FAIRHOPE, Ala. — The Baldwin County Historic Development Commission has presented the Fairhope Museum of History and the city of Fairhope “Wolff Cottage” with a Baldwin County shield and banner. The shields are to be placed on the outside of the buildings to show that the buildings are important elements to the community, are of historical importance and also that the buildings are excellent examples of a particular architectural style.

The Fairhope Museum of History, built in the 1920s, is located at 24 N. Section St. Oswalt Forester and Sons built the original Spanish stucco facility on property transferred to the city by the Fairhope Single Tax Corp. The building served as City Hall from 1928 to 1974, then as the Police Station and Jail until 2002.

The new museum facility was a joint venture between the city and FSTC with the city contributing $700,000. The FSTC contributed over $1 million to the construction of the museum and plaza facing Bancroft Street. The museum opened in the renovated building in April 2008.

The Wolff Cottage, also built in the ’20s, is located at 9 N. School St. on the campus of the Fairhope Public Library and currently serves as Fairhope’s Center for the Writing Arts.

The Baldwin County Historic Development Commission, established in 1980, was established to preserve and protect buildings of historic and architectural value, foster and encourage preservation, restoration and utilization of building of historic value and character in Baldwin County. The Commission recognizes a building with a shield and banner because the building exterior is consistent with its historical and architectural style and integrity.

The Fairhope Museum of History is also listed in the National Register of Historic Places. For additional information on the Fairhope Museum of History or Wolff Cottage, call 990-0218.