The kids have been home a couple of weeks now and spending every day at the beach is not an option for most families. But in the heart of Alabama, American Village is an alternative for patriots of all ages. American Village is in south Shelby County, near Montevallo.
1819 News talked with Melanie Poole who is the media liaison for American Village
“Our summer program is designed around red, white and blue celebrate America,” Poole said. “Parents and grandparents need to come on out and bring the kids.”
Poole said that American Village’s goal is to teach patriotism.
“We want to help them (children) to learn what it means to be Americans,” Poole said.
Poole said that their classroom program from September to May is meant to re-enforce what is being taught about the founding of the nation in the classroom.
“Everything we do is about teaching patriotism, but the summer program is more about having fun,” Poole said. “It’s lighter than what we do in the school year.”
In addition to the daily schedule of activities, there is a multi-sensory West Wing of Independence Hall and you can see the original film “Choosing to be an American People.”
During their summer season program "Celebrate America," American Village will offer the public the following vignettes on a daily basis. They will vary by day:
Meet and learn about the life of famous patriots such as Samuel Adams, Abigail Adams, Eliza Hamilton, Martha Washington, or Mercy Otis Warren.
“Good for What Ails You” — Learn about herbs and medicinal remedies of the 18th Century from the Apothecary.
“Ye olde Two-Lipped Theater Presents: A Puppet Show” See a colonial puppet show about the people of the American Revolution.
“Volley Fire and Battle Cry” — Meet a soldier in George Washington’s Army and learn how to march and fight!
“Colonial American Justice” — See how trials were conducted in the 18th Century and find out what awaited those who received the verdict of guilty.
“Colonial Games on the Green” — Learn to play colonial games, such as hoops and trap ball.
“A More Dangerous Enemy” — Matron Sarah Ray teaches visitors all about the medical practices used in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War.
“Colonial Music” — Visitors can enjoy listening to the songs of the 18th Century.
“Patterns of Industry” — Hear how the revolution changed the role of women in the 18th Century and learn all about 18th Century clothing.
“You get to meet [reenactors playing] patriots like Sam Adams and Martha Washington,” Poole explained. “We have a program where you can learn about eighteenth-century clothing.”
A day at American Village exposes children to ideas and information they likely have not been exposed to and takes lessons out of a textbook and into a more real-world format that they can see, hear, and experience. American Village has lesson plan materials for homeschoolers and classroom teachers alike
Admission for veterans, active-duty military and children ages 4 and under are free.
“We honor our veterans,” Poole said. “We are all about building good citizens, with our focus on the Revolutionary War period and the Founding Fathers.”
American Village is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesdays thru Saturdays, from now to July 30, except for July 1-3 and 5. Admission this summer is just $5.
On the Fourth of July, gates will open at 11 a.m. and programming is offered from noon through evening fireworks.
The whole family can enjoy the 180-acre campus which recreates the America of the 18th century.
The Celebrate America programs will end on July 30. American Village will still be open Aug. 1 – 31 for self-guided tours of the campus, but no programs will be held.
To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandon.moseley@1819News.com.
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