This part of the museum complex allows and encourages the young visitors to have fun while learning.

Pre-school children will love the Biscuit's Backyard, a touch and learn zone intended especially for them, as they wonder through the garden and grocery store.

Children will be totally captivated by the Talking Tree as it relates tales of African American history. They can walk the gangplank of the 46 foot keelboat, dress up in 1800's clothes or play giant sized musical instruments at the Alabama bandstand. Those choosing to stay overnight can participate in a mystery solving adventure that takes them down river on a keelboat, into a ghostly log cabin and through a mine explosion.

The Alabama Constitution Village has something for everyone. You'll feel as if you're stepping back to the early 1800's as you step inside the picket fence on the edge of the Village. Shade trees proudly stand watch over the living village that recalls the days of Alabama history and spirit.

The Constitution Village was the site where the constitutional convention met and signed the Alabama state constitution making Alabama the 22nd state in the Union in 1819.

Visitors can see firsthand the operation of the replica blacksmith shop or the printing press in John Boardman's print shop. Historic interpreters are on site making the visit more entertaining as well as educational.

During the Christmas Holiday Season Huntsville is magically transformed into a magnificent Santa's Village complete with reindeer, elves, and the Claus house. Nightly snow shows and musical entertainment add to the charm at the Village Santa.

These museums merge seamlessly to make the Early Works Museum Complex a most memorable learning experience.