Vaughan Smitherman Museum: A Chronicle of Selma's Enduring History

The Vaughan Smitherman Museum, located in Selma, Alabama, stands as a testament to the city's vibrant and complex history. Constructed in 1847 by the Selma Fraternal Lodge No. 27 of the Free and Accepted Masons, the Greek Revival building initially served as a school for orphans and children of indigent Masons.Over the years, the building has played many roles in Selma's development. During the Civil War, it functioned as a Confederate hospital, later becoming a Freedman's Bureau Hospital, which was Selma's first African American Hospital. It also served as the Dallas County Courthouse and a military school. In 1911, it became the Vaughan Memorial Hospital until the hospital moved to a new location in 1960. The building was renovated in 1969 and reopened as a museum in 1971.The museum's exhibits offer a diverse collection of artifacts, including Civil War memorabilia, medical and political artifacts, and Victorian antiques. One notable feature is the third floor, which recreates the old Vaughan Memorial Hospital, complete with a delivery room, nursery, and operating room. The museum also houses the Art Lewis collection of historical documents, with many pertaining to the Civil War. In addition, there is a collection of artifacts recovered from the Alabama River that were manufactured at the Confederate Naval Foundry.Today, the Vaughan Smitherman Museum also functions as a multi-use facility, hosting weddings, receptions, and meetings. Its elegant furnishings and gardens provide an ideal setting for various events.