Rock 'n' roll lovers on a musical mecca throughout the South are likely, during their travels, to make a stop at the famed recording studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. But just a few miles away in the nearby city of Tuscumbia lies another legendary locale — attracting its own enthusiastic visitors. Not far from the Tennessee River sits Ivy Green, the birthplace of Helen Keller.
It's also the setting of William Gibson's 'The Miracle Worker' stage play, based on Keller's 1903 autobiography 'The Story of My Life.' Not only is Ivy Green the central location for Gibson's Tony Award-winning play, but each summer the grounds become the centerpiece of the tale of Keller's early home struggles.
About 50,000 visitors flock to Ivy Green every year, Hamlin said, many of whom take part in the festivities. 'The Miracle Worker' performances span generations Now in its 63rd year, 'The Miracle Worker' at Ivy Green is more than just an acting opportunity for its 13-year-old star. Lillie Meyer, in her third season of portraying Keller on the stage, was always interested in Keller's life story, but Meyer said the experience has been educational.
It's been a very successful program,' Hamlin said. 'We've had people from several states across the U.S. and one international child who came to 'Camp Courage.'' National Register of Historic Places Ivy Green is in the city of Tuscumbia, Alabama, about 125 miles southwest of Nashville and 140 miles southeast of Graceland, Elvis Presley's home in Memphis.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Ivy Green is open to visitors Monday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The last tour of the day starts at 3:45 p.m. It is closed on Sundays, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Dec. 24-26 and New Year's Day. For more Lifestyle articles, visit www.foxnews.com/lifestyle Remaining performances of 'The Miracle Worker' at Ivy Green are scheduled for June 28, June 29, July 12, July 13, July 19 and July 20. Each show begins at 8 p.m.