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.
SECOND SUNDAYS - JOIN US AS WE EXPLORE LOCAL HISTORY!
March 9 at 2:30 pm
Speaker Phyllis Kennedy - Elmore County Native Bruce Kelly
New York City's Central Park is a major tourist destination and an important economic engine, in addition to being a place for peace, beauty, respite, relaxation and exercise for New Yorkers. Almost everybody knows about Central Park and many of us have visited it. What you might not now is the vital role played by an Elmore County native in the restoration and revitalization of this iconic landmark. Join us on March 9 to learn about Titus native Bruce Kelly and the imprint he made on Central Park.
April 13 at 2:30 pm
Speaker John Gurner - Fort Toulouse - Jackson Park
Join us on April 13 at 2:30 pm for a presentation by Site Historian, John Gurner. The Confluence of the Coosa and Tallapoosa Rivers has seen all manner of human activity for millennia. Historical figures like Andrew Jackson and William Bartram have left their mark upon the narrow strip of land that was once home to several Native American groups. This overview will explain the importance of the site well beyond its regional significance and show how this hidden gem of the forest is still one of the most significant historical sites for understanding Alabama’s early colonial history.
May 3 at 5:00 pm
Wetumpka City Cemetery Tour
Join us on Saturday, May 3 at 5pm for the Wetumpka Cemetery Tour. Learn about the life of some of Elmore County's earliest and often colorful characters portrayed by local volunteers. Purchase tickets about a month in advance ($5) at the Elmore County Museum, the Wetumpka Public Library, and the Wetumpka City Admin Building. Call the museum for more information.
(334) 567-5097. Tickets are also available the day of the event.
Elmore County Museum Windows
If you’ve wondered why the windows are boarded up at the Elmore County Museum, it’s because they are currently being restored by MAK Environmental! This project has been made possible through a grant to the City of Wetumpka from the Alabama Historical Commission. The museum, formerly Wetumpka’s Post Office, is part of our city’s historic district and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Please call the museum at (334) 567-5097 with any questions.
IMPORTANT PRESERVATION PROJECTS
Updates - East Wetumpka City Cemetery
The East Wetumpka City Cemetery is uniquely located on a ridge between the forks of two creeks and the Coosa River. Burials took place mostly between 1830 and 1850, but there are unmarked graves as well. The cemetery was damaged in the 2019 tornado and was significantly overgrown until the first cleanup in late February, 2024 supported by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Wetumpka and members of the Elmore County Historical Society. A second cleanup occurred in February of this year. The Society is working to have ground penetrating radar (GPR) done to help determine the entire footprint of the cemetery and to located unmarked graves. This is the start towards an ongoing preservation effort. Please call the museum at (334) 567-5097 with any questions.
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