Nancy De Gennaro, The Daily News Journal, April 16, 2017
Oaklands Mansion, 900 North Maney Ave. in Murfreesboro, was built on land inherited by Sally Murfree Maney, the daughter of Revolutionary War Col. Hardy Murfree, for whom the city is named. (Photo: Courtesy Ken Robinson)
Oaklands Mansion, 900 N. Maney Ave. in Murfreesboro, is offering a variety of activities in the coming month.
World Tai Chi Day
From 10 a.m. to noon April 29, experience the tranquility and peacefulness of the grounds as local Tai Chi Chuan/Qigong teacher, Bret Hawkins, leads visitors in interactive participation and demonstrations to celebrate the 2017 World Qi Gong and Tai Chi Day. The event is free and open to the public.
Big Payback
The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee’s Big Payback is set for May 3 and Oaklands Mansion is participating.
The 24-hour, online giving event helps nonprofits raise funds vital to continuing their work and directly improving the community around them.
Visit the www.bigpayback.org/OaklandsMansion to donate.
Murder, mystery and margaritas
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with a murder mystery dinner at 6 p.m. May 5.
This popular monthly event will feature margaritas, mayhem and the mob.
Dinner by Chef Jeff will be served in Maney Hall while guests participate in solving the mystery.
Tickets are $75 per person and reservations fill quickly.
Living history
The annual Washing, Churning and Learning day is set for 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 12.
Visitors, both young and old, can experience the chores of the mid-1800’s through period crafts, demonstrations, games and handson programs.
Plantation activities such as clothes washing, butter churning, quill writing, and rug beating will be explored.
Artisans will be on the grounds to share their crafts and talents.
Other activities scheduled for the event are: scavenger hunt of the exterior of the mansion, kneading dough and limited house tours. Admission is $5 for adults and children, and free for teachers with 10 or more students.
Free day in May
Oaklands Mansion will offer free admission to the historic site on May 13.
Step into the past as you experience civilian demonstrations on the grounds from the 19th Alabama Civilian Civil War Re-enactors. Demonstrations will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 13.
In Maney Hall, the Tennessee State Button Society will display their collections of vintage buttons of all varieties. Guests are invited to experience
period games on the lawn, children’s dress-up, nature walks to the spring, visit the heritage vegetable garden and tour the mansion for free.
At 2 p.m., there will be a vintage baseball exhibition game by members of the Tennessee Association of Vintage Baseball at the field next to Highland Avenue.
While enjoying the activities through-out the day, grab a bite to eat from Puckett’s Trolley and a drink from “Off the Wagon” craft beer truck.
“This is a great opportunity for all of our residents and visitors to discover Oaklands,” says Oaklands executive director, James Manning. Oaklands Mansion will be open for free.
The civilian demonstrations on the lawn are free and open to the public. Parking for the event is located on Roberts Street with event entrance at the pavilion.
For more details about Oaklands Mansion, or to learn more about the historic site, visit oaklandsmansion.org or call 615-893-0022.
Reach reporter Nancy De Gennaro at 615-2785148 or degennaro@ dnj.com, and follow her on Twitter @DNJMama.