The Tannehill Learning
Center, coordinated through the University of Alabama, is designed to utilize the rich
history of Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park in outdoor learning experiences. The
project is designed to accommodate the more than 20,000 school children a year who visit
the site on field trips.
A state model for the use of historical backdrops in out-of-class learning experiences, the program makes use of the park's numerous historical structures - including the pre-Civil War Tannehill Ironworks, the Iron and Steel Museum of Alabama, and the old Cane Creek and Fowler House Schools.
Participating in the pre-planned "learning loops" school children not only witness how early Alabama schools operated but are exposed to special interpretive programs dealing with iron production, agriculture, Native Americans, plant and animal life, the natural environment and Alabama history.
Tannehill's educational programs, endorsed by a 28-member teachers' committee representing every school district in Jefferson, Shelby, Bibb and Tuscaloosa Counties, provide students with an eye witness view of Alabama's antebellum past.
Tannehill Educational Programs
There are two different learning loops.
Basic History Loop #1: Revisit the days of the one-room school. Recommended for grades K-6.
Classes are conducted in the 1860s Fowler House and the 1920s Cane Creek School. Instructors are dresses in period costume and give learning lessons from old textbooks such as McGuffey's Reader and the Blue Back Speller. Instructors also take your class on a short nature walk and visit the old Tannehill Furnaces.
Science Loop #2: Recommended for Grades 4-9, Teachers can choose from one of three programs.
Botany: (an introduction to the importance of trees), Geology: (an introduction to the three major rock groups at Tannehill) and Ecology: (a brief explanation of how living things are independent). As often as possible, this loop will take place on the new Shirley-Real Environmental Nature Trail.
Dates and Times: The Tannehill Learning Center operates on Wednesday and Friday mornings from 9:30-12:30. It is open September through April each year.
Special Educational Events
The Tannehill Spring Folklore Festival: Offers children a unique opportunity to explore nearby history and crafts. Held on a Wednesday, Thursday and Friday in April of each year. Call the Museum for dates and reservations (205) 477-5711.
The Tannehill Village Christmas: This program is held during the first weeks of December. Cabins are decorated in the 1800s style and different activities take place in each one. Some are story cabins, music cabins, Santa, and old crafts. Call the Museum for dates and reservations (205) 477-5711.
General Information and Cost
Train Ride: You can schedule a time for your group to ride the train after the program. The cost for the train ride is $2.00 per person round trip. The Country Store will be open selling drinks, snacks and souvenirs. The Sweet Shoppe servers sandwiches as well as homemade candy. It is opened on Fridays and can be open on Wednesdays with advance notice. You can call the Sweet Shoppe direct at (205) 477-9168.
Reservations and Cost: Admission is $3.00 per person. You must have at lease 25 people in your group to attend. Contact Vicki Kes at (205) 477-5711 or write Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park, 12632 Confederate Parkway, McCalla, AL 35111. Email us at tannehillmuseum@att.net . Visit our website at www.tannehill.org
