Weave through the past on your next Alabama Gulf Coast vacation and spend a few hours or a full day at the Baldwin County Heritage Museum in Elberta, Alabama. Volunteers have worked to preserve Baldwin County’s history in 20,000 square feet of space and five acres of historic buildings since the museum opened in 1987.
Work your way to this small town on Alabama’s Coastal Connection Scenic Byway via U.S. Highway 98. Located on the outskirts of town, you’ll find a rural setting that represents the land as it had been at the turn of the century, with hundreds of species of flora and fauna on the grounds. The main building was erected to resemble a turn-of-the-century barn with working windmill. Through the years, more buildings were added to house artifacts of Baldwin County’s past, including a building for vintage farm equipment, tools and machinery. A 1908 church was moved to the museum grounds in 1998 and the old Miflin school house was relocated to the grounds in 2007.
Each year, the museum grows with more artifacts of the county’s farming and railroading past. Take a step back in time and discover what life was like in the early 1800s and later. Walk through displays of kitchen tools and see collections of antique clothing. Admission to the museum is free; however, donations are appreciated as the museum operates thanks to the generosity of patrons. Hours are Wednesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., excluding national and state holidays.
Keep History Alive
In an effort to keep the museum operating for generations to come, consider participating in the “Adopt BCHM for a Day” program. It costs $55 a day to operate the museum, including utilities, security and insurance. Your donation of $55 or more will help the museum continue its mission to provide a secure place to display Baldwin County’s heritage, and your contribution will be recognized at the museum. You may also choose to memorialize a special person, organization or event through your donation. Contributors are welcome to spend the day at the museum as a guest host or hostess.
Adopt the museum through a check contribution mailed to Baldwin County Heritage Museum, P.O. Box 356, Elberta, AL 36530, by calling and using a major credit card, or by stopping in during business hours.
Enjoy your day at the museum and then help keep the museum alive for generations to come by adopting it for a day.
Leave A Comment