History will come to life at the Pioneer Museum of Alabama on Friday and Saturday when the museum hosts Pioneer Days, which is the museum’s biggest hands-on history event of the year.

Friday’s activities are designed especially for students and 18 groups are expected to participate on Oct. 9. However, Jerry Peak, museum director, said the general public is also welcome.

“We’ll have basically the same activities and events as on Saturday but with students in mind,” Peak said.

Pioneer Days will feature Bruce Brennan’s 2B Wild West Show, which is a page ripped right out of the Old West.

“Cowboy Bruce brings to life the days of the big Western cattle drives with his stories and exciting rope demonstrations,” Peak said. “He comes on horseback and he’ll put on a really good show.”

And right out of the hills and hollows of Tennessee comes Davy Crockett as real and alive as if were the frontiersman himself.

“Al Bouler is Davy Crockett,” Peak said. “He comes to Pioneer Days from Old Alabama Town. He dresses in frontier clothing and he’ll set up camp on the museum grounds for people to visit. He’ll demonstrate the tomahawk throw, play the fiddle and tell stories. He’s quite a character and everyone will enjoy visiting with him.”

A Civil War reenactment group will also set up a visitor-friendly campsite.

“The Civil War reenactors will include a doctor who will have the tools of his trade,” Peak said. “Visitors can learn how soldiers were cared for on the battlefield during the War Between the States.”

Ronny and Martha Williams’ camp will demonstrate the Creek Indian Culture and the Chuckle Wagon Gang will have “chuck wagon” food to sample and also have a bushel of stories to tell.

A group called the Woodturners will demonstrate the use of the lathe and Dan Lucas will demonstrate the art of carving hoe and ax handles and splitting cedar shingles.

“Ruth Overstreet will be caning chair bottoms and Grover Poole will give horse and wagon rides and the train will be running so there will be plenty to do,” Peak said.

And there will also be plenty to see and lots of shopping opportunities available.

The arts and crafts booths will feature several watercolor artists, a wire sculpture artist, Native American crafts, needlework, woodwork and heritage clothing.

Entertainment will be provided by Broken Strings bluegrass/gospel band at 1 p.m. on Saturday and the roving musicians will be Calvin Bodiford and the Southern Strings both Pioneer Days.

Admission to Pioneer Days is $6 for adults, $5 for seniors and $4 for students, grades K-12. Admission to Pioneer Days also includes admission the museum that houses thousands of artifacts.