Vaughan Smitherman Museum, Selma Travel Guide

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Explore Selma's past at the Vaughan Smitherman Museum, a historic landmark showcasing Civil War artifacts, Victorian antiques, and the city's unique story.

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Vaughan Smitherman Museum

Housed in a historic Greek Revival building, the Vaughan Smitherman Museum in Selma, Alabama, showcases the city's rich and multifaceted past. From its origins as a school for orphans to its time as a Confederate hospital and county courthouse, the museum offers a glimpse into Selma's evolution through exhibits of artifacts, antiques, and art.

A brief summary to Vaughan Smitherman Museum

109 Union St, Selma, Alabama, 36701, US
Click to display

Tuesday 9 am-4 pm
Wednesday 9 am-4 pm
Thursday 9 am-4 pm
Friday 9 am-4 pm
Saturday 9 am-4 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Vaughan Smitherman Museum.

Check the museum's operating hours before visiting, as they may be subject to change.
Consider visiting other nearby attractions, such as Sturdivant Hall and the Old Depot Museum, to delve deeper into Selma's history.
If traveling in a group of 20 or more, inquire about discounted admission rates.

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Civil Rights Memorial Park

National Voting Rights Museum and Institute

Enslavement & Civil War Museum

Old Town Historic District

Old Depot Museum

Explore Vaughan Smitherman Museum on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Vaughan Smitherman Museum, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

The Vaughan Smitherman Museum is located at 109 Union Street in Selma. If you are already in the downtown area, such as near the Edmund Pettus Bridge or the St. James Hotel, walking is a viable option. From the Edmund Pettus Bridge, walk east on Broad Street, then turn right onto Alabama Avenue, followed by a left onto Union Street. The museum will be on your left. The walk is approximately 10-15 minutes. There are no costs associated with walking.
Public Transport

While Selma has limited public transportation options, check with the local visitor center for any available bus routes that may pass near the museum. The Dallas County Courthouse is a central point. From the courthouse, the museum is a short walk away. Bus fares, if available, are typically around $1.25 - $2.00 per ride.
Taxi/Ride-Share

Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft are available in Selma. A short taxi or ride-share trip from downtown Selma (e.g., from the Edmund Pettus Bridge area) to the Vaughan Smitherman Museum will typically cost between $8 and $15, depending on demand and distance.
Driving

If driving, navigate to 109 Union Street, Selma, AL 36701. From Highway 80, turn onto Broad Street and proceed towards downtown. Turn right onto Alabama Avenue, then left onto Union Street. The museum will be on your left. Parking is available near the museum, though it may be limited. Parking is free.

Discover more about Vaughan Smitherman Museum

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.