Trussville History Museum offers a comprehensive look at life in Trussville

Although most know Trussville has a rich history, many might not know Heritage Hall has that history on display. 

The Trussville History Museum has been collecting historical photographs, artifacts and memorabilia since 1988. Previously the museum was open by appointment only, but now the museum is open at least one Sunday a month. 

Jane Alexander with the Trussville Historical Board said she wants the residents of Trussville to know the museum is there for the public’s use and enjoyment.

“It’s really interesting, especially to people who’ve lived here at some time or another because people see things they recognize,” Alexander said. 

The artifacts in the museum tell a story of what life was like in centuries past in the city of Trussville. 

“We’re trying to get some general information about the kind of people that lived here and what they did for a living,” Alexander said. 

According to Alexander, Trussville began as a community of primarily farmers until the Cahaba Project was built, and it became a commuter town for those who worked in Birmingham. She said to her knowledge, the Cahaba Project was the first housing development in the city, whereas before the project was complete, most of the housing was a single house on multiple acres of farmland. 

Of all the artifacts in the museum, Alexander said one of her favorites is a wooden sign that says “Welcome to Trussville.” She said there were three signs of its kind made, and the museum retains one for display. 

“Someone went to a lot of trouble to carve around all these letters, and it stood for many, many years,” Alexander said. 

Another favorite is an old jail cell key.

“It’s like sitting at home watching an old western. They all have these huge keys to unlock the jail cells with, and now we have one on display,” she said.

Alexander said a favorite of visitors to the museum is an old corn sheller, which visitors can operate. 

“It’s so entertaining because that’s one of the few things you can play with and touch and operate, so people get a sense of what it is,” Alexander said. She said it’s especially popular among schoolchildren when they come for field trips. 

Moving forward, Alexander said she hopes to incorporate special programming and rotating exhibits.

Because there are space limitations, Alexander said she wants to acquire items to bring in for a limited time to keep up the public’s interest in the museum. She also hopes to bring in programs to draw visitors who might be interested in specific artifacts or topics.  

“There’s one gentleman here in Trussville who collects arrowheads and other early artifacts. We’re hoping to have him do a program on some new material,” she said. 

Additionally, Alexander said the museum has a wealth of unidentified photographs, so the Historical Board is working on photo albums to show to longtime Trussville residents in hopes of identifying each person. 

The Trussville History Museum is operated by the Trussville Historical Board, which is a board of the city of Trussville. The board is volunteer-based. When there are vacancies, residents submit applications to be selected.

Members are responsible for acquiring artifacts, setting up displays and guiding tours. 

While the board is currently focusing on having the museum open on a more consistent basis, Alexander said they also are focused on providing visitors a comprehensive look at Trussville life through the years. 

“We want to get enough information, enough artifacts from people so that we can have a good sampling of what Trussville was in the 1800s and early 1900s because things change, and change often,” Alexander said. 

In addition to the Sundays the Trussville History Museum will be open, it is also available by appointment. Contact the Trussville Historical Society through Facebook to set up a viewing.