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Weeden House Museum and Garden: A Glimpse into Huntsville's Past

Discover 19th-century life and the art of Maria Howard Weeden at this beautifully preserved Huntsville landmark and museum.

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Step back in time at the Weeden House Museum and Garden, a beautifully preserved example of Federal architecture built in 1819. Explore the home of artist and poet Maria Howard Weeden and discover 19th-century life in Huntsville, Alabama.

A brief summary to Weeden House Museum and Garden

Local tips

  • Check the Weeden House Museum website or call ahead to confirm tour times, as they can vary.
  • Explore the Twickenham Historic District surrounding the museum, known for its well-preserved antebellum architecture.
  • Bring cash or PayPal for admission.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Huntsville/Madison County Visitor Center on Church Street in downtown Huntsville, the Weeden House Museum is a 10-15 minute walk. Head southeast, using the First National Bank building as a landmark, towards Gates Avenue SE. The museum is located at 300 Gates Avenue SE. There are no costs associated with walking.

  • Public Transport

    Huntsville's public transit system, Orbit, serves the downtown area. From the Huntsville Transit Center on Pratt Avenue, check the Orbit bus schedule for routes with stops near the intersection of Greene Street and Gates Avenue. From there, it's a short walk east on Gates Avenue to the museum at 300 Gates Ave SE. A one-way fare on Orbit is $1.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Huntsville. A ride from downtown (e.g., the Von Braun Center) to the Weeden House Museum is a short trip, typically costing between $8 and $12, depending on demand and surge pricing. Simply provide the driver with the address: 300 Gates Avenue SE, Huntsville, AL 35801.

  • Driving

    If driving, navigate to 300 Gates Avenue SE, Huntsville, AL 35801. From major routes like Governor's Drive (US-431), turn onto side streets like Greene Street to access Gates Avenue. Limited street parking is available near the museum. Metered parking can be found on nearby streets like Williams Street and Church Street. Use the Passport Parking app to pay for metered parking. Parking rates typically range from $1-$2 per hour. Alternatively, paid parking is available in the city's garage under the Truist bank building, a few blocks away.

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Discover more about Weeden House Museum and Garden

The Weeden House Museum and Garden, located in Huntsville's Twickenham Historic District, offers a unique glimpse into the city's rich history and the life of Maria Howard Weeden. Built in 1819 in the Federal architectural style, the two-story brick house has been home to several prominent figures, including John McKinley, an Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. Dr. William Weeden purchased the property in 1845, and his family owned it until 1956. Maria Howard Weeden, born in the house in 1846, gained international acclaim for her portraits of freed slaves, accompanied by verses that captured their stories. Her books, published between 1898 and 1904, solidified her legacy as an accomplished artist and poet. The house itself features an elegant leaded glass entrance fanlight, a gracefully winding spiral staircase, and meticulously hand-carved mantels. Period furnishings adorn the rooms, recreating the atmosphere of a 19th-century home. During the Civil War, the Weeden House was requisitioned by Federal officers, forcing the Weeden family to seek refuge in Tuskegee. After the war, Maria Howard Weeden used her artistic talents to support her family, teaching art within the house and selling her paintings. The museum opened to the public in 1981 and is currently managed by the Twickenham Historic Preservation District Association. Today, the Weeden House Museum and Garden is owned by the City of Huntsville. It also serves as a unique venue for events.

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