Perdue Hill-Claiborne Foundation, Inc.
The Perdue Hill-Claiborne Foundation, Inc., located in historic Perdue Hill, Alabama, was created in 1982 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The foundation's mission is to enhance, maintain, and preserve the historic buildings and sites in Perdue Hill and Claiborne, Alabama.
The Perdue Hill-Claiborne Foundation, Inc. is responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the Masonic Lodge also known as The Hall, William B. Travis House, William S. Moore Store, and the Union Church.
The largest and oldest is the Masonic Lodge dating back to 1824. The second floor of this building held the meeting space for the third Masonic lodge organized in the state. The first floor has been used as a courtroom, church, school, and even a town hall. In April of 1825, barely a year after its completion, this was the scene of a reception honoring the Marquis de Lafayette on his tour across America and is the only surviving structure in Alabama which he visited.
Just next door is a more modest but even older structure, the 1820 William B. Travis House, once occupied by a young William Barrett Travis. Here he practiced law before moving to Texas where he and some 180 others were massacred as they tried to defend the Alamo in 1836. The William S. Moore Store, originally built as a physician’s office in 1875, was enlarged some 50 years later as a general country store. The Union Church, donated to the foundation in 2024, is also located on its original site and was built prior to 1878. The church was initially used by the Methodist, Baptist and Presbyterian denominations with the Presbyterians holding services there until the 1990s. The lumber used in building the church was salvaged from a tavern in Claiborne and was hand planed and milled during the 1820s or 30s. The pulpit, chairs, pews, and wall lamps are all original.
The mission of the Foundation is to preserve and maintain these historic buildings, sites and the memory of the people, famous or not, who lived in this area during the early 1800s and 1900s.
Whether through your time, resources, or monetary donations, your contributions are welcomed to help preserve the sites and buildings of Perdue Hill and Clairborne, Alabama for generations to come. Feel free to reach out to the foundation for inquiries or to explore opportunities for involvement and collaboration in their mission to empower and preserve the community. For more information email: perduehillclaibornefdn@gmail.com.
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JOIN US FOR OUR UPCOMING EVENTS!
LAFAYETTE & THE LODGE: A Bicentennial celebration of the Marquis’ Visit to Masonic Lodge NO3
On Saturday, April 5, 2025, we will celebrate the 200th anniversary of the illustrious visit of General Marquis de Lafayette to Claiborne, Alabama in 1825, when he stopped at the Masonic Lodge. Two hundred years after Lafayette first stepped into the building, he will return to the Masonic Lodge, and you are invited to join. History will come alive with Marquis de Lafayette portrayed by a reenactor.
The program will feature a welcoming/celebratory carriage procession and dedication ceremony, great food, drinks and live music. We hope you won’t miss this 200th Anniversary of such monumental importance. LAFAYETTE & THE LODGE will be held at the Masonic Lodge in Perdue Hill, AL on Saturday, April 5, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. This event will include live music, appetizers, and drinks.
All historical structures managed by the Perdue Hill-Claiborne Foundation, Inc. will be open to tour during the event [Masonic Lodge (1824), William Barrett Travis House (1820), William S. Moore Store (1895), and Perdue Hill Union Church (1878)].
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***This is a ticketed event hosted by the Perdue Hill-Claiborne Foundation, Inc. Board of Trustees. Tickets are limited. Advanced registration is highly encouraged but walkups are welcome. A portion of all ticket sales supports the preservation of the structures maintained by the PHCF foundation.***
More information on where to purchase tickets check our Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/perduehillclaibornefoundation
Questions? perduehillclaibornefdn@gmail.com
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FAREWELL TO LAFAYETTE: A 200th Celebration of the Marquis de Lafayette's Historic Visit to Claiborne, Alabama
The Perdue Hill-Claiborne Foundation, Inc., in partnership with The American Friends of Lafayette, The Lafayette Trail Inc., Monroe County Museum, the Masons of the Alabama Lodge No. 3, Daughters of the American Revolution and the Sons of the American Revolution is excited to celebrate the 200th Anniversary of Marquis de Lafayette’s visit to Claiborne, Alabama and we invite you to join!
On Sunday, April 6, 2025, we will commemorate the two-hundredth anniversary of General Marquis de Lafayette’s historical visit to Claiborne, Alabama. We will welcome Lafayette himself as he returns in style. The Marquis de Lafayette will be portrayed by a renowned reenactor.
FAREWELL TO LAFAYETTE will be held at the Masonic Lodge in Perdue Hill, AL on Sunday, April 6, 2025, from 1:30 PM to 4:00 PM.
The celebration will feature:
- Celebratory carriage processional to welcome Marquis de Lafayette himself
- Opening remarks from Lafayette
- Brief lecture by Julien Icher, the French geographer and founder of the Lafayette Trail Inc., exploring the legacy of America’s beloved French hero, Marquis de Lafayette
- Showing of the short film
- Unveiling of The Lafayette Trail bicentennial historical marker
All historical structures managed by the Perdue Hill-Claiborne Foundation, Inc. will be open to tour during the event [Masonic Lodge (1824), William Barrett Travis House (1820), William S. Moore Store (1895), and Perdue Hill Union Church (1878)].
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to delve into history and celebrate Lafayette’s lasting legacy.
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This event is a FREE community event and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.
Questions? perduehillclaibornefdn@gmail.com