Tom Walker dies; was Albertville native and founder of American Village

MONTEVALLO — Tom Walker, the founder and longtime operator of American Village in Montevallo, died Thursday. He was 71.

Walker was one of 16 members of the United States Semisesquintennial Commission, the national 250^th anniversary celebration for July 4, 2026.

Walker conceived the idea of the American Village in the late 1980s as an American history and civics educational campus to inspire and prepare young people for their roles as good citizens and leaders.

He led efforts to build the 188-acre campus in Montevallo, and to design and implement its widely-acclaimed and engaging history and civics programs.

The campus consists of almost 20 historically inspired buildings. More than 650,000 students from throughout the Southeast have participated in immersive experiences since the Village opened, in addition to thousands of public visitors each year as well.

And Walker recruited Alabamians to portray the figures in American history.

A native of Albertville, Walker graduated from the University of Montevallo in 1975 with degrees in history and political science. He also received a master’s degree in political science from Mississippi State University.

Funeral arrangements will be announced Friday.