Gratis. On the house. Free of charge. At no cost. Without charge. Complimentary. In other words—FREE! It’s not often that you get anything free, let alone the admissions to six grand experiences. Mark your calendars now to spend Saturday, May 18th in Rutherford County for the 15th Annual “Free Day in May” event.
The Rutherford County Convention and Visitors Bureau is again coordinating a special “Free Day in May” event for all Rutherford County residents and visitors. Attractions such as Bradley Academy Museum and Cultural Center, Discovery Center, The Heritage Center of Murfreesboro and Rutherford County, Oaklands Historic House Museum, Sam Davis Home and Museum and the Stones River National Battlefield will be open free of charge for the day on Saturday, May 18, 2013. Those attractions that are regularly open to the public free of charge will have special events taking place that day.
Bradley Academy Museum and Cultural Center, located at 415 South Academy Street in Murfreesboro, will be open for tours from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. The Bradley Academy Historical Association restored this historic building, which was the site of the first school for African-Americans in Murfreesboro. Come explore the traditions and activities experienced in the Heritage Classroom Exhibit and the Murfreesboro/Rutherford County room of the 1800s. Visitors can also view the exhibit of The 150th year Celebration of the Civil War and the USCT Soldiers’ Involvement in the Civil War.
Discovery Center, located at 502 S.E. Broad Street in Murfreesboro, will be open for visitors from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Visit this hands-on museum and nature preserve designed for kids of all ages. Come explore the wetlands, dabble in the arts, climb on a fire truck or slide down the two-story slide. Journey to the Middle Ages as you explore stained glass and metal casting, create your own coat of arms, make tambourines and experience performances from the Nashville Shakespeare Festival. Sponsored in part by The Nissan Foundation and The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee.
Oaklands Historic House Museum is located at 900 North Maney Avenue in Murfreesboro. During the Civil War, the plantation was used as a camp by both the Union and Confederate armies. Ladies and gentlemen dressed in their Victorian finery will conduct free limited tours of this graceful antebellum home from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. on the half hour.
The Heritage Center of Murfreesboro and Rutherford County, located at 225 West College Street in Murfreesboro, will be open from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m., with guided walking tours of the square available on the hour. The Heritage Center explores the county’s past and present through exhibits, programs and tours—setting the storylines for Rutherford County’s many historic sites, buildings, and museums. The exhibit, The Time that Changed Everything: Murfreesboro’s Civil War Era, is sponsored by the Tennessee Civil War National Heritage Area and focuses on the Battle of Murfreesboro, which was fought on the courthouse square in July 1862.
The Sam Davis Home and Museum, located at 1399 Sam Davis Road in Smyrna, will be open to the public for free tours from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. The Sam Davis Home, circa 1810, features original furniture and homespun décor enjoyed in the 19th century. Also available to tour is the herb garden, with historical plants, and the outbuildings including a 19th century kitchen, smokehouse, privy, overseer's cabin, and slave quarters. Museum exhibits includeThe Civil War in Middle Tennessee, Sam Davis Memorial Gallery, Slavery in Middle Tennessee and Life After the War.
The Stones River National Battlefield, located at 1563 North Thompson Lane in Murfreesboro, is free and open to the public every day (except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day) from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Be sure to stop by to see the 650-acre national park and cemetery dedicated to preserving the memory of those who fought and died at this crucial Civil War battle. A bicycle tour of the battlefield will take place at 9 a.m. The tour is limited to 15 cyclists. A ranger will lead a 1/2 hour talk on the battlefield at 11 a.m. Additionally, a 1 ½ hour driving tour will take place at 2 p.m.
Source Information:
Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce
“Free Day in May” will kick-off the 2013 tourism season for the county. Everyone is invited to be a ‘tourist in your own backyard.’ It will be a great opportunity for all of our residents and visitors to discover our attractions at no cost. Please stop by the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center or visit www.ReadySetRutherford.com for a free visitors guide. For more information on this annual spring event, call (615) 893-6565.
