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Murphy-Collins House: A Glimpse into Tuscaloosa's Black Heritage

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, now the Murphy African American Museum, offers a window into the lives of affluent African Americans in Tuscaloosa during the early 20th century. Built in the 1920s by Will J. Murphy, a pioneering black mortician, the house showcases salvaged materials from the state's old capitol building.

A brief summary to Murphy-Collins House

  • Tuesday 10 am-3 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-3 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-3 pm
  • Friday 10 am-3 pm

Local tips

  • Tours are available Tuesday through Friday; booking in advance is recommended to ensure availability.
  • Admission is free, but donations are welcome and support the museum's preservation efforts.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to nearby attractions like the Battle-Friedman House or the Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Murphy-Collins House is located in downtown Tuscaloosa, a short walk from Capitol Park and the Riverwalk. From Capitol Park, walk east along Paul W. Bryant Drive for about 5 minutes. The museum will be on your right.

  • Driving

    If driving, the Murphy-Collins House is easily accessible from downtown Tuscaloosa. Free parking is available in the lot directly across the street from the museum. From University Boulevard, turn onto Paul W. Bryant Drive. The museum will be on your left. Parking is free.

  • Public Transport

    The Tuscaloosa Trolley stops near the Murphy-Collins House. Check the Tuscaloosa Transit website for the most up-to-date route information and schedules. From the nearest trolley stop, it is a short walk to the museum. A single ride fare is $1.25.

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Discover more about Murphy-Collins House

The Murphy-Collins House stands as a testament to the vibrant history and culture of Tuscaloosa's African American community. Built in the early 1920s by Will J. Murphy, Tuscaloosa's first licensed black mortician, the house reflects the aspirations and achievements of affluent blacks during a time of segregation. Murphy, a successful businessman, hired African-American contractor George Clopton to construct the two-story Craftsman bungalow. Notably, materials salvaged from the burned remnants of Alabama's Capitol in Tuscaloosa, which had been destroyed in 1923, were incorporated into the house's construction, including bricks and windowsills. This resourceful reuse of materials adds a layer of historical significance to the building. The house is located in what was known as the "Lace Curtain District," an area where many black teachers, doctors, and other affluent community members resided. The name derived from the lace curtains that adorned their homes, symbolizing their social standing and aspirations. After the Murphy family, Sylvia Collins owned the house. Later, the City of Tuscaloosa purchased the home in 1986 to preserve it and establish the Murphy African American Museum. Today, the museum focuses on the lifestyles of affluent blacks during the early 1900s, showcasing artifacts and exhibits that highlight their contributions to Tuscaloosa's history and culture. Visitors can explore exhibits dedicated to pioneers like George Weaver, the first black doctor in Tuscaloosa, as well as displays honoring African-American businessmen and entrepreneurs. The museum also features period furniture, art, silverware, and clothing, providing a glimpse into the daily lives of the Murphy family and their contemporaries.

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