Hank Williams Museum -- Georgiana, Alabama

While traveling I-65 going to and coming from Gulf Shores, many times we had passed the signs pointing the way to the Hank Williams Museum in Georgiana. On this trip it was just the two of us and we had gotten an unusually early start, so without tell my wife beforehand I pulled off the Georgiana exit and said "Let's go see the Hank Williams Museum." I didn't get any opposition, so I proceeded towards the little town -- and drove right past it.

After about ten minutes I realized that I must be going in the wrong direction. I stopped the car and programed "127 Rose Street Georgiana" into my GPS and turned around. I only say all that to say this: If you have traveled more than 10 minutes after turning of the exit, you've went too far. The signs directing the way to the museum are small, and it is very easy to miss them.




After finding the museum we didn't see any parking, so we drove past it and turned around. I'm not used to going anywhere where I can park right in front of the attraction, but you can here. During special events there must be additional parking somewhere, but unless it's one of those days, there isn't much competition for parking -- and better yet there are no lines to get in and admission is only $3. The official name for this museum is "Hank Williams Boyhood Home and Museum." He actually lived in this home, and it is where he first learned to play the guitar.




An elderly lady welcomed us, collected our $6, and asked us to sign the guest book. She then introduced us to her preacher. It was that kind of place and we liked it. We were told that the tours were self-guided, we should spend as much time as we had to spare, and take as many pictures as we want.




It only took a few seconds to see that there was going to be a lot to look at it. The entire home is filled with memorabilia. You can get up close to it and even touch some of it.




The elderly lady in charge of the museum must have seen that we were enjoying ourselves because she came up to us and began telling us some stories behind some of the exhibits. She told us that the custom made curtains behind the bed had actually hung in the home of Hank and Audrey Williams and we were walking on the same floors that Hank did as a boy. She also pointed out some of the items that were donated by members of the Drifting Cowboys and other country music celebrities.




Hank Williams died at age 29 and he was only a star for five years. It is amazing how many things closely related to him are in this museum, considering that this is just one place that houses his memorabilia.




A small gift shop is in the lobby in the midst of Hank Williams memorabilia. We bought two T-Shirts.

If you like country music, and especially if you appreciate the music of Hank Williams, make sure you drop by the Hank Williams Museum when you have the opportunity