Sunday, October 17, 2011, 2 - 4 p.m.
at Historic Maple Hill Cemetery

Click here for more
information about
Maple Hill Cemetery.

Established in 1818 when the city of Huntsville purchased two acres of land from Leroy Pope, Maple Hill Cemetery now extends almost 100 acres and houses the graves of many historic and political figures. Located in the heart of downtown Huntsville, from Wells Avenue south to McClung Avenue, it includes more than 80,000 graves.

More than 350 grave markers have been restored to date thanks to proceeds from the annual Pilgrimage Home Tour and the generous donations of community and school groups and individuals.

More than 65 costumed characters "comes alive" to
represent notables from the past during the
annual Maple Hill Cemetery Stroll.

This event is free to the public. Donations welcome.

More than 200 years of history comes alive for the annual Maple Hill Cemetery Stroll. Costumed volunteers will share the stories of over 65 notables, both famous and infamous, who shaped the future of Huntsville and Alabama. Included are five Alabama Governors, soldiers from past wars, artist, poet and writer Maria Howard Weeden, the notorius madam, Molly Teal and Tallulah Bankhead visiting her parent's graves.

Musical groups provide period music throughout the Stroll.

2011 Historic Homes Tour
in Historic Downtown Huntsville!
Check back for 2011 date!

Come Stroll with Us through Huntsville's Three Residential Historic Districts

 Click the play button to listen to the Pilgrimage Weekend radio announcement.

Huntsville namesake John Hunt would be proud to see how much his city has been touched by progress in the more than 200 years since he first settled at the Big Spring. No doubt he would be equally proud of the careful preservation of the town’s history through the efforts of caring people who have restored and retained the architecture of the time. In return, modern-day students of history, architecture enthusiasts, and those who appreciate the serenity of a beautiful garden have come to applaud the determination of our early settlers. Thankfully, the town named for John Hunt has survived natural disasters, financial depressions, and a war that split the nation.

The Huntsville Pilgrimage Association proudly invites you to join us for this Historic Homes Tour (check back for 2011 date). We think you will agree that the spirit of John Hunt and his contemporaries lives on.

About Huntsville Pilgrimage Association
The purpose of this organization is to advance the appreciation and preservation of the historic heritage of Huntsville and Madison County, Alabama through a Pilgrimage of homes and related events. Donations and funds raised by the Huntsville Pilgrimage Association go directly to the maintenance and restoration of Maple Hill Cemetery's grave markers, monuments and landscape.

In addition to the annual Pilgrimage home tour and cemetery stroll, association volunteers conduct cemetery tours for grammar school students, furthering their knowledge and appreciation of local and state history and helping them better understand the need for preservation.

Huntsville, Alabama is known for a lot of things - NASA, space exploration and technology, to name a few. Many people don't realize how much historical significance is embedded in the roots of the Rocket City, too. In fact, Huntsville harbors the largest cluster of antebellum structures in the state of Alabama.

The inspiring and breath-taking Twickenham district, home to more than 60 antebellum homes, businesses and churches, is one of the South's best-kept secrets. This area is a crowning jewel for a city with a unique history and a great story to tell.

The Huntsville Pilgrimage Association takes a leading role in showcasing and celebrating Huntsville's precious historical landmarks. Through an annual event called the Pilgrimage, we provide locals and out-of-town guests the opportunity to get an up-close-and-personal view of some of the finest architecture and interior design that Alabama offers.