Magic on the Mountain
Dear friends of Burritt on the Mountain,
As we celebrate Burritt on the Mountain’s 70th anniversary, I am reminded that its success is built on the dedication of our incredible community. This last year alone, 863 volunteers generously gave over 18,680 hours of their time to ensure that Burritt remains a place of history, education, and recreation for all. Their passion and hard work are the heart of everything we do, and I am deeply grateful for their contributions. Because of them— and because of you, our supporters—Burritt continues to be a place where history comes to life, stories are shared, and connections are made.
Burritt’s story began with the vision of Dr. William Henry Burritt, a man who not only built a striking mansion atop Round Top Mountain but also dreamed of creating a place that would serve the community long after he was gone. Upon his passing in 1955, he left his home, 167 acres, and all its treasures to the City of Huntsville. That same year, Burritt Museum was officially established, with a municipally appointed Board of Directors—its majority female membership a direct reflection of Dr. Burritt’s wishes. Over time, this gift evolved from a single historic home into the vibrant museum, historic park, and cultural destination we know today—offering rich opportunities for education, exploration, and recreation.
I am looking forward to the lineup of events we have planned this season. Spring Farm Day will bring history to life as visitors experience the daily workings of a 19th-century farm. Easter Jubilee will once again delight families with festive traditions in our historic park. We’ll also step back in time for an elegant evening at our Titanic Maiden Voyage First-Class Dinner, an experience that promises to be both immersive and unforgettable. And for our youngest learners, Backpack Explorers presented by Damson Automotive, kicks off in March and will reach nearly 6,000 children in our community through hands-on educational adventures. April marks the return of Cocktails at The View happening every Wednesday April through October.
There is so much to celebrate at Burritt this year, and I look forward to sharing it with each of you. Thank you for being a part of our story—past, present, and future!
Melanie Thornton CEO, Burritt on the Mountain
In Memory of Paul Byrne
Paul was a beloved member of Burritt’s Historic Park staff whose passion and commitment to our mission affected everyone he met. His kindness, dedication, and welcoming spirit made a lasting impression on both colleagues and visitors alike. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and working with him.
2024-2025 Board of Directors
Our mission is to enhance lives and build community through educational, artistic and recreational experiences, while preserving our heritage, land and historic structures.
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
• Burritt Mansion Built
• Rebuilt after Fire
• 1955 Dr Burritt dies
• Leaves house and 167 acre estate to the City of Huntsville
• Huntsville's First Museum
• Begin Rentals for Weddings and Events
• Host first Festival
• Practicing Physcian
• Produce Truck Farm12 acres of crops
• Goat Dairy - a herd which was reported to number 10,000
• Pioneer Village constructed
• Open for Guests
Burritt on the Mountain: Preserving History for Future Generations
Burritt on the Mountain proudly celebrates its 70th Anniversary as Huntsville’s First Museum and a beloved cultural landmark. For seven decades, we’ve been a place where history comes alive, natural beauty inspires, and community connections flourish.
• Historic Park Opens
• First City Lights & Stars, Holiday Magic Fundraiser
• Period of Building and Growth
• Baron Bluff, The View Rosenwald Schoolhouse, Burritt Folk School, Batson Forge
• First Director Named
• Gazebo constructed
• First Summer Camps, Candlelight Christmas
At the heart of our historic site stands Dr. William Burritt’s 1938 mansion. To honor our past and protect our future, we are launching a special fundraising initiative dedicated to preserving and restoring the mansion. This treasured unique x-shaped home requires critical repairs to ensure it remains a lasting centerpiece of our story.
• DeSoto Restored
• Animals added to the Barnyard
• Nauture Trails
• Round Top Folk Festival
• Cocktails at The View
• Enriching Lives and Building Community
Dr. Burritt designed the house to allow for natural light to flood into the home. There are 36 windows of varying sizes, each with individual panes of glass that are in need of repair.. That is 816 individual panes that will need to be removed while the frames are carefully cleaned and restored and the glass replaced.
Your support will safeguard this historic gem as well the preservation of our eight historic structures in the park. Every contribution helps protect our legacy and continue providing enriching experiences for families, students, and visitors of all ages. Join us in preserving history!
Donate today and be a part of Burritt on the Mountain’s impact in our community.
No amount is too small!
Be a Backpack Explorer!
backpack an adventure in every bag
March 8th through September 1st
Embark on an exciting family adventure! This hands-on experience, designed for children aged 4 to 12, offers a captivating scavenger hunt through Burritt. Explore our Nature Trails, the Historic Park, the Barnyard, and Dr. Burritt's mansion.
• 5 UniqUe AdventUres - each adventure provides a fresh and engaging hands-on experience
• speciAl soUvenir - take home a scavenger hunt souvenir at the end of your adventure
• explore At yoUr own pAce - enjoy a fun-filled family experience that fits your schedule
With five distinct themes to choose from, there's always something new to discover. We invite you to return, play, and explore again and again!
Experience history in action every weekend!
ON THE MOUNTAIN
LEARN. DO. EXPERIENCE. LEARN
TRADITIONAL
ARTS,
SKILLS & HANDICRAFTS (ONLINE RESERVATIONS REQUIRED)
UPCOMING CLASSES AND WORKSHOPS
(ONLINE RESERVATIONS REQUIRED)
March
Glass: Stained Glass Clover
Weekday Series: Candle Holder
Weekday Series: Stained Glass Garden Stake
Herbs: Appalachian Fire Honey
Ceramics: Barnyard Rooster
Textile Arts: Natural Dyeing 101
Basket Making: Easter Basket
Fiber Arts: Old Time Quilt Blocks
April
Glass: Introduction to Glass Fusing Glass: Raindrops of Glass
Weekday Series: Raindrops of Glass
Blacksmithing: Plant Hangers
Weekday Series: Plant Hangers
Fiber Arts: Fancy Pants Embroidery
Ceramics: Introduction to Wheel Throwing Folk Traditions: Folk Dancing
May
Textile Arts: “Raw Fleece to Finished Object”
Watch our talented Historic Park staff and volunteers bring the 1800s to life with hands-on demonstrations of timeless skills. Our knowledgeable interpreters are eager to share fascinating insights and love to answer questions.
In March, dive into the art of 19th-century cooking, cleaning, and housekeeping. In April, explore the wonders of historical gardening, plant care, and wild foraging. Join us on Saturdays and Sundays during park hours for an unforgettable journey into the past!
presented by: Huntsville Utilities
County CVB
Industrial Properties of the South The Caring Foundation BCBS of AL
Tom & Susan Griffith
Scan Me for all Spring Events at Burritt
Spring Farm Day
Saturday, April 5th | 10am – 4pm
Blacksmithing
Milk Boxy our faux Cow
Wool Spinning
Old Fashioned Toys
Sheep Shearing Traditional Music
Experience Springtime on the Farm!
Enjoy barnyard animals, historic skills demonstrations, and insights into 1800s farm life. Try your hand at rug beating, butter churning, and mattress stuffing to gain a new appreciation for modern conveniences. Enjoy traditional music throughout the park. Regular admission rates apply; free for Burritt members.
Easter
April 19th | 11:00am - 3:00pm
Egg-citing adventures await at Burritt on the Mountain’s annual Easter Jubilee! Grab your Easter basket and join us on Saturday, April 19th, from 11am to 3pm. Collect eggs and treats from our frontier friends, pan for gems at our sluice, meet our barnyard animals and make some Easter crafts to take home.
More Camp Info!
7 weeks of Summer Camp
Geology Really Rocks
CommuniQuest: Fun with Words and Gestures
Alabama Pioneer Adventures
Can You Dig It?
Wild About Violins!
Eco Explorers
Can You Dig It? (So much fun we are repeating it!)
The Musgrove Session will bring their guitars, ukes, fiddles, banjo, bass and bodhran to share a collection of jigs, reels, airs and ballads from The Emerald Isle. Burritt’s shenanigans will feature Irish Banger Sausages and Irish beer, along with other snacks and drinks. Open seating. VIP Reserved Tables and Food Pre-Order available online.
Gorgeous sunsets and the best view of Huntsville!
Join the FUN! Every Wednesday evening 5pm - 8pm
Season Returns April 2nd!
Cocktails at The View offers a cash/credit full bar. We encourage you to pre-order appetizers online. Ride with a friend or carpool to help with parking. Cocktails at The View is held Rain or Shine! No outside food or drinks please. Pre-Order Appetizers | Reserve a Table | Book a Group or Birthday Celebration
Champagne Soiree
thursday, april 24th
2025 Concert Lineup
May 9 KUSH
May 30 Fireball Mail
June 13 Them Damn Dogs
June 27 JUICE
July 18 Brassfield
August 8 Eric Essix
August 29 Calypso Vision
September 26 Huntsville In the Mood
City Lights & Stars
Back By Popular Demand! Enhance your City Lights & Stars concert experience with a pre-show dinner at The View.
Stay at your dinner table during the concert to watch the sunset or bring lawn chairs to move to the lawn.
Please note, dinner reservations require a concert ticket and must be made by noon on the Tuesday before each concert.
Volunteer Needs
Spring Camp Counselors (14y/o & up)
Monday through Friday, March 10-14
Saint Patrick’s Day at the View
Sunday, March 16th
Cocktails at The View
April through October
Spring Farm Days Field Trips
Thursday and Friday April 3rd & 4th
Spring Farm Day Festival
Saturday, April 5th
Titanic Dinner
Thursday, April 10th
Easter Jubilee
Saturday, April 19th
City Lights & Stars Concerts
Fridays, May – September
Summer Camp Counselors (14y/o & up)
Monday – Friday, June & July
70th Anniversary Celebration
Sunday, June 8th
Be the first to know about volunteer opportunities for concerts, family festivals, camps, special events, holiday events, and more. Scan the QR Code above or contact Laura Wren, Laura.Wren@huntsvilleal.gov.
Volunteers of the Month!
January: Elder Gabe Tapia
February: Theresa Durboraw
2024 Volunteer of the Year: VickY Yager
2024 100+ Volunteer Hours
Deiondre Fenison Adams
Judy Berry
Royce Boyer
Barbara Buckner
Al Drost
Kate Drost
Theresa Durboraw
Lynette Fairlamb
Angela Farmer
Tina Garbe
Ann Harris
Sherry Hilley
Melea Horton
Raymond King
Steve Kirsch
Adam Mulac
Melissa Musgrove
Jim Novelly
Sari Oosta
Debra Palmer
Elsie Peterson
Janice Phillips
Anna Rainoldi
Linda Spalla
Gabe Tapia
Ronold Thomas
Tayler Tyrrell
Jennifer Upton
Aidan Walker
Kristina West
Kate Whited
Pam Wrabel
Every once in a while, an individual comes along whose passion, dedication, and generosity shine so brightly that they leave an unforgettable mark on our community. We are proud to recognize Vicky Yager as our 2024 Volunteer of the Year—a true cornerstone of our organization whose passion and dedication shine through in all she does.
From special events and educational programs to open-hearth cooking, gardening, and even caring for the bee hives, Vicky brings unmatched enthusiasm and expertise. Whether guiding visitors through hands-on experiences, sharing historical knowledge, or ensuring that every visitor has a positive experience, her contributions elevate everything we do.
This year, Vicky collaborated closely with the Historic Park manager, organizing inventory lists, deep-cleaning storage areas, and supporting ongoing projects enhancing the Historic Park.
Vicky’s tireless commitment has enriched our programs and inspired everyone who’s had the pleasure of working with her. Thank you, Vicky, for your invaluable contributions and heartfelt service.
Congratulations on this well-deserved honor!
2024 Dedicated Dozen
Kris Castillo
Bill Caudill
Phil Coker
Nancy Dickinson
Fred Ecklund
Camillia King - Stanley
Wellington Moore
A. Nonymous
Ellie Ramsey
Kay Schultz
Diana Sommer
Vicky Yager
3101 Burritt Drive • Huntsville, AL 35801
256.536.2882 • Fax: 256.532.1784
burrittonthemountain.com RETURN SERVICES REQUESTED
Dates to Remember:
March:
1 – Fire on the Mountain – 10am-3pm
8 – Folk School Workshops - RR
9 – Huntsville Forge meeting – 1pm
10-14 – Spring Break Nature Rangers Camp – RR
11 – North Alabama Wood Crafters – 6:30pm
16 – St. Patrick’s Day at The View – 3-5pm
18 – Folk School Workshops - RR
19 – Homeschool Happenings – 9:30am & 12p – RR
20 – Homeschool Happenings – 9:30am & 12p – RR
21-22 – Folk School Workshops - RR
April:
Summer Hours Begin – 9-5 Tues. – Sat. and 12-5 Sun.
5 – Spring Farm Day 10am-4pm
7 – Sacred Harp Singing – 6pm
8 – North Alabama Wood Crafters – 6:30pm
10 – Titanic Dinner – 6pm – RR
13 – Huntsville Forge meeting – 1pm
16 – Homeschool Happenings – 9:30am & 12p – RR
17 – Homeschool Happenings – 9:30am & 12p – RR
19 – Easter Jubilee – 11am-3pm
22 – Folk School Workshops - RR
25-26 – Folk School Workshops - RR
*RR - Reservations Required
Titanic Maiden Voyage First Class Dinner
Thursday, April 10th | 6pm | $103 per person
Set sail on the Titanic’s maiden voyage, the most luxurious ship afloat! Experience the grandeur of the Titanic’s maiden voyage with our exclusive Titanic Dinner event. Step back in time to 1912 and indulge in an opulent multi-course meal, meticulously recreated to mirror the exquisite cuisine once savored by the ship’s first-class passengers. | Authentic Culinary Experience | | Special Passenger Guests | | Historical Immersion | | Live Entertainment |
Join us in honoring the legacy of the Titanic on this 103rd anniversary. This event is not only a tribute to a monumental piece of history but also a celebration of culinary excellence and timeless elegance.
For more details and full menu
