It doesn’t matter if you are new to Murfreesboro, a long-time resident or just passing through, you are invited to visit Oaklands Mansion and grounds for FREE on Sunday, May 5, 2024. Oaklands Mansion will be open from 10:00AM – 4:00PM for self-guided tours. Signage inside the house explains the evolution of the historic site. Originally constructed as a frontier homestead, the structure evolved into a plantation house that was ultimately adapted to serve as a house museum. Staff and volunteers will be there to meet you and answer questions.

Members of the African American Heritage Society of Rutherford County, Murfreesboro Little Theatre and the Rutherford County Archeological Society will also be on site to welcome you to Free Day.

The Middle Tennessee Woodwind Orchestra Quintet ensemble will perform traditional quintet repertoire, as well as repertoire for woodwind duet, trio, and quartet. This small cohort features flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, and horn.

Volunteer gardeners will be at the community vegetable garden from 10:00AM – 2:00PM. Oaklands Park is a native tree arboretum that includes walking trails, gardens and wetlands. View or download the map here.

At noon, see the Tennessee Association of Vintage Baseball’s Nashville Maroons vs Stones River Scouts.

Oaklands Park is open daily from dawn until dusk. Oaklands Mansion is owned and operated by Oaklands Association, Inc. a 501 (c) 3 non-profit educational organization.

Volunteers from the Rutherford County Archaeological Society will share information about some of its projects in the community along with displays and artifacts.

Murfreesboro Little Theatre will offer free live performances.

Free Day is sponsored by Visit Rutherford TN (Rutherford County Convention and Visitors Bureau).

There is no charge to attend Free Day. The Museum Shop will be open for gift shopping. Local food trucks Justa Smokin’ and Franklin’s Fruit Teas will be at Oaklands Mansion’s Visitors Center so come hungry! You can find The Hot Dog Guy at the Oaklands Park picnic pavilion for the baseball game and then back at the Visitors Center. Be sure to checkout the African Village Marketplace, providing African Shea Butter, African Black Soap, and various jewelry, clothing and housewares from Africa. This event will take place rain or shine. Please bring your own chairs and blankets. Dogs are permitted, but must remain on a leash at all times. Service animals only indoors please.