Activities and Events > Attractions and Adventure > Fairhope Museum of History
24 North Section Street
Fairhope, Alabama 36532
(251) 929-1471
Located in the heart of downtown Fairhope, Alabama, the Fairhope Museum of History celebrates the unique history of the city through exhibits, presentations, and events. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday and free to the public.
Visitors are welcome to take self-guided tours through the two-story facility or join the Friends of the Fairhope Museum of History for tea and a lecture during their weekly event. The helpful staff is available for questions and will happily give additional insight to the exhibits at the museum.
Originally established as the city hall and local jail, the beautiful historic Spanish mission-style building has been renovated and expanded for public use. Through various public donations and loans, the Fairhope Museum of History has been able to catalog and preserve historical photographs, memorabilia, antiques, and artifacts to be enjoyed by the community.
Showcasing a variety of both permanent and transitory exhibits, the museum gives guests an inside look at the earliest settlers and inhabitants of Fairhope, including Native American Indians. Exploring the many facets of early life in Fairhope, visitors will learn about the creation of the Single Tax Colony, the founders of Fairhope including a children’s exhibit, the Jubilee phenomenon, and more.
The museum has two entrances, one facing Section Street and the other through a courtyard on Bancroft Street. While the museum is completely accessible from either point, we recommend guests enter through the Bancroft entrance. The courtyard features additional art and exhibits such as the People’s Railroad train car – a life-size replica train car sitting on 24 feet of railroad line, famous statues, and the ‘Mullet Run’ fountain by local Fairhope artist Ameri’ca Jones-Gallaspy.
When entering from Section Street, guests can get a glimpse of the old mayor’s office with a gallery of portraits displaying the previous leaders of the city. When the weather is ideal, visitors can also enter through the fire station exhibit that houses the popular antique fire truck.
The Fairhope Museum of History is one of the few Fairhope properties listed on the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage page. These properties are considered worthy of preserving based on their local or state significance. Other properties in the Fairhope and Point Clear area with this distinction include the Church of the Sacred Heart, Montrose Historic District, Charles M. Nelson House, Pinewood Pottery Kiln, and St. Francis at the Point.
The Fairhope Museum of History is one of our top picks for free activities in Fairhope. To explore more activities and attractions, check out our most popular blog post – 50 Things to do in Fairhope.
The Fairhope Museum of History is located at 24 North Section Street in downtown Fairhope, Alabama. Visitors can enter the museum through the entrance on North Section Street or alternatively though the courtyard on North Bancroft Street.
Street parking is available on a first come first serve basis. Parking on Section Street, Bancroft Street, Fairhope Avenue, or Magnolia Avenue would be an easy walk to the Fairhope Museum of History. A public parking garage is conveniently located on North Church Street behind the Hampton Inn. Additional parking can be found at the parking lot behind Julwin’s Restaurant on Bancroft Street and another parking area just north of the Fairhope Public Library on Bancroft Street.
The Fairhope Museum of History hosts a weekly lecture and “tea time” featuring tea grown locally from the Fairhope Tea Plantation. The cost is a $2 donation which is used to support programs and events held at the museum. This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Fairhope Museum of History.
Previously, the Fairhope Museum of History has also hosted historic walking tours of Fairhope, The Elderberry Festival, Round-Up Day (Founder’s Day), and the Satsuma Blossom Festival. To see current events going on at the museum, visit the Friends of the Fairhope Museum’s Facebook page.
A festival for every season. An attraction for every personality. A restaurant for every palate. There’s always a reason to visit Fairhope, Alabama. Check rates at local hotels, luxury resorts, charming bed and breakfasts, cozy cottages, and downtown vacation rentals to make your next vacation the best yet.