On Saturday, March 28, 2020, at 4:00PM, Oaklands Mansion will host MTSU College Transfer Fellow, Audrey Creel as she presents, “The Untold Story of the Maney Family Slaves: A Case Study of Slavery in Murfreesboro”. Ms. Creel’s presentation is based on her thesis which was recently accepted by the Honors College of MTSU. Oaklands Mansion is hosting the event in Maney Hall.

Ms. Creel is a full-time student who also works part-time as a tour guide at Oaklands Mansion. Of this project, she said, “For years, Oaklands Mansion has stood proudly at the head of downtown Murfreesboro. Today, Oaklands Mansion offers tours surrounding the Civil War history of the home. As a wealthy, prominent family in Murfreesboro, Oaklands’ Maney family was one of the largest slaveholders in Murfreesboro. However, very little research has been devoted to the African Americans enslaved by the Maney family. Upon emancipation, this African American community played an influential role in post-Civil War Murfreesboro. An in-depth analysis of two African American Maney families illustrates common struggles faced by African Americans in Murfreesboro during the Reconstruction Era. This study will help broaden the knowledge of the African American Maney community in Murfreesboro and can be used to better understand Murfreesboro history. This project attempts to give a voice to the African Americans who have been overlooked by history”.

Make plans to come early and stay late. From 3:00 – 3:45PM, immediately before the presentation, enjoy free self-guided tours of the mansion. Members of Oaklands’ staff will be available to answer guests’ questions.

Special guest members of the African American Heritage Society of Rutherford County will also be available after the presentation to answer questions about the organizations’ goals and objectives.  Membership in both organizations is open to all interested parties.

This event is free and open to the public. Reservations are not required. Light refreshments will be served.  Donations will be accepted and proceeds will be used to further the interpretation of the African American experience in Rutherford County.

Photo: Early twentieth century photo of domestic employees at Oaklands