The Pioneer Museum of Alabama will host Pioneer Days on Friday and Saturday and there’s no better time or place to put one’s hands on history.

Pioneer Days will be from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. daily with Friday designated as school day.

“On Friday, we’ll have students from all around the area participate in Pioneer Days,” said Kari Barley, museum director. “Pioneer Days is a unique opportunity for students because they have opportunities to actually try their hands at old-time skills and to visit with and learn from re-enactors.”

But, Friday is not just for students, the gates are open to anyone who enjoys learning about the lifestyles of those who pioneered Pike County and Alabama.

Pioneer Days will feature demonstrations that include blacksmithing, coopering, woodworking; wood stove cooking, rope making and basket making.

“We’ll also have several re-enactment groups that will have camps set up so visitors can actually see what it was like to be treated in a Civil War camp hospital, the way soldiers dressed during the French and Indian War and the weapons used in the Spanish American War,” Barley said.

“Davy Crockett, one of our most famous folk heroes, will be portrayed at Pioneer Days and there’s always a crowd around him. He’ll share stories of how he killed a ‘bar’ when he was only three and tales of the Alamo.”

Cowboy Bruce Brannen will be back at Pioneer Days by popular demand with his Wild West Show that will featured Vernie and the Southpaw.

“The Wild West Show is always popular with all ages,” Barley said. “Cowboy Bruce brings the days of the big Western cattle drives to life.”

On Saturday, there will be two added attractions at Pioneer Days. The SheBANG! Cloggers will perform their award-winning clogging routines and there will be mule-drawn wagon rides around the museum grounds.

And, again this year, Pioneer Days include a Friday night barn dance.

“Last year’s barn dance was the first at the museum and we all had a great time,” Barley said. “We are expecting to have an even bigger crowd this year and even more fun. The very popular local band County Road 66 will provide the music and we’ll do the dancing.”

Barley said that back during pioneer days, barn dances were big events and everybody came, — from the children to their grandparents.

“The barn dance will be good family entertainment and everyone is invited,” she said. Admission to Pioneer Days is $6. Children five under admitted free.