The Old 1854 Courthouse is home to the Shelby County Museum & Archives
A collection of Civil War Items
The front lobby, known as the Seales Room, contains a large display cabinet with military artifacts such as Civil War bullets, a Revolutionary War sword, bayonets and a pair of WWI German military binoculars, plus much more.
A collection of Civil War Items
Silver Pocket Watch and Bible
Also located in the Seales Room is a display case containing items that were in the cornerstone of the 1906 courthouse. The contents were removed in 2016 at the 100th anniversary of the new courthouse.
Wooden coal cars and track are on display in the Christian-Davis Room. They were found in 1978 inside a small abandoned coal mine that was probably active during the Civil War. Tools such as picks and hammers that were also found at the same location are on display.
Powder Horn and Long Rifle
Shelby County has a long history in the iron business, with railroads playing an important role. The Christian-Davis Room holds many artifacts from the mining days of long ago. The bell from the locomotive “Alabama” is also on display.
Many descendants of Chief Menewa, the “Great Warrior,” come to the museum to learn more about Creek Indian history. The Lee room contains a display of arrow heads, tomahawks and other Indian-Era artifacts.
Kentucky Long Rifle
Kentucky Long Rifle and Shot Gun
A sampling of just a few of the old time medicines found on display in the Lee Room.
Civil War Cannon Balls
In the Penhale Room is the original roll-top desk from the Shelby Iron Works Commissary.
Old barn tools tell the story of what life was like life in Shelby County during the 19th and 20th century. Included in the collection is the door from the home of Isaac Johnson, an early settler of the county.
Confederate Seal
The Johnston Room contains memorabilia from Thompson High School, such as one of the jerseys from the first football team. The room also contains a collection of items owned by Howard Hill, the world’s greatest archer.
The original courthouse room, where Shelby County history was decided.
A collection of eyeglasses can be found in the old courtroom.
Current view of the Old Couthouse from Main Street
Purple Heart, Victory Medal and Vistory Button
Instruments of Battle
Oldest Area Tombstone
Pistol, Handcuffs and Badge
Main Street Columbiana-Photo From Museum’s Digital Archive
Wooden Indian-Part of Collection on Loan by Columbiana Mayor Stancil Handley
Helena Train Wreck-Photo From Museum’s Digital Archive
The Shelby County Museum is located in the round-about circle in Columbiana, AL.
World’s Great Archer, Howard Hill, Far Left-Photo From Museum’s Digital Archive
Shelby County High School Football Team, 1910-Photo From Museum’s Digital Archive
Model Train From Museum’s Railroad Collection
Chancellor’s Ferry-Photo From Museum’s Digital Archive
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