Museum of East Alabama

History
Located in the heart of Opelika’s downtown historic district at 121 South 9th Street, on the old Clement hotel site, the Museum of East Alabama first opened its doors in August 1989. Adjacent to the Lee County Courthouse square, the museum now houses over 5,000 artifacts including both 19th, and 20th century local, state and general history items. With over 2,000 visitors yearly since its opening, hundred of visitors receive a look and education about the East Alabama area, Opelika, and Alabama history.
Noteworthy collections at the museum include Roanoke Dolls, Camp Opelika items (a WW II POW camp), and area business history. Early sound recording technology items, agricultural implements, fire fighting tools, household and mercantile artifacts on exhibit all give visitors a look at the vast technological changes which have taken place during the last century. In addition, the museum has a wonderful musical instrument collection which includes a restored 1899 pump organ.

Special temporary exhibits from both the museum’s permanent collection and traveling exhibits are scheduled periodically and cover a wide range of subjects. Previous special exhibits have included a traveling exhibition from the Smithsonian, a quilt exhibit, an embroiderer’s exhibit, pine needle baskets, depression era Alabama photographs, hat exhibit, toys, dolls and game exhibit and more.

Lee County’s rural, business, and architectural heritage are at the forefront of the museum’s endeavors, and it has something to offer all. It’s worth a visit to come see this up and coming small town museum.