If you’ve recently toured the grand halls of Oaklands
Mansion, you’ve experienced the vibrant history that makes Murfreesboro so incredibly
unique. During these tours, our staff and volunteers are frequently asked a very familiar
question: “How is Oaklands funded?”
Almost daily, guests and community members express surprise when they learn the
answer. A vast majority of our visitors assume that Oaklands Mansion is owned,
operated, and fully funded by the City of Murfreesboro.
We would like to gently clear up this misconception and share how you can help us
preserve this local treasure.
The Reality Behind the History
Oaklands Mansion is not City-owned. We are a private, independent 501(c)3
non-profit educational organization. Keeping our doors open and our history alive
requires a massive, community-wide effort.
Here is how Oaklands is actually funded:
90% Self-Funded: We proudly raise nearly 90 percent of our own operating
budget through museum memberships, educational programs, private rentals,
and special community events.
No Ongoing State or Federal Support: Oaklands receives no recurring state
or federal funding, with the exception of occasional, highly competitive grants
awarded strictly for special preservation projects.
A Shift in Local Funding: While we are deeply grateful for the continued
annual funding we receive from Rutherford County, Oaklands has recently
lost its funding from the City of Murfreesboro Community Investment
Trust.
This sudden loss of city funding means we must rely on the generosity of friends like
you more than ever before to bridge the gap.
How You Can Support Oaklands Mansion
To ensure that future generations can learn from and enjoy this historic landmark, we
invite you to partner with us today. There are several meaningful ways to make an
impact:
Become a Museum Member: Annual memberships provide steady, reliable
support and offer you year-round access to the mansion and exclusive member
events.
Sponsor a Special Event: Corporate and individual sponsorships for our
community events directly fund our educational outreach and preservation
efforts.
Make a Legacy Contribution: Include Oaklands Association, Inc. in your
estate planning.
Take Action Today
If you would like to discuss a legacy gift, a major donation, or
corporate partnership opportunities, we would love to speak with you personally. Please
feel free to reach out directly to our Executive Director, James Manning, or any member of our Board
of Trustees.
Thank you for your enduring love for Murfreesboro’s history and your continued
support of Oaklands Mansion. Together, we can keep this history alive.
Oaklands Mansion is owned and operated by Oaklands Association, Inc., a 501 (c) 3 non-profit educational organization. EIN 62-0717481
Contributions made to Oaklands Association, Inc. are deductible by donors as
provided under Section 170 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954. Bequests,
devices, transfers to or for the use of the Association are deductible for Federal
Estate Tax purposes under the provisions of Section 2055 of the Code. Lifetime
gifts to the Association and conditional gifts are exempt from tax
consideration pursuant to the Code. The Association is exempt from taxation under Section 501(c) (3) of the Code.
Contributions made to Oaklands Association, Inc. are deductible by donors as provided under Section 170 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954. Bequests, devices, transfers to or for the use of the Association are deductible for Federal Estate Tax purposes under the provisions of Section 2055 of the Code. Lifetime gifts to the Association and conditional gifts are exempt from tax consideration pursuant to the Code. The Association is exempt from taxation under Section 501(c) (3) of the Code.
MISSION STATEMENT: Oaklands Association, Inc. is a non-profit educational organization whose mission is the preserve our local history and inspire an appreciation of Oaklands’ unique past. To enhance our community’s quality of life, we are dedicated to:
• Preserving Oaklands Mansion and Grounds,
• Interpreting two centuries of the rich history of our site and region,
• Providing dynamic educational experiences for diverse audiences,
• Serving as an important heritage tourism destination.