By CHRISTINE BOATWRIGHT / Staff Writer

The American Village’s costumed historical interpreters will make an appearance on NBC’s Today Show with Al Roker tomorrow morning in Birmingham.

Roker will visit The Community Kitchens of Birmingham during his “Lend a Hand” segment to applaud the charitable work of the charity. During the segment, Roker will be on the road and will introduce staff from the American Village, according to a press release from the American Village.

“During a 30-second or so segment, some of the American Village’s costumed historical interpreters will be doing a salute for American independence and liberty — just a few days before this July 4th. Patrick Henry will lead the salute, followed by American Village colonial soldiers firing muskets — all flanked by early American flags,” the press release stated. “Immediately afterward American Village costumed interpreters and musicians, led by UM’s Dr. Lori Ardovino, will be part of a performance of an Independence Day ball dance.”

American Village Chief of Staff Mike Jones said American Village Founder Tom Walker explained that NBC invited the American Village to be a part of Al Roker’s section.

“It’s a good sign of our importance in the Birmingham-metro area that we were invited to participate,” Jones said. “There are other area points of interest included other than just the Community Kitchens. We are very excited for the national exposure.”

Walker, in the press release, said he salutes the ongoing charitable work of organizations like Community Kitchens.

“The American Village is honored to be in Birmingham Thursday morning and to be a small part of Al Roker’s visit,” Walker said in the release. “This is a great opportunity to make an initial introduction of the American Village to a new national television audience.”