Tuscaloosa Tells: Jemison-Van de Graaff Foundation Director’s Advice to Visitors

By: Rachel Childers, Fall 2012 Intern  

Upon visiting Tuscaloosa, people do not have to look far to see evidence of a city that not only embraces the past, but also is moving towards the future. New buildings pop up often, bringing new attractions for residents and visitors to enjoy; however, there are buildings like the Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion which have been maintained as part of Tuscaloosa’s character for over a hundred years.

On any weekday, this is where you can find Ian Crawford, Director of the Jemison-Van de Graaff Foundation.

How long Crawford has lived here: Six years

Crawford, a native of Auburn, Ala., first visited Tuscaloosa with his family when they took his sister to school. He said he was impressed with everything, from the old oak trees to the restaurants to the campus. Six years ago he moved to Tuscaloosa as a student, and has never really left since.

What Crawford loves most about Tuscaloosa: The city as a whole

“It’s not just a college town,” he said. “It is a town that has a college in it with fascinating and interesting people. It has history, and people who care.”

“Get your wide lens out and look at the city,” he urges people visiting Tuscaloosa. He agrees that football and restaurants are great, but he doesn’t want people to miss the beauty of the entire city. He wants people to notice the shops and local culture that make Tuscaloosa a fun place to visit or live.

Favorite things to do: Anything local

Crawford mentioned local art exhibits and craft shows, as well as the Bama Theatre, in which locals regularly perform in plays. He is especially proud of the symphony orchestra.

“People act like you have to go to New York or LA to do something big, but you can do all that right here,” he said.

Crawford also pointed out that Tuscaloosa is home to many museums, one of which contains the largest private art collection in the U.S.

To find weekly local events check out our calendar. http://visittuscaloosa.com
Favorite place to go: Downtown, Riverwalk park or Capitol park.

“One of my favorite views is of the train trestle and knowing that it is still used today,” he said.

Not only can the train trestle be seen from all of his favorite places, but these places are all parts of the past that are still appreciated today.

What you want people to know:

Tuscaloosa is a great place because it offers everything, he said. Residents and visitors can spend their time enjoying all the scenery, parks, museums, art and everything else Tuscaloosa has to offer in a safe environment.

“Come here to see Tuscaloosa. Don’t come here only to see a football game or to eat at a restaurant. Come here to see the city because it is all woven together,” Crawford said.

The Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion

The Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion was constructed from 1859-1862. Architect John Stewart and his partner Samuel Sloan designed the home for wealthy planter and business man, Robert Jemison, Jr. Jemison spared no expense creating a home that was on the cutting edge of technology. The home survived Yankee fires and stayed in the Jemison family until the 1940s when it was purchased and underwent a major restoration. From 1955-1979 it served as the Friedman Public Library.  In 1991 the building was acquired by the Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion Foundation. Using grants and generous contributions from private citizens, the foundation researched and restored this beautiful, historic house to its original appearance and continues to maintain it for the benefit of the citizens of Tuscaloosa.http://www.jemisonmansion.com/

And on your next visit to Tuscaloosa, stop by the Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion and take a free tour! It is open Monday-Friday from 10a.m.-5p.m., and located at 1305 Greensboro Avenue, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401.

The Tuscaloosa Tourism & Sports Commission (TTSC) is celebrating National Travel & Tourism Week culminating with a special event for our area hoteliers and attractions on Thursday, May 10 from 2-4pm.

Travel and tourism is one of America’s largest employers

• Supported 14.4 million jobs, including 7.5 million directly in the travel industry and 6.9 million in other industries.
• 1 out of every 9 jobs in the U.S. depends on travel and tourism.
• Travel is among the top 10 industries in 48 states and D.C. in terms of employment.
• In Alabama, 26 million visitors spent $10.2 billion in 2011.