MURFREESBORO, TN (WGNS) - On Monday evening (4/20/2026) the Woman’s Club of Murfreesboro celebrated the first of many tributes to America 250. The “Ladies Night Out” dinner was held as spouses and friends joined the body of this prestigious organization at Carriage Lane Inn for dinner and a patriotic talk from Lyle Russell. His presentation was “Long May It Wave—A Brief History of the American Flag”.

Woman’s Club President Aurelia Holden explained that America 250 is the nationwide, multi‑year commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and its purpose is both reflective and forward‑looking. At its core, the initiative is meant to educate, engage, and unite Americans by encouraging people to explore the nation’s history, honor the contributions of all communities, and consider the future we want to build together.

Lyle not only spoke about America’s history during Revolutionary War times and later, he is also genetically linked with ancestors who arrived on the Mayflower, the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, and is a documented first cousin of George Washington.

His fascinating talk about Old Glory and the numerous other flags dealing with this country before, during and after the Revolutionary War kept the audience spellbound. He was in full military regalia as a Revolutionary War soldier, complete with tricorn, often referred to as a cocked hat or three‑cornered hat.

The 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence was brought to life through Russell’s story telling skills.  He inspired reflection on the nation’s past and the ideals of democracy. In fact, Lyle Russell received a standing ovation at the end of his patriotic presentation.

WGNS spoke with President Holden after dinner and talked progress dealing with the renovation of their club home. The Woman’s Club of Murfreesboro’s home on East College Street isn’t just a meeting place — it’s one of the city’s oldest surviving landmarks, and right now it’s in the middle of one of the most significant preservation efforts in its 170‑year history. It's history takes on even deeper meaning with America 250.

The stately Italianate home at the corner of East College and North Academy Streets was built in 1856 by Confederate surgeon Dr. Robert Turner Baskette and his wife Helen Crichlow. It is one of the few pre‑Civil War residences still standing downtown. The house survived the Civil War, including occupation as a federal headquarters during the Battle of Stones River, and it remained intact during the devastating 1913 tornado that destroyed much of downtown Murfreesboro.

In 1916, the Woman’s Club purchased the home from the estate of hotelier James Monroe Haynes, transforming it into a center for civic, cultural, and literary life. The club itself grew out of the Helen Hunt Jackson Reading Club, founded in 1887 — the same group that created Murfreesboro’s first public lending library. That library operated from 1887 to 1948, and its historic book collection is still preserved today.

Holden could not share a definite “move-in” date for the members to return, but she noted that The Woman’s Club home is more than architecture — it’s a living chapter of Murfreesboro’s story. It has sheltered generations of civic leaders, hosted countless cultural programs, and anchored the city’s literary and philanthropic traditions for more than a century.

The current restoration ensures that this landmark will continue to serve the community, just as it has since 1916.

As America 250 continues to unfold, NewsRadio WGNS will keep the community updated on the many local tributes honoring our nation’s history. We’ll also share ongoing progress on the extensive restoration of the Woman’s Club of Murfreesboro’s historic home on East College Street, ensuring that listeners stay connected to both the celebration and the preservation of our shared heritage.