Only an hour away: Troy’s Pioneer Museum of Alabama

MOLLIE S. WATERS | The Greenville Standard

Ever wondered what life was like in the 1800s in Alabama? Wonder no more! A trip to Troy’s Pioneer Museum of Alabama will leave visitors with the feeling that they have just traveled back in time.

According to the museum’s website, “The Pioneer Museum of Alabama interprets prehistoric Alabama as well as 18th and 19th century rural life.”

The village site, which is spread across 40 acres, has over 22 historic structures and more than 18,000 artifacts.

The museum also boasts four themed exhibition halls.

On display are historic farming equipment as well as information about quilting and weaving, which are considered textile arts.

According to the site, other points of interest includes information about the “material culture of pioneer Alabama, the archaeology of Southeastern Native Americans, militaria including Civil War and WWI, and Victorian Era Troy.”

The museum first opened its doors in 1971 under the direction of Curren and Margaret Farmer. Since then, the museum has continuously added artifacts and attractions, which now includes opportunities for visitors to feed chickens, fry cornbread and churn butter.

The hours of operation for the museum are Tuesdays thru Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The museum is closed on Sundays, Mondays and most major holidays.

Cost of admission is $6 for adults, $5 for seniors and $4 for students. Children aged five and younger are admitted for free. Discounts for AARP and military personnel are offered.

The Pioneer Museum of Alabama is located at 248 Highway 231 North.

For more information, call 334-566-3597 or visit the museum’s website at www.pioneer-museum.org.