Wilcox Historical Society Day Trip to Montgomery, September 16
Join the Wilcox Historical Society on Wednesday, September 16, for a special day exploring Alabama history in our state capital!
We’ll begin our day at 9:00 AM with coffee and a tour of the Alabama Governor’s Mansion, followed by visits to some of Montgomery’s most significant historic sites.
Our day will include:
Coffee & Tour of the Governor’s Mansion
Alabama State Capitol
First White House of the Confederacy
Alabama Department of Archives & History — including special access to view artifacts and collections connected to Wilcox County
Catered lunch
Wednesday, September 16, 2026
Beginning at 9:00 AM
$50 WHS Members | $80 Non-Members
Participants will meet in Montgomery
Space is limited, so reserve your spot soon!
Mail your check to:
Wilcox Historical Society
P.O. Box 464
Camden, AL 36726
Please write MONTGOMERY TRIP in the memo line.
Questions or additional information: wilcoxhistoricalsociety@gmail.com
Come spend the day with us for a wonderful combination of Alabama history, Wilcox County treasures, beautiful historic places, and good company!
Alabama Governor’s Mansion
Built in 1907 as the home of Robert Fulwood Ligon, Jr. and his family, this elegant Neoclassical residence became Alabama’s second Governor’s Mansion in 1950. Governor James E. “Big Jim” Folsom had long admired the home and believed it would make an ideal residence for Alabama’s governors. The state purchased it for $100,000, the first home in Montgomery ever to sell for that amount. For more than 75 years, the Mansion has served as both the official residence of Alabama’s First Families and the setting for state functions and Alabama hospitality. We’ll begin our day here at 9:00 AM with coffee and a tour of the “People’s House of Alabama.”
Alabama State Capitol
Constructed in 1851 in the Greek Revival style, Alabama’s Capitol has served as the backdrop for some of the most important moments in our state’s history. Visitors will tour the beautifully restored building, including the historic Senate chamber, grand rotunda murals, and the remarkable spiral staircases designed by famed bridge builder Horace King.
First White House of the Confederacy
This elegant Federal-style home (built between 1832 and 1835) served as the executive residence of Jefferson Davis and his family while Montgomery briefly served as the first capital of the Confederacy in 1861. The house today contains many original furnishings, artifacts, and personal belongings connected to the Davis family and the Civil War era.
Alabama Department of Archives & History
Founded in 1901 as the nation’s first publicly funded state archives, ADAH preserves Alabama’s rich historical legacy through exhibits, artifacts, manuscripts, flags, photographs, and museum collections. During our visit, we will view several items connected to Wilcox County history, including the Wilcox True Blues Flag, the McCondichie Sash, William Rufus King materials, and other artifacts selected by the Archives staff.
Wilcox Historical Society to Invest Over $500,000 in Camden
The Wilcox Historical Society recently announced the restoration of their headquarters, the Wilcox Female Institute, will begin in September 2026. They marked the occasion with a contract signing at the Institute following their meeting on August 30. Chris Pringle Construction from Mobile will be restoring the bell tower, balcony, and will reinstall the Institute’s original bell.
“This is a momentous day for our Historic Society, Camden, and Wilcox County” stated WHS President Lance Britt. “We will be investing over a half a million dollars to complete the restoration and we have every dollar needed in the bank.” he continued. “We will start at the top and work our way down. When finished, the Institute will once again be a beautiful building we can all be proud of and a historic center unlike any in the region.”
In addition to the bell tower, the Institute’s restoration will include a new cedar shake roof, the rehabilitation of the entire second floor, new electrical and HVAC systems among other projects. The second floor will house a museum entitled ‘The Women of Wilcox,’ gallery/meeting space, and a state-of-the-art genealogical research center to house historic documents, garments, and other Wilcox County artifacts.
“The museum will highlight the achievements of Governor Kay Ivey, University of Alabama President Judy Bonner, Lieutenant Colonel Sara Harris, American Jazz Pianist/Educator Consuelo Lee, author Viola Goode Liddell, the Gees Bend Quilters, and more” Britt continued. “The genealogical/research center will be a repository of our shared history for generations to come. This is a realization of a dream thirty years in the making.”
Coming Up at the Wilcox Historical Society
September 16
WHS Fall Day Trip to Montgomery
State Capitol • First White House of the Confederacy • Alabama Department of Archives & History • Alabama Governor’s Mansion
October 4
October Meeting at Historic Yaupon
Gordon G. Martin — American Village
2:00 PM
October 14–18
America 250 Trip to Alexandria & Washington, D.C.
Including the Gift to the Nation Gala at Mount Vernon
November 8
November Meeting in Camden
Mollie Smith Waters, That Cemetery Lady
Followed by a tour of Camden Cemetery
2 PM
Sunday, December 6
WHS Christmas Open House
2 PM
Location to be announced
March 19–20, 2027
Wilcox Historical Society Tour of Homes
Pine Apple, Alabama
More details about these programs and events will be announced soon.
Save the Date — Pine Apple 2027
The Wilcox Historical Society Tour of Homes returns to historic Pine Apple March 19–20, 2027. More details coming soon!
About the Wilcox Historical Society
The Wilcox Historical Society is dedicated to preserving, sharing, and celebrating the rich history and heritage of Wilcox County, Alabama. Through educational programs, historic preservation efforts, publications, tours, special events, and community partnerships, we work to keep the stories, people, places, and traditions of Wilcox County alive for future generations. We invite you to explore our history, attend an upcoming program, read our newsletter, and become a member of the Wilcox Historical Society.
Something New Is Coming!
We’re working on a new Wilcox Historical Society website designed to make it easier to explore Wilcox County history, learn about upcoming programs and events, access our publications, and connect with the Society. Stay tuned—we look forward to sharing it with you soon!
Wilcox Historical Society 