Free Day in May scheduled

Visit Rutherford County for a special “Free Day in May” coordinated by the Rutherford County Convention and Visitors Bureau. Attractions such as Oaklands Historic House Museum, Cannonsburgh Village and the Sam Davis Home will be open May 18, free of charge for all or part of the day. Those attractions that are regularly open to the public without charge will have special events taking place on that day.

At Oaklands Historic House Museum, located at 900 North Maney Ave., tour guides in period dress will conduct free tours of this graceful antebellum home. Kids will enjoy children’s activities, games and free lemonade. Join the fun from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Sam Davis Home, located at 1399 Sam Davis Rd. in Smyrna, will be open to the public for free tours from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Sam Davis Home, circa 1820, features original furniture and home spun d?cor enjoyed in the 19th century. Civic War re-enactors docents in period dress and demonstrations of spinning and weaving will add to the day’s festivities.

Bradley Academy, located at 415 South Academy Street in Murfreesboro, will be ready for free tours from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Bradley Academy Historical Association recently completed restoration of this building, which was the site of the first school for blacks in Murfreesboro. Come explore the traditions, food and activities experienced in the early classroom.

Cannonsburgh Village will be partnering with Murfreesboro City Schools as they “Blast into Summer” from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Activities include clogging demonstrations, Wild West Show, face-painting, multi-cultural booths, Steel de Boro performance and tours of the pioneer village. It is located at 312 South Front Street in Murfreesboro.

Stones River National Battlefield is free and open to the public every day. See the 600-acre National Park at 3501 Old Nashville Highway in Murfreesboro where the park rangers will be presenting programs May 18 and 19 at 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. The program entitled, “Camp of Instruction,” will explain how Civic War soldiers were trained.

“Free Day in May” will kick off the 2002 tourism season for the county with everyone invited to participate.

Please stop by the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce to pick up a free points of interest map or call 615-893-6565 for more information on this event.