TUSCUMBIA – Members of the Belle Mont Support Group, Friends of Belle Mont, along with members of the Colbert County Historical Landmarks Foundation will be gathering at Belle Mont Mansion, 1569 Cook Lane, Tuscumbia, on Saturday, March 11, to help with some much needed spring cleaning of the house museum and the grounds. The crew will arrive at 9:00 with mops, buckets, dust cloths, and rags for indoor work and with rakes, leaf blowers, pruners, etc. to help with outdoor details. All interested and willing helpers are desired! Bring what you need to participate and we will work “until”. In case of inclement weather, grounds work will be postponed and interior clean-up will be carried on.
Weather and time permitting, an excursion into the wooded area near the plantation home will be led by Jim Pitts. Pitts, who worked at Belle Mont as its chief docent for many years, will help us to better understand the landscape as it was when the house was built in 1828 and when the plantation included a number of outbuildings. March 11 should prove to be a fun and educational day at Belle Mont, and a day that will “make a difference” in the way the museum meets the public.
Belle Mont is considered one of Alabama’s most distinguished plantation homes, exhibiting Jeffersonian – Palladian architecture as favored by Thomas Jefferson during the Federal period of our nation’s early history. Belle Mont Mansion is open for tours, Wednesday – Saturday, 10:00 am until 4:00 p.m. Matthew Fesmire is the site manager and docent-tour guide. The museum is operated by the Colbert County Historical Landmarks Foundation, Inc., Ninon Parker, president and site director. The historic site is one of only five house museums in the State which are owned by the Alabama Historic Commission. It is located approximately 2 miles south of Tuscumbia and Muscle Shoals. Cook Lane turns west from Hwy. 43 S.
For additional information regarding clean-up day or to schedule a tour for a group, contact the museum at 256-381-5052. Belle Mont is also available as a venue for special events, including weddings.
