November 21, 2021 – Rutherford County Courthouse Museum
(MURFREESBORO) The historic courtroom in the Rutherford County Courthouse has been the focal point of many events that have impacted this community, and it has a new museum about this area officially opened with a ribbon cutting at 3:00 o’clock this past Sunday afternoon, November 21, 2021.
Rutherford County Mayor Bill Ketron said the museum needs three things from the public:
1 – Volunteers to serve as Historic Museum Ambassadors.
2 – Donations of items that are historical in nature to Rutherford County.
3 – Financial support. The museum has applied for 501(c)(3) status.
Already the massive old clock that once chimed in the courthouse cupola has spawned much conversation and memories.
Mayor Ketron noted that Civil War history is a major tourist draw to Rutherford County, and it is hoped that this museum will attract even more persons to the town square.
MTSU’s Dr. Carroll Van West led the project along with the assistance of County Archivist John Lodl. They worked together to incorporate a wide range of Rutherford County history and display it in an attractive environment that will draw both locals and visitors to the museum.
Mayor Ketron commented, “The idea is to paint the full history of Rutherford County — the good and the bad. History is not something we can wipe away, museums help us to acknowledge it, learn from it and hopefully not make the same mistakes again.”
The Rutherford County Courthouse is the most logical site for a county museum. It is one of only six antebellum buildings remaining in the Volunteer state.
Museum hours are Monday-Friday, 8AM-5PM
Saturday 10AM-5PM
Sunday 1PM-5PM
