Alabama Museum of Natural History: The Alabama Museum of Natural History and the Gorgas House Museum teamed up for the “Haunting at the Museum” events from October 23 to 31.
On October 25, the Alabama Museum of Natural History hosted a family-friendly event with science experiments, crafts, stories, costume contests, and a special visit from Big Al.
Joyia Davis, the education outreach coordinator, expressed excitement about the contest and Big Al’s presence. Nearly 500 attendees made the event a “super successful” occasion.
The costume contest and Big Al’s appearance were new additions this year, as per the Alabama Museum of Natural History’s website.
From 5-7:30 p.m., the free event featured festive decorations and music by 2L7’s Lyndell McDonald. Three costume contests entertained guests, concluding with winners chosen by attendees.
Throughout October 23-27, the museum also organized scavenger hunts and distributed candy during regular hours. Families with costumed kids enjoyed free admission, while adults paid $5, students (K-12) paid $3, and children under 5 entered for free.
Meanwhile, the Gorgas House Museum offered haunted tours from October 23 to 31 during regular hours. Built in 1829, the oldest building on campus served various purposes, including a dining hall.
Brandon Thompson, the curator, and director of the Gorgas House Museum, shared that each room held eerie stories, making the 30-minute tour a spine-chilling experience.
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During October, the tour delves into spooky tales, macabre stories, and myths surrounding the house’s former occupants. Some students claim that the portrait of William Billings Crawford follows viewers with its eyes.
The tour provides an insightful look into the University campus, covering its history from installation through the Civil War to the present day.
Open every weekday from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m., the Gorgas House Museum aims to be a dynamic community center, preserving historical and cultural aspects of the campus.
Our Reader’s Queries
What is the largest natural museum in the United States?
The American Museum of Natural History stands as the world’s biggest museum dedicated to natural history, with a colossal mission to match. Stretching across 4 city blocks, the museum comprises 25 interconnected buildings.
What are the oldest fossils in Alabama?
The Grand Gallery at Coal Age Alabama houses the oldest fossils on display, featuring a striking mural of a swamp on the wall. Inside the display case, you’ll find plant fossils and footprints dating back to the Pennsylvanian epoch, which is approximately 320 million years old.
Who built the Alabama Museum of Natural History?
State geologist Eugene Allen Smith spent almost 40 years exploring Alabama, surveying, mapping, and collecting scientific samples. The cornerstone for Smith Hall was placed on May 28, 1907, as documented in historic records.