MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG) — Downtown Mobile has many hidden secrets. If you’ve been through De Tonti Square, you’ve probably passed Richards DAR Museum. There are plenty of events hosted here, but the building has a long history.
The two-story house sits off North Joachim Street, wreathed in live oak trees.
“The house was built in 1860 by Captain Richards from Hallowell, Maine,” Sandra Rackard, Governing Board President said. “His wife, Carolyn, she was from Alabama. They wound up having 12 children.”
Descendants stayed in the home until 1947 and sold the house to a cement company that needed headquarters. Once they were ready to move on, the company donated it.
“[They] asked The City of Mobile if they would accept it for $1, with a stipulation that they get someone to furnish the house and show it to the public to maintain the integrity of the historic property,” Rackard said.
Now, the historic home is the charge of the Daughters of the American revolution, who have kept its pristine beauty intact for 33 years…