FREE! It’s not often that we can offer free admission to the elegant mansion. Mark your calendars now to spend Saturday, May 11th at Oaklands Mansion for “Free Day.” Free Day is sponsored in part by J. Mullins Jewelry & Gifts.
Dr. James Maney and his wife Sallie Hardy Murfree began their plantation with the construction of a modest two-room cabin, circa 1818. By 1860, their home had been drastically enlarged and was the center of a nearly 1,500-acre plantation. After the Maneys sold Oaklands in 1884, it passed through a succession of owners. When the last resident left in 1954, the mansion sat vacant and vandalized for five years before being scheduled for demolition. Fortunately, in 1959, a group of concerned local women mobilized to save the mansion and formed Oaklands Association, a non-profit educational organization. The mansion was opened to the public within a year.
Step into the past as you experience civilian demonstrations on the grounds with the 19th Alabama Civilian Civil War Reenactors from 10:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m., as they tell the story of what civilians, traveling with occupation forces, would have been doing in and around our town during the Civil War. In Maney Hall, the memorabilia from Oaklands’ collection will be on display in celebration of the 60th Anniversary of the museum. Don’t miss a special performance by the Middle Tennessee Magic Club at the pavilion. Guests are invited to participate in games on the lawn, children’s dress-up, nature walks to the spring, visit the heritage vegetable garden and tour the mansion for FREE.
While enjoying the activities through-out the day, grab a bite to eat from That’s My Dawg, The Holy Smoker and Baker’s Dozen Cookie Cabin food trucks. Head over to the field at Oaklands Park at 12 noon for some vintage baseball. The Tennessee Association of Vintage Baseball presents the Maroons versus the Scouts in a clash of how baseball used to be.
“This is a great opportunity for all of our residents and visitors to discover Oaklands,” says executive director, James Manning. Oaklands Mansion will be open for FREE. The civilian demonstrations on the lawn are free and open to the public. Parking for the event is located on Roberts Street with event entrance at the pavilion.
On May 11, 2019, be our guest and enjoy Oaklands Mansion for FREE. For more information, visit www.oaklandsmansion.org, find Oaklands Mansion on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
