The Heritage Center, opened in 1985. It is both a historical and a cultural museum dedicated to representing the rich history, customs, traditions and art of Jackson County. The museum is composed of four separate exhibit areas: the "Brown-Proctor House," the "Addition," the pioneer village named "Sagetown," and the "Little Courthouse." A complete tour begins by introducing visitors to the Walt B. Hammer Jr. Family Research Library inside the entrance to the house. Visitors then learn about the people who lived in the home before exploring cultural and technological exhibits dating from 10,000 B.C. to the early 20th century, finally completing the tour with a walk around our historically preserved cabins and the Little Courthouse, which serves as a repository for Jackson County's early records.
Brown-Proctor House
The Brown-Proctor house was built in 1881 by John A. Brown, a seller of dry goods. Mr. A.W. Brooks, a mayor of Scottsboro, purchased the property in 1883 and sold it to General John R. Coffey, who gained his fame from the Mexican American War, in 1884. In 1907, John Franklin Proctor purchased the house from General Coffey's daughter Sarah and her husband Charles W. Brown, who served as a representative and senator in the Alabama legislature. Senator and State Representative Proctor, who also served on the Constitutional Convention and as solicitor of Scottsboro until his death in 1939, extensively remodeled and enlarged the house in the neoclassical revival style between 1907 and 1911. The renovation included additional bedrooms, modern kitchen and bathrooms, and a second-floor balcony with Ionic columns. In 1981, the City of Scottsboro purchased the house with funds raised by the Scottsboro-Jackson County Museum Commission, which had been involved in a community-wide effort to convert the antebellum home into a historical repository, research center, and community venture.
Sagetown
Visitors step into 19th century rural life by touring "Sagetown," a recreation of a pioneer village consisting of original log structures dating between 1820 and 1880. While viewing a wide range of buildings, visitors learn about how the county seat changed from Sauta and Bellefonte to Scottsboro, the establishment of Jackson County on December 13, 1819, and the changes to everyday routines of life due to the construction of the Memphis-Charleston railroad. Visitors are then taken to Scottsboro's first courthouse built in 1868. Here, visitors learn of the "battles" fought between the towns to gain possession of the county seat and how Scottsboro was eventually chosen to serve in this capacity. The tour continues with an explanation of the growth of Scottsboro as a community and the construction of ante-bellum homes such as the 1880 "Brown-Proctor House." All furnishings and antiques in both the Brown-Proctor House and "Sagetown" are the result of the dedicated work of local citizens who invested their time and treasures into creating and sustaining what became known as the Scottsboro-Jackson Heritage Center. The museum and cultural community center opened its doors in 1985.
Little Courthouse” and Genealogical Research
The Heritage Center is the proud home of Jackson County's early public records. Dating as far back as 1820, we possess records such as Orphan's Court, Chattel Mortgages, Commissioner's Court, Chancery Court and Circuit Court. In addition, the Heritage Center houses many medical and store ledgers dating from the 1830's to the 1890's. The original books are kept in the Jackson County courthouse, built in 1865 and known as the "Little Courthouse." Kept within the Walter B. Hammer Memorial Library located inside the entrance of the Brown-Proctor House, we also possess a number of area and family histories which we share with researchers. Researchers are welcome to come visit our repository of various genealogical and historic collections during regular museum hours, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. While the Heritage Center does not charge fees for research or tours, we do welcome and depend on donations.
Exhibitions and Art
In addition to tours and genealogical research, the Heritage Center exhibits various art expositions and exhibits. The Heritage Center also hosts various civic and community meetings, receptions, and social functions throughout the year. Visitors wishing to learn which exhibits are on display or when events are scheduled may call the museum. We are open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and may be reached at 256-259-2122.
Rentals
The Heritage Center is available to rent for meetings, weddings, receptions, teas and other activities.
Click here for Rates
Click here for Rental Agreement
Interested parties should contact the museum for additional information. The Heritage Center is open Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Tours are available during business hours. Simply call 256-259-2122, and we will answer any questions you may have.
The Heritage Center is open Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Tours can be arranged Tuesday-Friday from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. by special appointment. Simply call 256-259-2122, and we will answer any questions you may have.
Brown-Proctor House
The Brown-Proctor house was built in 1881 by John A. Brown, a seller of dry goods. Mr. A.W. Brooks, a mayor of Scottsboro, purchased the property in 1883 and sold it to General John R. Coffey, who gained his fame from the Mexican American War, in 1884. In 1907, John Franklin Proctor purchased the house from General Coffey's daughter Sarah and her husband Charles W. Brown, who served as a representative and senator in the Alabama legislature. Senator and State Representative Proctor, who also served on the Constitutional Convention and as solicitor of Scottsboro until his death in 1939, extensively remodeled and enlarged the house in the neoclassical revival style between 1907 and 1911. The renovation included additional bedrooms, modern kitchen and bathrooms, and a second-floor balcony with Ionic columns. In 1981, the City of Scottsboro purchased the house with funds raised by the Scottsboro-Jackson County Museum Commission, which had been involved in a community-wide effort to convert the antebellum home into a historical repository, research center, and community venture.
Sagetown
Visitors step into 19th century rural life by touring "Sagetown," a recreation of a pioneer village consisting of original log structures dating between 1820 and 1880. While viewing a wide range of buildings, visitors learn about how the county seat changed from Sauta and Bellefonte to Scottsboro, the establishment of Jackson County on December 13, 1819, and the changes to everyday routines of life due to the construction of the Memphis-Charleston railroad. Visitors are then taken to Scottsboro's first courthouse built in 1868. Here, visitors learn of the "battles" fought between the towns to gain possession of the county seat and how Scottsboro was eventually chosen to serve in this capacity. The tour continues with an explanation of the growth of Scottsboro as a community and the construction of ante-bellum homes such as the 1880 "Brown-Proctor House." All furnishings and antiques in both the Brown-Proctor House and "Sagetown" are the result of the dedicated work of local citizens who invested their time and treasures into creating and sustaining what became known as the Scottsboro-Jackson Heritage Center. The museum and cultural community center opened its doors in 1985.
Little Courthouse” and Genealogical Research
The Heritage Center is the proud home of Jackson County's early public records. Dating as far back as 1820, we possess records such as Orphan's Court, Chattel Mortgages, Commissioner's Court, Chancery Court and Circuit Court. In addition, the Heritage Center houses many medical and store ledgers dating from the 1830's to the 1890's. The original books are kept in the Jackson County courthouse, built in 1865 and known as the "Little Courthouse." Kept within the Walter B. Hammer Memorial Library located inside the entrance of the Brown-Proctor House, we also possess a number of area and family histories which we share with researchers. Researchers are welcome to come visit our repository of various genealogical and historic collections during regular museum hours, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. While the Heritage Center does not charge fees for research or tours, we do welcome and depend on donations.
Exhibitions and Art
In addition to tours and genealogical research, the Heritage Center exhibits various art expositions and exhibits. The Heritage Center also hosts various civic and community meetings, receptions, and social functions throughout the year. Visitors wishing to learn which exhibits are on display or when events are scheduled may call the museum. We are open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and may be reached at 256-259-2122.
Rentals
The Heritage Center is available to rent for meetings, weddings, receptions, teas and other activities.
Click here for Rates
Click here for Rental Agreement
Interested parties should contact the museum for additional information. The Heritage Center is open Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Tours are available during business hours. Simply call 256-259-2122, and we will answer any questions you may have.
The Heritage Center is open Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Tours can be arranged Tuesday-Friday from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. by special appointment. Simply call 256-259-2122, and we will answer any questions you may have.