jemison-van de graaff mansion

Welcomed at the door as if we were family. The docent explained all the rooms and was very amenable to questions. Take the time to look at everything... the doors, the ceilings, the floors, the paintings, the inside windows, etc. This is a piece of Southern history. The second floor has the first copper tub in the state. I can't imagine polishing it! The whole place is wonderful and I can picture a houseful of children and teenagers inhabiting it with their parents. A MUST when you are in Tuscaloosa!

I work for the University of Alabama, and we often rent the Jemison for events such as poetry readings. This place never fails to impress. It's a very well preserved example of Southern architecture, design and furniture from the 19th century. We're allowed to serve food and drink there, and the staff is good about providing chairs and other amenities. There's a spacious wrap-around porch and, you'll be glad to hear, modern bathrooms in the basement of the mansion. If I were to get married in this town, I'd have my reception here.

Two of my friends were visiting from out of town and I wanted to show them some historical sights in Tuscaloosa. The Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion was a big hit! My friend had a blast photographing the beautiful exterior and interior of the home and we all enjoyed learning more about the history of the house/Tuscaloosa. Ian, the current director of the museum, gave us an amazing tour of the whole house. He was very knowledgeable and obviously passionate about the house and overall restorative/conservation efforts in the community. The museum/tour was free, but we left a donation and urge visitors to do the same to keep the restoration process going! Highly recommend!