UA Students Begin Project to Restore Grounds of Historic Gorgas House

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – A group of freshman at The University of Alabama aim to bring new life to the grounds of a historic campus landmark as part of a yearlong service project beginning this week.

On Thursday, Sept. 20, from 3-5 p.m. some 25-40 freshman students will begin the long-term project to restore the grounds of the Gorgas House to their original state.

Built in 1829, the Gorgas House is one of four buildings on campus that survived the Civil War. It was the home of Josiah Gorgas, seventh president of the University, and his wife, nurse and librarian Amelia Gayle Gorgas.

The UA Community Service Center’s Freshman Community Outreach program is sponsoring this project to help students connect with and appreciate their campus.

“We are aiming for a project that will keep students motivated and help them to grow to love their campus. I have a specific goal of making sure that students see the direct results of their service,” said Joshua Burford, coordinator of Freshman Community Outreach in the CSC.

The students will receive professional guidance on the project from Elizabeth Leavelle, horticulture supervisor for UA, who will oversee the work on the Gorgas House grounds. The plan is that Leavelle will guide the students in the project to plant heirloom and native plants to match the home and its history.

At the end of the year, a plaque will be placed on the grounds in a ceremony to commemorate the volunteers’ achievements.

The Gorgas House has served as a dining hall and faculty residence, and is now a museum that may be rented for events. For more on the historic house, go online to http://museums.ua.edu/gorgas/index.html