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Butler-Harris Rainwater Museum: A Victorian Gem

Discover Victorian life at Childersburg's Butler-Harris Rainwater Museum, a preserved 1894 home showcasing local history and family stories.

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Step back in time at the Butler-Harris Rainwater Museum, a beautifully preserved 1894 Victorian home in Childersburg, Alabama. Explore the lives of the Butler, Harris, and Rainwater families through period furnishings, photographs, and documents, offering a glimpse into the town's rich history and culture.

A brief summary to Butler-Harris Rainwater Museum

Local tips

  • Call ahead to schedule your visit, as the museum is open by appointment only. Contact (256) 378-5521 to arrange a personalized tour.
  • Check local listings for special events, such as historical reenactments or seasonal celebrations, to enhance your visit.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to other nearby attractions like the Kymulga Grist Mill and Covered Bridge or the Majestic Caverns for a full day of exploring Childersburg's history and natural beauty.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Butler-Harris Rainwater Museum is located at the corner of 1st St SW and 10th Ave SW in Childersburg. If you are already in the downtown area, it's easily accessible on foot. From City Hall, walk south on 1st Street SW for approximately three blocks. The museum will be on your left, perched atop a small hill. There is no cost for walking.

  • Public Transport

    Childersburg offers a demand-response public transportation service. Contact Ms. Demetra Reynolds at 256-378-7037 to schedule a ride. The fare within Childersburg is approximately $1.50 per round trip. This service operates from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday.

  • Driving

    If driving from US-280, turn onto 1st Street SW in Childersburg. Continue on 1st Street SW until you reach 10th Avenue SW. The museum will be on the corner. Parking is available on the street. There is no cost for parking.

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Discover more about Butler-Harris Rainwater Museum

The Butler-Harris Rainwater Museum, a beautifully maintained Victorian home, offers a window into Childersburg, Alabama's past. Constructed in 1894 in the Eastlake style, the house originally belonged to George Butler, who gifted it to his son, Charles, as a wedding present. The Butler family, prominent in local business and civic life, owned a mercantile store and livery stable. In 1922, the Harris and Rainwater families took ownership, with Mrs. J.A. Harris purchasing the home. Her daughter, Virginia, married Earl A. Rainwater in 1923, and the house continued its legacy as a family home. Mrs. Virginia Rainwater resided there until 1992. The City of Childersburg acquired the property in 1993, and the Childersburg Historic Preservation Commission undertook its restoration, transforming it into a museum. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on February 16, 1996. Today, the museum showcases the lives of the Butler, Harris, and Rainwater families, along with the broader history of Childersburg. Period furnishings, photographs, and documents fill each room, telling the stories of local pioneers and the town's development. Visitors can explore the master bedroom, nursery, and other rooms, gaining insight into daily life during the Victorian era. The museum also serves as a cultural center, hosting events and educational programs.

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