The Murfreesboro Post, May 13, 2012
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, but that’s exactly what is scheduled Saturday during Rutherford County’s annual Free Day in May.
Attractions such as Bradley Academy Museum and Cultural Center, Discovery Center at Murfree Spring, The Heritage Center of Murfreesboro and Rutherford County, Oaklands Historic House Museum, Sam Davis Home and Museum and the Stones River National Battlefield will be open free of charge for the day. Those attractions that are regularly open to the public free of charge will have special events taking place on that day.
Bradley Academy Museum and Cultural Center, located at 415 South Academy Street in Murfreesboro, will be open for tours from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The Bradley Academy Historical Association restored this historic building, which was the site of the first school for African-Americans in Murfreesboro.
Discovery Center at Murfree Spring, located at 502 S.E. Broad Street in Murfreesboro, will be open for visitors from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Visit this hands-on children’s museum and nature preserve designed for kids of all ages. Celebrate Murfreesboro arts and architecture as you create a screen print with guest artists Erin Anfinson and Meghan O’Conner, or make your own ceramic tile with guest artist Jonathan Griffith.
Oaklands Historic House Museum is located at 900 North Maney Ave., in Murfreesboro. During the Civil War, the plantation was used as a camp by both the Union and Confederate armies. Tour guides in period dress will conduct free limited tours of this graceful antebellum home from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
The Heritage Center of Murfreesboro and Rutherford County, located at 225 West College Street in Murfreesboro, will be open from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., with guided walking tours of the Square available on the hour. The Heritage Center explores the county’s past and present through exhibits, programs and tours – setting the story lines for Rutherford County’s many historic sites, buildings and museums.
The Sam Davis Home and Museum, located at 1399 Sam Davis Rd., in Smyrna, will be open to the public for free tours from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The Sam Davis Home, built around 1810, features original furniture and homespun enjoyed in the 19th century.
The Stones River National Battlefield, located at 1563 North Thompson Lane in Murfreesboro, is free and open to the public every day (except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day) from 8 a.m.-5 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 bicycle tour of the Battlefield will take place at 9 a.m. The tour is limited to 15 cyclists. A ranger will lead a half-hour long talk on the Battlefield at 11 a.m. A driving tour will take place at 2 p.m.