Local Organizations
Brantley Garden Club
The Brantley Garden Club is a community-focused organization in Brantley, Alabama, dedicated to helping beautify the town and strengthen local civic pride. Originally founded in 1935, the club has been described as a welcoming, project-oriented group that encourages members of all experience levels to take part in practical efforts such as caring for public flowerpots, helping maintain park areas, and supporting cleanup projects. Its mission centers on making small improvements that create a lasting positive impact for the community while bringing people together through service and shared interest in gardening.
We meet September through May, the second Tuesday of the month, 5:00 P.M. at the Fort Dow Sport Armory Annex, located on 331 just past the Conecuh River bridge. We participate in Brantley events and can usually be found at a table near the park with the murals on Main Street. Membership is $10 each year. We encourage every member and interested members to attend, but attendance is not mandatory. However, coming to meetings keeps you up to date as to happenings. We have a Facebook page you can check out also.
We currently have two fundraisers each year. In the fall, we sell mums and, in the spring, we sale ferns. Our biggest project in the works is restoring the murals in the downtown park.
Crenshaw County Historical Society
Founded in 1988 by historic and civic minded citizens from all over Crenshaw County, the Society stands strong today in preserving the history of our county. Membership is currently around 200 members and is made up of both locals, members from all over the U.S., and business sponsors. Membership is $20 per year, and all are invited to join. Sponsorships at different levels are available, starting at $50. Membership and sponsorships include a quarterly newsletter. Sponsors are listed in the newsletters.
The Society maintains two genealogy rooms: one at the Luverne Public Library and one at the Brantley Public Library. Visitors may visit the rooms whenever the libraries are open. On Tuesdays, Oleta Owens is available in Luverne at 10:00 a.m. and in Brantley after lunch, around 2:00 p.m. We recommend calling ahead to confirm her availability.
The third Saturday of each month, except in December, the Museum located on Airport Road, Luverne, is open from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Come visit the curated collection of Crenshaw County items, sit a while, and talk about history. All are welcome and admission is free. The Christmas Open House in December is the first weekend of the month and includes entertainment and refreshments.
A biannual yard sale is held on the first Saturday of April and the last Saturday of September in the barn behind the Museum. A wide variety of items from clothes to household items are available at reasonable prices. This sale is a fundraiser we sponsor to provide programs throughout the year, repair and maintain the buildings and property, and fellowship with the community.
In November, we hold Pioneer Day for local fourth graders from Luverne, Brantley, Highland Home, Covenant Christian, Crenshaw Christian, and homeschool. Students visit the Museum and learn about the days gone by in our county. Many members and community members participate to present an interesting and fun program.
The Society hosts tables at Luverne and Brantley events. Books published by the Society are available at these events and at the Museum.
The Society hosts four meetings each year, February, May, August and November. A variety of speakers and events are included at these meetings along with refreshments and fellowship. Generally, these meetings are held at the Luverne Public Library, the first Sunday of the month, but also may be moved to a cemetery visit or other location.
Announcements regarding the Crenshaw County Historical Society are made on WTBF Troy, Luverne Journal, annual calendar given to all members and sponsors and available at the genealogy rooms, Facebook, and flyers posted all over the county.
Crenshaw County Historical Society is a 501(3)c organization and donations are tax deductible.