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Weeden House Museum and Garden: A Glimpse into 19th-Century Huntsville

Discover Huntsville's history through the eyes of artist Maria Howard Weeden at this beautifully preserved 1819 home and garden.

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Step back in time at the Weeden House Museum and Garden, a beautifully preserved 1819 Federal-style home in Huntsville's historic Twickenham District. Discover the life and art of Maria Howard Weeden, a celebrated 19th-century artist and poet, and explore the meticulously curated rooms and gardens that reflect her life and times.

A brief summary to Weeden House Museum and Garden

  • Tuesday 10 am-11 am
  • Wednesday 10 am-11 am
  • Thursday 10 am-11 am
  • Friday 10 am-11 am
  • Saturday 10 am-11 am

Local tips

  • Check the Weeden House Museum's website or call ahead to confirm tour availability, as hours may vary due to special events.
  • Note that the museum only accepts cash or PayPal for admission.
  • Allow at least one hour for a guided tour to fully appreciate the history and art within the Weeden House.
  • Explore the surrounding Twickenham Historic District, known for its well-preserved 19th-century architecture.
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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 pleasant 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, easily identifiable by its historic architecture and garden. No costs are associated with walking.

  • Public Transport

    Huntsville's public transit system, Orbit, has routes that serve the downtown area. From the Huntsville Transit Center on Pratt Avenue, check the Orbit bus schedule for routes that have 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 offers a captivating portal into Huntsville's past, providing an intimate encounter with 19th-century life and the artistic legacy of Maria Howard Weeden. Constructed in 1819, this Federal-style house has witnessed significant moments in American history and served as home to several distinguished early Huntsvillians, including John McKinley, an Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. The house's architecture is a prime example of Federal design, boasting a leaded glass entrance fanlight, a spiral staircase, and hand-carved mantels that reflect the craftsmanship of the era. These details offer visitors a glimpse into the lives of the Weeden family and their contemporaries. The house became the residence of the Weeden family in 1845. During the Civil War, the house was requisitioned by Federal officers. Maria Howard Weeden, born in the house in 1846, left an indelible mark on the house and its identity. Despite limited formal training, she developed a remarkable talent for watercolor portraits and poetry. Her works often depicted the lives and characters of former slaves, capturing their dignity, humor, and philosophical outlook. Weeden's art provided a window into a changing South, offering a nuanced perspective on race relations and the human spirit. Her books garnered national acclaim, with Joel Chandler Harris, the creator of "Uncle Remus," hailing her as "the bright light of the nineteenth century". The gardens surrounding the Weeden House are an integral part of the museum experience. Maria’s mother, inspired by beauty, cultivated a variety of flowers, including heliotrope, peonies, lemon verbena, pinks, hollyhocks and roses. The gardens provide a serene setting for reflection and appreciation, enhancing the overall atmosphere of the site. Today, the Weeden House Museum and Garden is owned by the City of Huntsville and leased by the Twickenham Historic Preservation District Association. It stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Maria Howard Weeden and the importance of preserving our cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the meticulously curated rooms, filled with period furnishings and artworks that reflect the life and times of the Weeden family. Knowledgeable guides lead visitors through the house, sharing stories of the Weeden family, Maria Howard Weeden's art, and the historical context of the era.

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