Alabama Governor Kay Ivey will cut the ribbon at American Village’s New Independence Hall on September 25, Bringing History to Life in Alabama
Montevallo, AL — The American Village Citizenship Trust is proud to announce the opening of the next phase of Independence Hall, a transformative addition to the campus that deepens the Village’s mission of teaching history through immersive, hands-on experiences. Alabama Governor Kay Ivey will take part in a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 11a.m. on Thursday, September 25.
The idea of building Independence Hall at the American Village was the dream of founder Tom Walker, whose visionary leadership has guided the Village since its inception. “Tom Walker imagined a place where young people could walk in the footsteps of America’s founders, and Independence Hall was always at the heart of that vision,” said American Village CEO Col. Alan B. Miller. “Thanks to his dedication, we now have a powerful symbol of liberty here in Alabama.”
Modeled after Philadelphia’s original landmark, Independence Hall was inspired by the vision to bring one of America’s most iconic symbols of liberty closer to home. “Independence Hall is where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were debated and adopted,” said Miller. “By recreating this building here in Alabama, we are giving students and visitors a place to engage directly with the ideas that shaped our nation.”
With this addition, the American Village campus grows not only in size, but also in storytelling power. The new hall joins a collection of historically-inspired buildings and grounds, allowing guests to explore the drama of America’s founding in a living-history environment. While there are a handful of other Independence Hall replicas across the nation, the Montevallo version is unique in its educational purpose and role as part of a larger patriotic campus dedicated to civic learning.
The Independence Hall experience is central to the American Village’s mission of preparing young people for citizenship. The hall provides a stage for interactive programs where students debate the Declaration of Independence or step into the shoes of delegates at the Constitutional Convention. This immersive approach is expected to significantly boost visitation, especially among schools. Field trips are already a major part of American Village attendance, and the addition of Independence Hall is expected to attract thousands more students and families each year.
The project is part of a multi-phase expansion. The final phase, now underway, will include a museum to house the contents of the Karl C. Harrison Museum of George and Martha Washington, currently residing in Columbiana, AL. The Harrison Museum holds the second largest collection of George and Martha Washington artifacts outside Mount Vernon. Completion of this final phase of the Independence Hall complex is anticipated by July 4, 2026. Together, these phases will position American Village as a national destination for history education during the run-up to America’s 250th birthday in 2026.
That celebration carries special weight for the Village: Independence Hall’s opening coincides with Alabama’s designation of the American Village as the state’s official Semiquincentennial Celebration Capitol. This honor underscores the Village’s impact as a place where history, civic responsibility, and national pride intersect.
Funding for the Independence Hall project came through a combination of private donations, foundation grants, and state support. “This project would not have been possible without the generosity of donors and the dedication of partners who believe in our mission,” said Miller.
The opening of Independence Hall is both a milestone for the American Village and a gift to future generations—an enduring place where the principles of liberty and democracy can be remembered, debated, and celebrated.
Ribbon-Cutting Run of Show, in front of Independence Hall – Constitution Green, Sept 25
11:00 – Welcome – Col. Alan Miller, President & CEO, American Village
11:04 – Invocation – Dr. Geri Albright, Trustee, American Village
11:06 – Presentation of Colors – Color Guard, Alabama Society Sons of the American Revolution
11:10 – Pledge of Allegiance – Director Cam Ward, Deputy Board Chair, American Village
11:12 – National Anthem – soloist Madison Smith, University of Montevallo
11:15 – Special Presentations & Liberty 250 Campaign Recognitions – Col. Miller and Judge Keith
Watkins, Board Chair, American Village
11:21 – Introduction of Gov. Ivey – Dr. Cathy Randall, Trustee, American Village
11:23 – Celebratory Grand Opening Remarks – Alabama Governor Kay Ivey
11:26 – Gov. Ivey cuts Ribbon/Official Photo
11:30 – Twenty-one Musket Salute – Honor Guard, ALSSAR
11:33 – “For Such a Time as This” – Tom Walker, Founder & President Emeritus, American Village
11:38 – Benediction – Representative Kenneth Pascal, Vice Chair, Alabama 250 Commission
11:40 – Retirement of the Colors – Color Guard, ALSSAR
11:42 – Invitation to Lunch for audience; private tour for platform party & reserved section –
Col. Miller
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