Welcome to the Kennedy-Douglass Center for the Arts in Florence, Alabama, where history and creativity converge. This center is housed in a group of historic homes adjacent to Wilson Park, a public space dating back to the founding of the city. The Kennedy-Douglass Center for the Arts is a testament to the city’s commitment to preserving its rich heritage while promoting artistic expression.
The story of these homes begins in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The oldest of the three, the Southall House, was built in 1890 in the Victorian style. Charles M. Southall, a local entrepreneur and founder of Southall Drugs, purchased the house in 1894. Its unique architectural features include scalloped wood shingles and an L-shaped porch, offering a glimpse into the design sensibilities of the era.
The Kennedy-Douglass House, constructed in 1918, embodies the Georgian Revival style. It was built by James Josephus Douglass, a prominent merchant and farm owner. His son, Hiram Kennedy Douglass, later inherited the house. An Episcopal minister educated at Oxford, Hiram filled the home with period furniture and items, which were later donated to the city along with the house. The house is noted for its elegant elliptical portico and Doric columns.
The third home, the Wright-Douglass House, was built in 1910 and eventually became part of the Douglass family through a series of purchases. Its Victorian style features a multi-gabled roof and a distinctive wraparound porch.
These homes were bequeathed to the city by Hiram Kennedy Douglass in 1975, with the stipulation that they be used for the public good. Since then, they have served as the Kennedy-Douglass Center for the Arts, fostering cultural activities and art appreciation in the community. The center was recognized for its historical significance when it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.
As you explore the Kennedy-Douglass Center for the Arts, you are not just visiting a museum; you are stepping into a living history, where the past and present merge to inspire future generations.
