Programs

Staff from the Black Belt Museum at the University of West Alabama conduct living history programs, archaeological volunteer opportunities, and tours at Fort Tombecbe. A brochure of current Museum programs can be found here.

Living history

One of the best ways to experience history is to see it brought to life. Living history programs at Fort Tombecbe feature knowledgeable historians in period costumes who specialize in interpreting for the public the lives of historical people. Some of the individuals featured at Fort Tombecbe include a French marine, Swiss officer, British soldier, British surveyor Bernard Romans, and historic Native American women. Interpreters demonstrate the use of authentic and historically accurate replicas of objects used by these historic figures. Musket and cannon demonstrations atop the bluff at Tombecbe are especially popular programs.

Archaeology

Getting dirty can be fun when you’re learning about the past! The annual Community Day at Fort Tombecbe provides an opportunity for the public to try their hands at archaeology, to see artifacts that have been recently found, and to enjoy living history demonstrations. Community Day is usually scheduled on the first Saturday in June. Other occasions for archaeology are available through the Field Work in Archaeology class at the University of West Alabama and through membership in the Alabama Archaeological Society.

Members of the Fort Tombecbe Volunteer Corps are notified of opportunities to excavate, to volunteer in the Black Belt Museum Archaeology Laboratory, and of maintenance needs at the fort. If you would like to join the Fort Tombecbe Volunteer Corps, please send your name and contact information to Dr. Ashley Dumas, adumas@uwa.edu, 205-652-3830

Tours

Fort Tombecbe is accessible only by appointment. Individuals, teachers and other educators, community and historical groups interested in arranging a tour or living history demonstration should contact Brian Mast, Public Historian with the Black Belt Museum at bmast@uwa.edu, 205-652-5528