Our second TAB on the Road led us to Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park in McCalla.
While en route, we stopped off at Tannehill Valley Baptist Church, in Bessemer Baptist Association, just as they were kicking off their Vacation Bible School (VBS) week.
Seeing the enthusiasm that can only come from group singing, dodgeball, painting and pretending to be secret agents was a genuine blessing.
The Agency D3 theme was a definite hit, according to Jonathan Reeves, pastor of Tannehill Valley Baptist, and Marty McDill, children's minister.
In talking to the two men, we learned that they were just as excited about the coming week as the kids.
When asked if he was ever exhausted by the high energy of the children, Marty was very clear.
“What I lack in intellect, I make up for in hyper activity,” he said.
We love it, Marty.
Tannehill State Park
After we caught some of their energy, we headed two miles down Tannehill Parkway to Tannehill State Park.
Although the phrase “ironworks historical” was included in the park name, I was caught off guard by the amount of historical buildings scattered throughout the 1,500 acres and large ironwork artifacts displayed in the museum.
Listening to Jennifer Watts, director of the museum, describe her job was one of the highlights of the day.
“I love how … the interaction between the stories of history, the objects themselves and the people who come to experience it all create their own meaning from [what the museum preserved],” she said.
Activities and events
As two members of our group were first-time visitors to the park, we were also very surprised by the variety of activities and events available to visitors.
From Trade Days to Civil War Reenactments to countless outdoor activites, Tannehill State Park has quite the appeal for all ages.
To learn more about Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park fees, park hours and event dates, visit www.tannehill.org or call 205-477-5711. As a note, a few areas can be difficult for some to navigate.
Also Watts said she is looking for senior adult volunteers to help lead tours. If you live in the area and would be interested, contact Watts at 205-477-5711.
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