Montevallo Man Makes History While Preserving History

By: Hope Finley

Tom Walker, Found and CEO of the American Village

July 4, 1776, the day the dream of independence became an reality for Americans.

Little did our forefathers know, over 200 years later students could engage in the stories that helped shape America.

The American Village, located in Montevallo, Alabama, opened in 1999 as a place where young students could take a trip back in time and actively take part in reenacting scenes from straight out of the history books.

Tom Walker, the founder and CEO of the American Village said, "We are trying to build empathy, to help realize that these aren't just names from the past. These are the stories of people just like us, who everyday, had the same hopes and dreams. They took risks and made sacrifices and we have benefitted by those choices. "

The American Village prides itself on educating youth from Alabama, as well as surrounding southeastern states.  They also actively encourage citizens to be stewards of liberty.

"The answers weren't clear cut for them and they aren't for us now. The lessons we can take from that and what we were trying to do in our first year, if we go with the things we believe in, those things that we truly treasure and believe in, they are worth taking risks. They may not be popular, but people can make a difference. They early years were for learning, and I think we are still learning. I think the young people who come here today are different than those who came in 2000," said Walker.

Washington Hall at the American Village

"Washington Hall" and "The Courthouse" were the first two buildings erected at the American Village. Presently, the American Village has grown and has 20 historically inspired buildings across the campus.

While Tom Walker is helping to preserve history for the younger generation, he is also helping to make history.

Recently, Walker was appointed as one of 16 citizens to the United States Semiquincentennial Commission, put together to make recommendations and help plan the 250th birthday of the United States in 2026.

Alabama Lt. Governor Kay Ivey and the Alabama Senate with
Tom Walker after appointing him to
the Semiquincentennial Commission

The commission will meet for the first time at Independence Hall in Philadelphia in two years to begin making recommendations.

While there, Walker hopes to gain inspiration for the next building project for the American Village, which is a replica of Independence Hall.

For more information about the Semiquincentennial Commission click here or for more information about the American Village click here.