Events
Family Night at Gaineswood
July 14, 2022
Forty five guests joined us for Family Night, 30 of which were Demopolis residents that had never visited Gaineswood before.
Lynda Ray captivated many guest with stories of Gaineswood. Alayne Smith presented her book, Educating Sadie, a historically accurate fiction involving a teacher that visits and makes a discovery at Gaineswood.
Lawn games were played replicating the 1870 May Picnic with rope-jumping, croquet, and horse shoes. Other games included the classic games pick-up sticks and marbles.
Instead of boating on the lake to cool off, we had modern day snow cones!
We thank the Webb Foundation and the City of Demopolis for financial support of this event.
Whitfield Family Reunion
May 21, 2022
Descendents, approximately 110, attended the Whitfield Family Reunion and enjoyed a brief tour of the house. Dick Hudgens, A.H.C. Arch, presented a 3 phase plan of major repairs required to Gaineswood in the near future. We gladly appreciated the visitation of the Whitfield family and look forward to next years reunion.
Heritage Days 2022
March 16 and 17
Gaineswood presented Heritage Days this spring to Black Belt students from the 4th and 5th grades. Hands on presentations on Choctaw life, pottery making, blacksmithing, a French Marine Encampment, and wagon travel brought the mid-1800’s in Alabama to life for students. Students experienced family life of the planter and of the many enslaved hands that contributed to the building and management of the home during a tour of the home. We were happy to present Heritage Days to around 327 students this year! Demopolis High School students from FBLA led the students throughout the day.
“This project is supported by the Alabama Humanities Alliance, a state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.” “Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of the Alabama Humanities Alliance or the National Endowment for the Humanities.”
Christmas at Gaineswood 2021
November 30 – December 22
Enjoy guided tours in the beautifully decorated 1861 plantation home in Demopolis, Alabama.
Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm,
November 30 to Dec 22, 2021
Special Events Celebrating the 50th annual COTR Dec. 3 & 4
Friday: Candlelight Visit with photo op & refreshments
Saturday: Guided tours, photo op, crafts for children, teens, and adults. Create a Gaineswood ornament or paint the symbol of hospitality, a pineapple.
Christmas on the River
December 3 @ 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Friday, December 3, 5:30-8:00
Candlelight visit, photo op, and refreshments
Closed for Winter Break
December 23, 2021 through February 1, 2022
Sartain Print
In 1860, Mobile photographer Chauncey Barnes took a photograph of Gaineswood. The photo was sent to John Sartain in Philadelphia the premier engraver on steel in America. He created engraving plates from the photograph. The image shows Gaineswood at its finest, its landscaped grounds, members of the Whitfield family and enslaved people.
Address
P. O. Box 443
805 South Cedar Ave.
Demopolis, Alabama 36732
Admission
$10 Adults
$9 Seniors
$8 College and
Military
$5 Students 6-18
Group rates are available for 10 or more. Call us at (334) 289-4846 for more information or to make an appointment.
Blue Star Museum: We proudly offer free admission to any active duty military personnel and their families between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Hours
Open: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Tuesday - Saturday
Closed: Sunday and Monday, unless by special appointment. Call us at (334) 289-4846.
Other large group tour times are available by appointment.
Visit other historic Alabama sites by clicking below!