(MURFREESBORO) The historic courtroom in the Rutherford County Courthouse has been the focal point of many events that have impacted this community, and it a new museum about this area officially opened with a ribbon cutting at 3:00 o'clock this past Sunday afternoon (11/21/2021).
County Mayor Bill Ketron explained . . .
Museum Brings Community Together
As WGNS spoke with several persons at the museum opening, there seemed to be an unplanned theme for the occasion: bringing the community together!
Ketron said the museum needs three things from the public:
- Volunteers to serve as Historic Museum Ambassadors.
- Donations of items that are historical in nature to Rutherford County.
- Financial support. The museum has applied for 501(c)(3) status.
The county mayor said the hours will be similar to the ones of the state museum. This will allow tourists to visit the museum and courthouse daily and learn about Rutherford County.
The African American Heritage Society of Rutherford County's President Mary Watkins said . . .
State Representative Mike Sparks commented . . .
Public Defender Gerald Melton was elated with the new museum . . .
The Rutherford County courthouse is one of only six antebellum buildings remaining in the Volunteer state. It is located in the center of the Murfreesboro public square.
Earlier story about County Museum (prior to opening)
(MURFREESBORO) The public is encouraged to attend the official opening of the museum in the historic Rutherford County Courthouse on the Murfreesboro square at 3:00 o'clock Sunday afternoon (11/21/2021).
Rutherford County Mayor Bill Ketron gave an idea of what will be displayed in the museum . . .
Already the massive old clock that once chimed in the courthouse cupola has spawned much conversation and memories.
Mayor Ketron noted that Civil War history is a major tourist draw to Rutherford County, and it is hoped that this museum will attract even more persons to the town square.
MTSU's Dr. Carroll Van West led the project along with the assistance of County Archivist John Lodl. They worked together to incorporate a wide range of Rutherford County history and display it in an attractive environment that will draw both locals and visitors to the museum.
Ketron commented, "The idea is to paint the full history of Rutherford County -- the good and the bad. History is not something we can wipe away, museums help us to acknowledge it, learn from it and hopefully not make the same mistakes again."
The Rutherford County Courthouse is the most logical site for a county museum. It is one of only six antebellum buildings remaining in the Volunteer state.
Once again, the official public opening of the new museum in the Rutherford County Courthouse will be at 3:00 o'clock Sunday (11/21/2021) on the Murfreesboro town square.
