Autauga Co. Heritage Association unveils plans for “The Pratt” museum and venue

The Autauga County Heritage Association has announced a five-year project to bring some major features to the city of Prattville.

More than 150 community and civic leaders from around the state gathered for the public launch reception.

It was announced that funds are being raised for a new museum and library, a STEM education center, and an event venue in downtown Prattville which will collectively be called ” The PRATT”.

The historic Continental Gin Company Research and Development buildings are adjacent to the new museum and archive building site and will be renovated and repurposed to accommodate the STEM programming and the display of large artifacts such as original cotton gin machinery.

“On this side where we are now to see these buildings that are still here, that are still there, contributing to the community, so just to be able to preserve that history and educate those are the 2 key words for us,” says Don Edgeworth, the President of the Autauga County Heritage Association.

The city hopes to attract residents and tourists to learn about the history and significance of Prattville and its founder–Daniel Pratt.

“The PRATT will be an entertaining and educational facility providing access to Prattville’s unique and
exciting industrial history. It will serve to inspire all Alabamians by telling the unlikely story of how Alabama’s
first industrial village was designed and built by a New England Yankee,” said Edgeworth. “Visitors will discover how Daniel Pratt’s original purpose of building and selling cotton gins developed into a vision that literally changed the state’s future.”

ACHA is planning for construction of the new museum and archive building and event hall at 201 Gin Shop
Hill Road in Prattville. Ground breaking is scheduled to begin Spring 2026 and the campus be open to the
public Spring 2027.