Originally reported February 22, 2008.
The Fairhope Museum of History was preparing to open on April 5, 2008, with exhibits spanning the city’s civic and cultural history.
Museum Director Donnie Barrett said a People’s Railroad car that had carried passengers between the bay and downtown from 1914 to 1923 would greet visitors. The museum also incorporated the original Fairhope City Hall, recreating it as it appeared in 1928 with a mayor’s office, fire-truck bay and jail.
Original jail cells retained historic wall markings, while the newer section was organized as a chronological museum. A 1935 fire engine was planned for an interactive display next to the recreated mayor’s office.
The project was built with $1.5 million from the city, the Fairhope Single Tax Corporation and community groups.