MONTEVALLO, Ala. (WHNT) — Today, The American Village in Montevallo unveiled a brand-new landmark on their campus: Independence Hall. It’s where the Constitution was signed, originally in Philadelphia, PA.
Gov. Kay Ivey dedicated the replica to the late Tom Walker, founder of American Village, who passed away Thursday morning.
Inside, you’ll find a live portrait gallery where King George debates our founding fathers over self-government. You can also sign the Declaration of Independence as a delegate.
“My friend, Tom Walker, envisioned this as a teaching tool for our young people,” said Gov. Kay Ivey. “So, we may always keep America free. It’s been a great gathering here to officially dedicate the newest building on campus, Independence Hall.
Col. Alan B. Miller, president of American Village, shared the remarks that Walker had planned to give at today’s gathering.
“Our young people cannot safeguard what they do not cherish. And they cannot cherish what they do not know,” said Miller. “The American Village exists to strengthen and renew among young people, and all of our visitors, a deep knowledge and appreciation for America’s legacy of freedom.”
Melanie Poole, communications officer at American Village, said a new high school program will help young people learn about the story of the United States.
“We don’t even know our own story,” she said, citing illiteracy among Americans when it comes to the nation’s history. “And we have to know who we are and how we came to be to inform us how we move forward. What are we going to look like in the future?”
And Sen. Arthur Orr (R-Decatur) said these halls will help build that future.
“We have something more important. We harken our people to undertake their responsibility to the ideals of freedom, civic virtue, and self-government,” said Orr.
Gov. Ivey said the project is a gift to our nation and to the people of Alabama. American Village is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. You can find out more information about ticket prices and upcoming events here.
The post American Village dedicates new landmark to late founder appeared first on WHNT.
