OLD ALABAMA TOWN CELEBRATES NATIONAL MUSEUM DAY THIS SATURDAY

September 24, 2009

MONTGOMERY, Ala.—On Saturday, September 26, Old Alabama Town will participate in the fifth annual Museum Day, presented by Smithsonian magazine as a celebration of culture, learning and the dissemination of knowledge. Doors will be open free of charge for self-guided tours from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visit www.smithsonian.com/museumday to download your Museum Day Admission Card.  Attendees must present the Museum Day Admission Card to gain free entry to participating institutions. Each card provides museum access for two people, and one admission card is permitted per household.  

In addition to offering free admission, Old Alabama Town is also presenting a guided tour with historians Mary Ann Neeley and Richard Bailey,  commencing from the Commerce Street tunnel at 9:30 a.m. The two-hour walking tour, titled "Rivers, Rails and Rights," will explore historic sites along the Alabama River and Montgomery railway--and their connection to the Civil Rights Movement. Admission to the tour is $5 for ages 12 and older, free to members of the Landmarks Foundation. 

Located in the heart of downtown Montgomery, Old Alabama Town is a collection of 19th and early 20th century house museums, managed by the nonprofit Landmarks Foundation. Its mission is to preserve, interpret and present Central Alabama's architecture, history and culture. 

This is the first year Old Alabama Town has participated in Museum Day. In 2008, approximately 200,000 people attended the national event--with all 50 states and Puerto Rico represented by more than 900 participating museums. For more information on Museum Day or a list of participating museums, visit www.smithsonian.com/museumday.

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