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Murphy-Collins House: A Glimpse into Tuscaloosa's African American History

Explore the legacy of Tuscaloosa's African American community at the historic Murphy-Collins House, now a captivating museum.

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The Murphy-Collins House, located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, serves as the Murphy African American Museum. Built in the early 1920s by Will J. Murphy, a pioneering African American mortician, the house showcases the lifestyle of affluent Black residents during the early 20th century and preserves the history of the African American community in Tuscaloosa.

A brief summary to Murphy-Collins House

Local tips

  • Tours are available Tuesday through Friday, but must be scheduled in advance by calling the museum.
  • Admission is free, but donations are welcome.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to other nearby attractions such as the Battle-Friedman House or the Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From downtown Tuscaloosa, head south on Greensboro Avenue. Continue until you reach the intersection with Paul W. Bryant Drive. Turn left onto Paul W. Bryant Drive and walk approximately 0.5 miles. The Murphy-Collins House will be on your right. There is no fee for walking.

  • Public Transport

    From downtown Tuscaloosa, walk to the nearest bus stop on University Boulevard. Take the Tuscaloosa Metro bus route 1, heading towards the Paul W. Bryant Drive stop. Once you get off at the Paul W. Bryant Drive stop, walk about 0.2 miles north along Paul W. Bryant Drive, and you'll find the Murphy-Collins House on your left. A single ride on the Tuscaloosa Metro costs $1.25.

  • Driving

    From downtown Tuscaloosa, drive south on Greensboro Avenue and turn left onto Paul W. Bryant Drive. Continue for approximately 0.5 miles; the Murphy-Collins House will be on your right. Limited street parking is available. Check for any parking restrictions. Parking is free.

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Discover more about Murphy-Collins House

The Murphy-Collins House stands as a testament to the vibrant African American community that thrived in Tuscaloosa during the early 20th century. Built in the Craftsman bungalow style in the 1920s by Will J. Murphy, Tuscaloosa's first licensed Black mortician, the house reflects the aspirations and achievements of Black professionals in a segregated society. Murphy, a successful businessman, hired African American contractor George Clopton to construct the home, using salvaged materials from the burned Alabama State Capitol building. The house was located in what was known as the "Lace Curtain District," an area where affluent Black families, including teachers and doctors, resided in well-appointed homes. After the Murphy family, Sylvia Collins owned the house before the City of Tuscaloosa purchased it in 1986 to preserve Black heritage. Today, the Murphy-Collins House operates as a museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the lives of the Murphy family and other prominent African Americans in Tuscaloosa. Exhibits include period furniture, artifacts, and displays that highlight the cultural, economic, and social contributions of the Black community. The museum also hosts special programs for school children, focusing on the Civil Rights Movement and Black heritage. A visit to the Murphy-Collins House provides a unique opportunity to learn about the history of African Americans in Tuscaloosa and to appreciate the resilience and achievements of a community that overcame significant challenges.

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