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Weeden House Museum and Garden: A Step Back in Time

Discover Huntsville's history and art at the Weeden House Museum and Garden, a beautifully preserved 19th-century home in the Twickenham Historic District.

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Explore the beautifully preserved Weeden House Museum and Garden in Huntsville's Twickenham Historic District. Built in 1819, this Federal-style home offers a glimpse into 19th-century life and showcases the art and poetry of Maria Howard Weeden, a celebrated local artist.

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 check for admission, as the museum may not accept debit or credit cards.
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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. 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, nestled in Huntsville's Twickenham Historic District, offers a captivating journey into the city's past and the artistic legacy of Maria Howard Weeden. Constructed in 1819 in the Federal architectural style, the house was home to prominent figures like John McKinley, an Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. The Weeden family purchased the property in 1845, and it became the birthplace and lifelong residence of Maria Howard Weeden. Maria Howard Weeden (1846-1905) gained international acclaim for her watercolor portraits of African Americans and accompanying poems that captured their stories. Her artwork provides a window into a changing South, offering a nuanced perspective on race relations and the human spirit. The house itself features a leaded glass entrance fanlight, a spiral staircase, and hand-carved mantels. Period furnishings recreate the atmosphere of a 19th-century home. During the Civil War, Federal officers requisitioned the Weeden House, forcing the Weeden family to seek refuge in Tuskegee. After the war, Maria Howard Weeden supported her family by teaching art and selling her paintings from the house. Today, the museum is owned by the City of Huntsville and leased by the Twickenham Historic Preservation District Association. Visitors can take guided tours to learn more about the house's history and Weeden's life and art. The gardens surrounding the house feature a variety of flowers, providing a serene setting for reflection.

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