Our History
In 1970, the Alabama Historical Commission, in an effort to encourage smaller communities throughout the state to collect, record, and preserve their local histories, instituted statewide organizational meetings of interested citizens. One such meeting was held in Wetumpka and led by the late Jeanette E. Barrett, former Wetumpka mayor and employee of the Alabama Historical Commission. The organizational meeting was attended by six or eight people who thought it was important to organize a local historical society, and the Elmore County Historical Society was formed. In May 1971, the charter for the organization was signed by about 100 Elmore County residents. Through the years, the Elmore County Historical Society, in conjunction with the Elmore County Museum, has sponsored various activities such as walking tours, arts programs, cemetery tours, and special exhibits at the museum to promote and preserve local heritage.
The Museum
The Elmore County Museum is a small, yet dynamic institution that aims to share the stories of Elmore County and its people. The museum features permanent as well as temporary exhibits, and provides educational programs year-round. The museum was housed in several locations before its permanent home in the historic Elmore County Post Office. Originally created by the Elmore County Historical Society, the museum has been administered by the City of Wetumpka since 2015.
General Membership
Membership is open to all persons or organizations interested in the history of Elmore County, Alabama. All persons or organizations desiring to help foster the stated objects and purposes of said Society may become members by requesting membership and paying membership dues. Membership is not restricted to residents of Elmore County but is open to anyone with a legitimate interest in the history and heritage of Elmore County and the preservation of its memory and historical landmarks. The amount required for annual dues is $20.00.
April 12th @ 2:30pm
Elmore 250 Celebration presents: Revolutionary Rarities with Jim Griffith
Join us as Jim Griffith - one of the hosts of the podcast "Revolutionary Rarities dives into little-known, facts, and interesting details about the American Revolutionary War, from unique battles and hidden figures to everyday challenges faced by people during that era.
The event will be held at 2:30 p.m. on the 2nd floor of the City of Wetumpka's Administration Building at 408 S Main Street, Wetumpka.
For more information call 334-567-5097 or email us at elmorecountymuseum@gmail.com.
May 9th @ 5 - 7pm
Wetumpka City Cemetery Walking Tour
Join us Saturday, May 9th from 5 - 7pm for our annual Wetumpka City Cemetery Tour, presented by the Elmore County Historical Society! Take a step back in time and hear fascinating stories of the people who helped shape our community. (rain date May 23rd)
Admission: $5 per person at the gate.
T-shirts: Available for purchase prior to and on-site: Med, Large, X-large = $20 and 2 XL, 3 XL = $25 OR join the Elmore County Historical Society and get one free!
Accessibility: A golf cart with a roof will be available for anyone with mobility concerns.
Come spend a memorable evening with us and celebrate Wetumpka’s history!
Sponsored by the City of Wetumpka.
For more information, call 334-567-5097 or email elmorecountymuseum@gmail.com.
May 17th @ 2:30 pm
Elmore 250 Celebration presents: Charters of Freedom
Join us on the lawn of the Elmore County Historic Courthouse at 2:30 p. m. for a special program on the Charters of Freedom. Our speaker will share the story of the Charters of Freedom and explain how Wetumpka became the first city in Alabama to have one, a proud moment in our local and national history.
For more information, call 334-567-5097 or email elmorecountymuseum@gmail.com.
June 27th @ 6:00pm
Elmore 250 Celebration presents: Bobby Horton in concert
Help us wrap up our Elmore County 250 Celebration with a special evening of music as Bobby Horton takes the stage at the Wetumpka Civic Center (410 S. Main Street, Wetumpka) at 6:00 p.m. Admission is free and everyone is welcome!
A bluegrass musician, music historian, songwriter, and arranger, Bobby is known for bringing the past to life through song. He has recorded fourteen volumes of Civil War-era music and provided the authentic period soundtracks for Ken Burns’ acclaimed documentaries, including The Civil War, Baseball, Lewis & Clark, Mark Twain, and The National Parks. He also performs with the popular group Three on a String.
It’s a toe-tapping, story-filled evening and a fitting, music-filled finale to our 250th celebration.
For more information, call 334-567-5097 or email elmorecountymuseum@gmail.com.
November 16th - December 18th @ 9am - 3pm
The Americans, A Smithsonian Traveling Exhibit
The Elmore County Museum is proud to host the Smithsonian’s traveling exhibit, The Americans!
Join us for opening day and reception on November 16th at 12:00 pm., and explore this exciting exhibit during its stay through December 18.
The exhibit uncovers the many ways American Indian images, names, and stories have been part of the nation’s identity since before the country began. Americans uses historical photographs and objects representative of those in the Smithsonian's collection to tell their stories.
While the exhibit is on display, we’ll be offering a variety of programs and activities, from special speakers to local history connections.
We hope you’ll make plans to stop by and experience this one-of-a-kind exhibit right here in Elmore County!
For more information, call 334-567-5097 or email elmorecountymuseum@gmail.com.
JOIN US AND HELP SUPPORT LOCAL HISTORY
Become a member!
Your support and contributions will enable us to meet our goals and fund our mission.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Board meets once a month at the Elmore County Museum on Tuesday at 6 p.m.
President, Calvin Chappelle
VP, Sharon Fox
Treasurer, Gale Skinner
Secretary, Janice Massey
Janet Cox
Robert Johnston
Jackie Earnest
Rozanne Braswell