Convention & Visitors Bureau News
Free Day in May slated for May 17, 2008
Apr. 15, 2008
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 17th in Rutherford County for “Free Day in May.”
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 Cannonsburgh Village, Discovery Center at Murfree Spring, 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 17, 2008. Those attractions that are regularly open to the public free of charge will have special events taking place on that day.
Cannonsburgh Village, located at 312 South Front Street in Murfreesboro, will be open from 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Cannonsburgh, the original name of Murfreesboro, houses a large collection of antique farm equipment, gristmill, general store, museum and blacksmith shop. Activities include storytelling throughout the village and tours conducted by guides dressed in period costume. Guided tours will be given at 10:00 a.m., 12 noon and 2:00 p.m. A bluegrass concert will also take place at 2:00 p.m.
Discovery Center at Murfree Spring, located at 502 S.E. Broad Street in Murfreesboro, will be open for visitors from 10:00 a.m.-4:00 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 a fire truck or slide down the two-story slide. During this free event, visitors can make a traditional folk instrument, listen to two performances by local bluegrass musicians, Larry and Gay Pinkerton and observe hands-on clay demonstrations by Annamarie Gundlen.
Oaklands Historic House Museum is located at 900 North Maney Avenue in Murfreesboro. Tour guides in period dress will conduct free limited tours of this graceful antebellum home. The Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp #33 will present living history demonstrations and there will be period games for children on the front lawn. Join in the fun from 10:00 a.m.– 3:00 p.m.
The Heritage Center of Murfreesboro and Rutherford County, located at 225 West College Street in Murfreesboro, will be open from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., with guided walking tours of the square available on the hour. The Heritage Center explores our county’s past and present through exhibits, programs and tours—setting the storylines for Rutherford County’s many historic sites, buildings and museums. Exhibits on view will include the new permanent exhibit sponsored by the Tennessee Civil War National Heritage Area, The Time that Changed Everything: Murfreesboro’s Civil War Era.
The Sam Davis Home and Museum, located at 1399 Sam Davis Road in Smyrna, will be open to the public for free tours from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. The Sam Davis Home, circa 1820, features original furniture and homespun décor enjoyed in the 19th century. Exhibits include the Civil War in Middle Tennessee, Sam Davis, Slavery in Middle Tennessee, and Life After the War.
The Stones River National Battlefield, located at 3501 Old Nashville Highway in Murfreesboro, is free and open to the public every day (except Christmas Day) from 8:00 a.m.-5:00 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 play “It Could Not Be Well Avoided,” will be offered in two acts at the rostrum in the Stones River National Cemetery. Act One will take place at 11:00 a.m., and will cover events starting with the first Union occupation of Murfreesboro through Nathan Bedford Forrest’s raid on Murfreesboro. Act Two, will take place at 1:30 p.m., and will carry the stories to the end of the year, when a seemingly joyous holiday season will conclude with the opening shots of the Battle of Stones River.
“Free Day in May” will kick-off the 2008 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 or visit rutherfordchamber.org for a free visitors guide. For more information on this annual spring event, call (615) 893-6565.
