There Is A Unique Man-Made Wonder Hiding In This Small Town In Alabama
By Lisa Battles|Published November 28, 2023
×
Lisa Battles
Author
Lisa has traveled the U.S. for over a decade, seeking out and sharing the stories of its most interesting places, people, and experiences. A journalism graduate of Auburn University, she has been a content strategist, editor, and writer for more than 25 years. Lisa has worked in community news, PR, and marketing with a focus on tourism, hospitality, and economic development. Besides following her curiosity around every corner, she's a devoted dog mom of two and advocate for animal welfare.
The Pettus Randall Miniature Museum, a man-made wonder in Montevallo, Alabama, depicts much of US history in detailed dioramas. Comprising 35 scenes, the museum’s exhibits date to the 1960s. They finally received a permanent home in 2002 at American Village, a 183-acre living history museum.
I was drawn to the dioramas because they seemed so unique and fell in love with their story. It’s one of purpose, perceived failure, and then many multi-generational successes in business, education, and family. Read on to discover it for yourself.
At the American Village, which opened in 1999, people can experience the time of America's quest for independence. Actors in period dress interpret lessons and critical moments of our history throughout a campus of building replicas.
Meanwhile, this miniature museum is included in the tour and is a treasure. The late H. Pettus Randall, who founded the successful company Randall Publishing, initially dreamed up the dioramas in the early 1960s.
Randall sought to create several sets of the scenes and send them out as traveling exhibits to smaller communities nationwide. His goal was to bring engaging US history lessons to children across the country – specifically those in rural, disadvantaged areas who were less likely to travel to see important national sites and monuments.
Advertisement
According to a Shelby County Reporter account of the museum's groundbreaking in 2002, the initial collection cost over a quarter million dollars to create. To ensure accuracy and quality, Randall had commissioned more than a dozen artists and craftsmen, who completed the dolls and dioramas in 1963.
Fast forward to the mid-1800s to another example, a portrayal of Frederick Douglass, who escaped slavery and went on to become a leader in the abolitionist movement.
Individual dioramas interpret themes of the US Civil War and World Wars I and II. Other scenes show advancements in transportation, agriculture, industry, and technology.
Unfortunately, just as space became "The New Frontier" for scientific exploration, the diorama trend was on its way out. The collection circulated for a few years and to about 25 states before interest waned.
While Randall continued to have success with his publishing enterprise, he packed up and put away the history collection, which he deemed to be a failure – at least in terms of profitability. He passed in 1976, and the collection remained in storage for many years.
Advertisement
In the early 2000s, son and business successor Pettus Randall III, decided to dust off his father's dream in grand fashion. He and his wife, Dr. Catherine Randall, donated the collection and a new building to house it at the American Village. For the restoration, the younger Randall located and hired some of the same artists who created the dolls, scenes, and costumes.
An especially painstaking effort went into reviving the dolls of every president and first lady. Artisans also crafted new dolls to bring the collection into the modern era. Randall saw most of the project completed and was present at the June 2002 temporary installation and groundbreaking event. After a long illness, he passed in September of that year. Far beyond this unique collection tucked away in Montevallo, the Randalls are both individually highly distinguished UA alumni and benefactors impacting young people today. Those familiar with The University of Alabama campus may note that the undergraduate welcome center, which broke ground in 2022, bears the names Catherine and Pettus Randall.
Have you paid a visit to the American Village or to this man-made wonder in Montevallo, Alabama? I know I would have been especially fascinated when I was a kid and first learning US history in school. Let us know if your kids (and you) feel the same! We would love to hear about your experience.
For operating hours and admission fees, visit the American Village website and the American Village Facebook page. To explore other cool sites where people have made their mark in our state, be sure to check out our list of other man-made wonders in Alabama.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
