The New Year 2019 is a special year for people with Alabama ties. It is the year of Alabama’s 200^th birthday and celebrations will be held all across the state.

And, right here in Pike County, the Pioneer Museum of Alabama will host a variety of events that celebrate the state’s pioneer history.

Museum Director Barbara Tatom said those who have an interest in Alabama’s history will want to be a part of the year-long bicentennial celebration. And Tatom said the best way is through museum membership that provides free admission to all museum events.

Individual memberships are $25 and family memberships are $60 and are available at the museum.

“We invite and encourage area residents to become members,” Tatom said. “We have activities planned throughout the year that will be of interest to people of all ages. We invite the community to take each and every opportunity to learn more about Alabama’s history through participation in these events.”

The first event is on February 23 when the museum will host the annual Sacred Harp Singing with singers coming from around the state and beyond.

Tatom said the Sacred Harp Singing is an opportunity to learn more about the old-time way of singing and enjoy the singing of the tunes and their 18^th and 19^th century lyrics.

Anybody is welcome to walk in, find a seat and try singing or just sit back and listen, Tatom said.

Religious affiliation does not matter at a singing. Sacred Harp singing has been interdenominational since it began.

“What better way to experience Alabama history than through its music,” Tatom said.

The Pioneer Museum of Alabama will host its biennial Quilt Show in March.

Julia Scruggs, board member, said the quilt show is one of the museum most highly anticipated events.

The Pioneer Museum of Alabama Quilt Show features handmade quilts that date back as far as 200 years and with scores of different patterns and styles. The quilt show is an opportunity to learn about the history of quilts and the role they played in the lives of Alabama pioneers.

In May, the museum hosts Spring Planting for schools and the general public.

The event features demonstrations and hands-on learning opportunities.

Pioneer Days is a two-day event that brings to life the way Alabama pioneers lived and worked. The event features demonstrations, re-enactments, hands-on learning, music, old-time crafts and festival foods. Friday is school day and Saturday is open to the general public.

“This year we have a special bicentennial event planned for November,” Tatom said. “The museum will host the Wade Hall Post Card Exhibit that includes post cards from Troy and Pike County. It promises to be an outstanding event for our state’s bicentennial.”

The museum hosts Ole Time Christmas in December. Those who attend step back in time to experience the way Christmas used to be. The museum is beautifully decorated with offerings from Mother Nature; carols are sung in the log church; marshmallows are roasted over an open fire and Jolly Ol’ St. Nick is around to listen to Christmas wishes.

All of the events are free to museum members and now is the time to join. For more information, visit the Pioneer Museum of Alabama or call Tatom at 334-566-3597.