MURFREESBORO, TN (WGNS) – The “Heart of Tennessee’s” history enthusiasts has a standing date every third Monday night, but this week’s gathering comes with a little extra spark. The Rutherford County Historical Society is hosting a special America 250 presentation at 7:00PM in Maney Hall at Oaklands Mansion, 901 N. Maney Ave., and the doors are open to everyone: friends, the history‑curious, and anyone who just enjoys a good community evening. Again, it is TONIGHT, June 15th. 

Our local spotlight will be on Ivy Albright, the evening’s speaker who brings a résumé that reads like a highlight reel of American cultural institutions. A native of Taylor, Texas, she holds a Master of Arts in Museum Studies from George Washington University and has worked with the Smithsonian Institution, the National Park Service, the National Women’s Party, and even NASA.

Now serving as Director of Cultural Heritage and Tourism at the Rutherford County Convention and Visitors Bureau, Ivy is helping shape how Middle Tennessee tells its stories—past, present, and future. Her work centers on representation, cultural pride, and strengthening the ties between history and community identity. When she’s not championing heritage tourism, she’s likely to be reading, out thrifting, wandering through a museum, or spending time with her dog, Henry.

Mark Your Calendar--If you enjoy local history, national history, or simply hearing from someone who loves the work she does, this Monday night is worth circling.

That’s 7:00PM, Monday, June 15, 2026, at Oaklands Mansion. Free, friendly, and a perfect time to join! The event is free, and the Rutherford County Historical Society makes it clear that you don’t need to be a member to walk in and enjoy the program. Of course, if you’ve been thinking about joining, this is one of those nights when the welcome mat is especially wide. Visit their website: https://rutherfordtnhistory.org/. Annual membership is only $25 per year for the entire family.