10 Things Kids Can Do in Huntsville to Celebrate Alabama’s Bicentennial
Listen up, History Buffs! Alabama is having a huge year celebrating 200 years of statehood. Sure you’ve heard about the Bicentennial Celebration, but how can your family actually celebrate? We’ve gotten the scoop on a few events to keep on your radar that kids will enjoy. From scavenger hunts to newly opened and renovated areas, all of the Huntsville attractions are getting in the 1819 spirit!
Color History
Spring 2019
Huntsville History Foundation Coloring Books
Color Me, Huntsville reflects the diversity of the Huntsville-Madison Community; each book has at least one sketch of a site or building associated with African American history — including the Buffalo Solider monument and St. John AME Church.
Proceeds from coloring book sales will be used to offer coloring books to 3rd grade teachers who wish to incorporate these materials into their social studies curriculum. Sketches reflect the full expanse of our community’s historic resources, including buildings and sites associated with Huntsville’s space age history.
Scavenger Hunts and Market Challenges
All Year 2019
In addition to the HHF publishing Finding Huntsville: A Kid Friendly Field Guide to Historic Architecture there will be a self-guided, kid-friendly scavenger hunt. There is also a Marker Challenge you can do that is walkable downtown that parents can download on their phone.
Constitution Hall Park Opens
March 2019
Newly restored Constitution Hall Park and EarlyWorks Children’s Museum will host Alabama’s Bicentennial Summer with special celebrations and events all summer long!
Ye Old Panoply
April 2019
Bicentennial Village at Panoply Arts Festival – April 26-28: Be taken back to the 1800s with antebellum crafts, games, music, and costumed characters with a visit to Bicentennial Village at Panoply.
Take a Backpack Adventure
Spring/Summer 2019
Burritt Museum’s Backpack Adventure, running from spring break through Labor Day, will offer several bicentennial themes and all festivals will have a bicentennial focus.
Ferry Along the Tennessee River
Spring/Summer 2019
Ditto Landing will launch a replica of the ferry that was used in the early 1800’s to get people and commodities across the Tennessee River. Tours and rides will be available!
Constitutional Art
Summer 2019
“We the People: Alabama’s Defining Documents” – The constitution comes home next year, when the six Alabama constitutions, as well as the Articles of Succession, will be on exhibit together from June 30-August 11, 2019 at the Huntsville at the Museum of Art. The exhibit, sponsored by the Alabama Department of Archives and History, will debut in Huntsville, which will be the only location to host it outside its permanent home at the Archives Building in Montgomery.
Explore Alabama Plants
Summer 2019
The Huntsville Botanical Garden will offer interactive educational programs for kids highlighting Alabama state symbols, fun historical facts, native and heirloom plants, and summer festivals.
Hail to the Chief Re-enactment
June 2019
Re-enactment of President Monroe’s surprise visit to Huntsville – On June 1, 2019, downtown Huntsville will be the sight of this surprising event, 200 years to the day that President Monroe and his two traveling companions rode into Huntsville unannounced. Free family friendly period activities will take place during the day, with a re-enactment of the toasting dinner that was held in President Monroe’s honor to be held that evening.
Play at Big Spring Park
August 2019
Big Spring Days – In August 2019, we will celebrate all that Big Spring has meant in the history of the Huntsville and Madison County area. This will be a free, family friendly event showcasing all the social, commercial, transportation, Native American, and religious aspects of the Big Spring.
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