Old Cahawba Archeological Park is offering the community a chance to relive some of its most famous history.

Although the state’s bicentennial is three years away, the park is already starting the celebration.

“I’m giving a presentation about the capital era at Cahawba since the bicentennial is coming up, and we thought it was time to review all the myths and fact from fiction of what we’ve been told about early statehood and Cahawba,” said Linda Derry, site director. “I think it will be fun for people to think about what they think they know about Alabama’s first state capital and to learn from the new things that we found, and then we’re going to have a birthday cake.”

Alabama became the nation’s 22nd state Dec. 14, 1819, and Old Cahawba was its first capital. The once antebellum river town was Alabama’s first capitol, reigning from 1820 through 1826. After the capitol was moved to Tuscaloosa in 1826, the once thriving town was nearly abandoned.

“We thought it would be nice to just celebrate Alabama’s history,” Derry said. “The bi-centennial celebration starts next year, and this is a way to gear up for it and get prepared and learn something about our first state capital.”

Derry said they have made a lot of new discoveries at the park recently, and she is excited to share them with the public.

“I’m really excited that we have found these new discoveries and I really want Alabamians to know about them and to be as excited about them as we are,” Derry said.  “It’s fun to look at things again from a new point of view.”

After the presentation, those in attendance will be able to go explore the park on their own.

“From the presentation, they can go out and find things and explore the landscape on their own and find some of the things that we’re talking about in the presentation,” Derry said. “I think it’s really cool because you’re experiencing history firsthand. Sometimes when you read things it’s from someone’s point of view, but you can go and experience history on your own.”

The presentation is part of the park’s monthly tours.

“On the first Saturday of each month, we just try to have something that you can just walk in and participate,” Derry said. “We try to offer a tour of some kind. So you’ll have a guide to be with you.”

The presentation will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 3 and admission is $8 per person. For more information, call Cahawba at 872-8058.