Magic on the Mountain
Dear friends of Burritt on the Mountain,
As I wrapup my first holiday season here at Burritt, I feel a very special kinship with this place and its people. The love and loyalty demonstrated by the entire community of members, donors, volunteers, board members, and staff has been the most surprising and inspiring element of my first 90 days here. This jewel on the mountain seems to bring out the absolute best in those who are a part of it. And I am both thrilled and challenged to be shepherding in the next year of Magic on the Mountain.
First and foremost, I would like to take a moment to thank every single person who contributed to the success of the holiday season in December. Thanks to your incredible support, each event was filled with joy, celebration, and the community spirit which makes Burritt so special. Holiday Magic dinners (our biggest and longest-running fundraiser), Candlelight Christmas, the Sanders Family Christmas play, Josie’s Open house—all made possible because of your continued support.
I am excited to share that in 2025 we will celebrate Burritt’s 70th anniversary as Huntsville’s first museum. For seven decades, Burritt has provided a place where history, culture, and nature come together. It has evolved from a simple mansion tour to a vital and integral part of the Huntsville hospitality community, and we plan to mark this occasion with several celebratory events. The first will be Bubbly at Burritt on February 12th. This event will feature a sampling of exquisite champagne, sparkling wine, and delightful gourmet appetizers. Look for more details and ticket information later in this issue.
You already know that winter at Burritt offers its own kind of magic. On January 25th, our EXPLORE series returns with Birding at Burritt. Featuring a falconry presentation and an Audubon Society-led guided hike, this is always a fan favorite.
Then on February 8th, I invite you to a special event in honor of Black History Month. Join us to celebrate the vital contributions of African Americans at “Rosenwald Schools, Black Workers, and the Making of America.” Learn about the trades that helped build our nation through engaging demonstrations, including blacksmithing, basket weaving, dressmaking, and woodworking. This promises to be a meaningful and inspiring experience for all.
I would like to express my gratitude to everyone who contributed to our year-end fundraising campaign. Your generosity enables us to continue creating life-enriching and memorable experiences for all who visit Burritt.
Wishing you a Happy New Year filled with health, happiness, and adventure!
Melanie Thornton
CEO,
Burritt on the Mountain
2024-2025 Board of Directors
Chair: Jennifer Upton
Vice Chair: Cindy Griner
Treasurer: Ahmad Brown
Secretary: Jeffrey Blackwell
Governance: Sarah Smith
Steve Below
George Cannon
Paula Cushman
Brian Daniels
Theresa Durboraw
Richele Jordan-Davis
Camillia King-Stanley
Molly Moore
Melissa Musgrove
Lindsey Perry
Dawn Pumpelly
Mary Kathryn Treusdell
Our mission is to enhance lives and build community through educational, artistic and recreational experiences, while preserving our heritage, land and historic structures.
Winter Historic Park Demonstrations
Catch our talented Historic Park staff members and volunteers in the act. Learn how things were done in the 1800s and maybe even lend a hand. Have questions? Our interpreters are happy to share information and answer questions about what they are doing along the way. Although the skills demonstrated are from the past, many of them have modern applications too.
Saturday 1/4 - Baking in Balch
We will start the year with something tasty as we bake corn muffins and cookies in the cast iron cookstove, brew tea and coffee, and enjoy the start to the new year 19th century style.
Saturday 1/18 - Soapmaking
In preparation for the new year, we will be making batches of goat milk soap, which is a traditional type of soap. Goat milk is rich in vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids that nourish and moisturize the skin.
Saturday 2/1 - Puzzle Purses
Puzzle purses were a popular way of sending love notes or Valentines in the 18th and 19th centuries. This folded paper technique has a history that dates back to the 1st century Common Era. By the early 1700s in England and Colonial America, the puzzle purse began to be used as a means of exchanging romantic messages. Today this type of paperfolding is referred to as “letterlocking”.
Saturday 2/15 – Quilting
Quilting has a long history in this country. Recycled cloth was often used to quilt bed coverings. These patchwork quilts were originally produced for utilitarian purposes but have become a commemorative art form. Join us as we begin work on our new quilting project for the year.
ON THE MOUNTAIN
LEARN. DO. EXPERIENCE. LEARN TRADITIONAL ARTS, SKILLS & HANDICRAFTS
UPCOMING CLASSES AND WORKSHOPS
(ONLINE RESERVATIONS REQUIRED)
January
Ceramics: “Heart Pocket Wall Vase” January 10 and 24, 5:30-7:30
Jewelry Making: “Precious Metal Earrings” January 17, 5:30-8:30
Fiber Arts: “Sew Your Own Tote Bag” January 18, 9:00-2:30
Basket Making: “Bow Basket” January 18, 9:00-2:00
Ceramics: “Weekly Wheel Workshop II” Beginner January 23, 5:30-8:30
February
Blacksmithing II: “Tongs” February 1, 9:00-4:00
Weekday Series: “Three Hook Coat Rack” February 18, 9;00-4:00
Weekday Series: “Stained Glass Snowman” February 18, 9:00-2:30
Ceramics: “Lucky Leprechaun” February 21, 5:30-7:30
Cooking: “Pepper Jelly” February 21, 5:30-8:30
Did you know that our classes and workshops make great gifts all year long? Gift Certificates can be purchased in Josie’s gift shop or by emailing Jana Parris at Jana.Parris@huntsvilleal.gov.
January - Quilling and Papercraft
February - The Underground Railroad
March - Domestic and Wild Animals
April - Technology of the 1800s
May - Mining on the Mountain
Middle School
Homeschool Classes
Students 6th - 8th Grades
In January, join Burritt as we pioneer our history and culture classes for homeschooled students in 6th-8th grades.
Our pilot semester’s Integrated Geography class goes far beyond map-reading and memorization. Spend time in our Dorothy Davidson Rosenwald Schoolhouse classrooms studying history and cultures from right here in Alabama and around the world, our natural environment, and our physical Earth. Then, make history come alive as we step back in time in the Historic Park to practice traditional methods of wayfinding, cooking, fiber artistry, animal husbandry, and more. Students will build their knowledge of the world’s peoples, places, and systems as well as build confidence in their own ability to create in historically significant ways. The pairing of classroom education with hands-on experience makes this study of place and culture unlike any other! For more class details, including the syllabus, visit our website using the QR code above! Want to try a class before committing to the semester? Attend the first class for $25 per student. This payment will be applied to the cost of the semester if the student enrolls for the remainder of the classes.
For more information contact Avery Patz, 256.427.5199 or email avery.patz@huntsvilleal.gov.
This spring break, children in kindergarten through 5th grade will love Tales, Tails, and Trails! Come join us as we read different stories and folk tales from around the world and learn about the animals that inspired some of those stories. No camp at Burritt would be complete without a hike on our forested nature trails! Come make new friends, play games, create crafts, and enjoy the great outdoors as you can only at Burritt on the Mountain.
Thank you for sharing Burritt’s Heartfelt Hospitality with the community and thank you for all you do to make Burritt on the Mountain an amazing place to be.
“Unselfish and noble actions are the most radiant pages in the biography of souls.”
~David Thomas, as quoted in Tryon Edwards, A Dictionary of Thoughts, 1891
Volunteers of the Month!
November 2024: Fred Ecklund
December 2024: Debra Palmer
Volunteers of the Month for 2024
January - Lisa & Talia Eberhart
February - Burritt Brigade
March - Phil Coker
April - Diana Sommer
May - Ann Harris
June - Kay Schultz
July - Aidan Walker
August - Phil Searcy
September - Linda Spalla
October - Jennie Maestri
Would you like to receive volunteer opportunity e-mails?
Be the first to know about volunteer opportunities for concerts, family festivals, camps, special events, holiday events, and more. Scan QR Code above or contact Laura Wren, laura.wren@huntsvilleal.gov or 256.705.3135.
2025 Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities:
Birding at Burritt, Rosenwald Schools, Black Workers, and the Making of America, Bubbly at Burritt, Spring Camps, Spring Farm Day, The Titanic Dinner, Easter Jubilee
a Reciprocal Membership Benefit?
Burritt on the Mountain is pleased to offer members reciprocal membership privileges to hundreds of museums. We participate in the Southeastern Reciprocal Membership Program (SERM). Members of Burritt on the Mountain, who present a current membership card, are entitled to select privileges at participating museums. For more info and a list of museums, please visit www.semcdirect.net/reciprocal.
Volunteer and Membership Orientation
GET TO KNOW MORE about Burritt’s Membership Benefits, Volunteer Program & Volunteer Opportunities.
Sunday, January 26 - 1:30pm – 2:30pm Burritt on the Mountain | Folk School Classroom Light refreshments will be provided.
Please RSVP by Thursday, January 23rd laura.wren@huntsvilleal.gov
January 25th | 10am - 4pm
Join us for “Birding at Burritt” to chase away the winter blahs. This family-friendly, fun-filled day includes a falconry presentation, an Audubon Society-led guided hike, and a visit to the Barnyard. Enjoy “Beauties of the Sky,” an hour-long presentation by Tommy Howell showcasing his collection of unusual birds. Bird-themed crafts will be offered in the Historic Park for children.
10:15-11:00 Falconry with Carol Speegle, Phillip Nette, and Jeremy Jones, and their birds
11:00-1:00 Birdwatching Trail Hike with Randy Crouse of the Audubon Society Birding 101: This beginner birding hike includes techniques for using binoculars and quick tips for spotting and identifying birds. (This moderate hike is for all ages. Must be able to maneuver stairs and no strollers.)
11:15, Noon, 1:00, and 3:00 Caring for Chickens
Visit the Burritt Barnyard to view a chicken habitat and meet and feed the chickens. Learn what it takes to create your own flock of egg layers. The eggs laid at Burritt are sold in Josie’s Gift Shop.
1:30-2:30 “Beauties of the Sky” with Tommy Howell
Come enjoy Tommy’s “Beauties of the Sky” program. This fun and educational presentation will fascinate the entire family. The outstanding collection of unusual birds is sure to impress! Seating is limited, and on a first-come, first-served basis. The doors open at 1:15. No one will be seated after the show begins.
join us for a kickoff celebration Burritt’s 70th Anniversary
BubblyBurrittat
February 12th | 5:30pm – 7:30pm | Baron Bluff
Experience an unforgettable evening sampling exquisite champagne, sparkling wine, and delightful gourmet appetizers.
In addition to our anniversary, we will be toasting Dr. Burritt’s birthday, which falls on February 13th. Sway to the enchanting sounds of jazz by the talented W.D. Flow Entertainment, ensuring this will be a night to cherish!
$70 per person
Dress is business casual. Cocktails and Beer available for purchase.
Save the Date
Titanic Dinner
Friday, April 10th | 6pm | $103 per person
Set sail on the Titanic’s maiden voyage, the most luxurious ship afloat. The Titanic Dinner will recreate the opulent multi-course meal served to first-class passengers, allowing diners to experience a taste of the ship’s cuisine from that era and includes select white and red wine complementing the courses.
Upon arrival, you will receive the identity of a Titanic passenger. Will you be the famous Molly Brown or John Jacob Astor? Your boarding pass will provide you with the passenger’s history and fate. Live music will accompany the dinner.
Remembering and paying tribute to the Titanic’s 103rd anniversary is integral to history. The dress code is dinner casual, but vintage-style attire is welcome!
MANSION EXHIBIT
History Lives On: Preserving Alabama’s Rosenwald
Schools EXPLORE
Burritt Museum is proud to announce that History Lives On: Preserving Alabama’s Rosenwald Schools will be the Spring 2025 exhibit in the Burritt Mansion. The exhibit is on loan from Auburn University’s College of Architecture, Design and Construction who partnered with the Alabama Department of Archives to study the partnership between Julius Rosenwald and Booker T. Washington and the importance of what these men accomplished. The exhibit also focuses on the local communities and their roles in raising funds to support these educational projects.
In the early part of the 20th century, the Rosenwald School Program, ending in 1932, constructed over 5,000 schools for 600,000 students throughout 15 states. The goal was to improve education for rural African American children in the South by offering basic education in a clean, healthy environment and teaching industrial and home economics classes. Rosenwald Schools ensured the opportunity for a better future for many rural children.
History Lives On: Preserving Alabama’s Rosenwald Schools exhibit will open on January 28th and is included with general admission to Burritt.
Rosenwald Schools, Black Workers, and the Making of America
February 8th | 10am-4pm
Discover hidden stories of strength and innovation, and grasp the enduring impact of Black education and labor on our nation. On February 8th, celebrate the vital contributions of African Americans at “Rosenwald Schools, Black Workers, and the Making of America,” where we delve into the fascinating achievements of Booker T. Washington and Julius Rosenwald and the impact Rosenwald Schools had on African Americans' education and vocational training during the era of “Separate but Equal.”
Learn about some of the trades that contributed to the building of America while viewing demonstrations such as blacksmithing, basket weaving, dress making and woodworking. Try your hand at tin punching and learning to write with a nib pen and ink like students in the early 1900’s. Explore the exhibit, “History Lives On: Preserving Alabama’s Rosenwald Schools,” at the Mansion to learn more about Rosenwald Schools, their impact and their preservation.
This event is included in admission price, free to Burritt members.
Dates to Remember:
Our historic cooks will transport you back to the 1800s. See, hear, and smell their work as they prepare historic recipes over our open fires and a cast-iron cook stove. In addition, our blacksmiths will be firing up the forges throughout the Historic Park to demonstrate this fascinating skill. Please join us for this memorable day!
