Our Sites bring People and History Together!
The Monroe County Museum maintains and operates four historic sites in Monroe County, Ala., that collectively interpret the area’s rich history, ranging from pioneer life, politics and the literary legacies of Truman Capote and Harper Lee.
Old Courthouse Museum
Restored to its 1930s appearance, our courtroom is the model for Harper Lee’s fictional courtroom settings in To Kill a Mockingbird. The museum houses two permanent exhibits: Truman Capote: A Childhood in Monroeville, and Harper Lee: In Her Own Words. Each April and May, the courtroom is the setting for the second act of the Mockingbird Players’ acclaimed production of To Kill a Mockingbird. Find out more …
Old Bethany Baptist Church
Bethany Baptist Church was built in 1874 and sits along the Old Federal Road in one of Monroe County’s most picturesque and historic communities — Burnt Corn. Today its old post office, country store, houses, churches and doctor’s office appear frozen in time and are maintained by the J.F.B. Lowrey Trust. Find out more…
Rikard's Mill Historical Park
Rikard’s Mill is home to a fully functioning water-powered grist mill and museum. Nestled in the piney woods along the banks of the picturesque Flat Creek, the mill has served residents of north Monroe County since it was built in 1845. The museum is dedicated to preserving past folk traditions, such as gristmilling, blacksmithing and cane syrup making, by holding many interactive events in the park each year. Find out more …
Capote Marker/
Faulk Fence
Although the home on South Alabama Avenue where Truman Capote spent his childhood burned in 1940, portions of the rock fence and foundation remain, and an Alabama historic marker guides visitors to the spot. The Monroe County Museum maintains the site, and it is a popular stop for visitors who often grab lunch at Mel’s Drive In next door (site of the house where Harper Lee grew up) and picnic on the lawn. There are still camellias thriving on the lot planted by Truman’s cousins Sook and Jenny Faulk.
