OPELIKA, Ala. – The Museum of East Alabama, in partnership with Opelika Main Street, is
thrilled to announce “Lantern Lore,” a new downtown lantern walking tour fundraiser taking
place this October. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Museum of East Alabama
and its ongoing mission to preserve and share local history.
“Downtown Opelika is filled with stories that connect us to our past and help shape our
future,” said Kelsey Sullivan, Executive Director of Opelika Main Street. “Lantern Lore offers
a unique opportunity to experience our historic downtown in a new way while supporting
two organizations dedicated to preserving and celebrating the history, character, and spirit
of our community.”
The Lantern Lore tours invite locals and visitors to experience this hidden side of the city.
Tours will take place on three evenings this fall: October 15, 22, and 29.
Tickets for the Lantern Lore tours are $20 per person. There are two route options: the
Merchant Square Tour and the Railroad Ave Tour. The Merchant Square Tour begins at 5:30
p.m., and the Railroad Ave Tour begins at 8:00 p.m. Each route spans less than a mile and is
expertly designed to take approximately 45 minutes, ensuring a comfortable, leisurely, and
captivating evening stroll for attendees.
As a token of appreciation for their continued support, current members of the Museum of
East Alabama will receive a 10% discount on their ticket purchases.
“We are incredibly grateful for the community’s support through this fundraiser,” said Kylie
Hogue, Executive Director of the Museum of East Alabama. “Every ticket sold makes a
direct impact, allowing us to build engaging new museum exhibits, fund essential facility
upgrades, and expand our community programming to share East Alabama’s rich history
with even more people.”
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to step back in time and support local history. Grab a
lantern, choose your route, and see Downtown Opelika in a whole new light.
To purchase tickets, become a museum member, or learn more about the Lantern Lore
tours, please visit https://bit.ly/OpelikaLanternLore or visit the Museum of East Alabama at
121 South Street.
About the Museum of East Alabama:
Opened in August 1989 in the heart of Opelika’s downtown historic district, the Museum of
East Alabama is dedicated to interpreting, exhibiting, and housing historical items that tell
the story of the region. Located at 121 South Street on the site of the old Clement Hotel, the
museum features a collection of over 10,000 artifacts, and admission is completely free to
visitors. These exhibits bring alive the area’s diverse civic, economic, and cultural history,
ranging from its earliest Native American inhabitants through the Civil War, World War II,
and modern times. To learn more about the Museum of East Alabama, visit
eastalabama.org.
About Opelika Main Street:
Founded in 1987, Opelika Main Street is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving
and enhancing Historic Downtown Opelika through economic development, historic
preservation, design, promotion, and community engagement. As a designated Main Street
Alabama community and an accredited Main Street America program, Opelika Main Street
works alongside business owners, property owners, volunteers, and community partners to
create a vibrant downtown that honors its history while supporting future growth. Since
2014, Downtown Opelika has experienced more than $36 million in private investment and
over $28 million in public investment, resulting in new businesses, restored buildings, and
a thriving downtown district. To learn more, visit www.opelikamainstreet.org.
