With parts of the federal government closed amid the ongoing “Schumer Shutdown,” Gov. Kay Ivey is encouraging residents to make the best of the situation by exploring historic attractions across Alabama.

In a Thursday post, Ivey pointed to closures at national sites such as Independence Hall in Philadelphia and invited the public to see Alabama’s own replica at American Village in Montevallo.

“With the Schumer Shutdown, landmarks like Independence Hall in Philadelphia are closed. So, until the Democrats get their act together and reopen the people’s government, y’all come visit Alabama’s own replica of this storied site at American Village in Montevallo, AL!”

The American Village is a living history museum and educational campus dedicated to strengthening the foundations of American liberty and self-government.

Through immersive experiences and educational programs, it seeks to engage and inspire citizens, especially young people, about the responsibilities of citizenship and the principles of the nation’s founding. The campus includes a full-scale replica of Independence Hall and other Colonial-era structures designed to bring history to life.

Another fitting destination for history lovers is Constitution Village in downtown Huntsville. This reconstructed 19th-century village marks the very site where delegates met draft Alabama’s first constitution and pave the way for statehood. Operated by the EarlyWorks Family of Museums, Constitution Village offers interactive exhibits, costumed interpreters, and hands-on activities that transport visitors back to the era of Alabama’s founding.

Across the state, other notable landmarks remain open and ready to welcome visitors, including:

• Old Cahawba Archaeological Park in Orrville, the state’s first capital and now an archaeological site rich in early Alabama history;
• Fort Toulouse-Fort Jackson Park in Wetumpka, where French, Creek, and American history converge;
• Horseshoe Bend National Military Park in Daviston, site of a pivotal battle during the Creek War;
• Mobile’s Historic Fort Conde, a reconstructed 18th-century fort showcasing the city’s colonial roots.

As national landmarks temporarily close their doors, Ivey’s message highlights Alabama’s abundance of historic destinations that remain open to visitors eager to experience the state’s—and the nation’s—founding stories firsthand.

Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].