This tour really digs the past…Did you know that Evergreen Cemetery began as a slave burial ground for Oaklands Plantation in the mid-1800’s? The cemetery officially began on May 30, 1872, when Dr. James Maney sold a 20-acre tract encompassing the plantation’s slave burial ground to the city of Murfreesboro. Intriguing tales, historical facts and good old-fashioned stories live on through an evocative cemetery tour.
This memorable, mourning tour of Evergreen Cemetery will be offered on Saturday, October 29, with tours beginning at 6:00 p.m. Cemetery tours will depart from the entrance of the cemetery on Greenland Drive in groups with the last tour leaving at 8:30 p.m. Ticket cost is $15 per person. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Oaklands is excited to welcome the BoroTellers, a storytelling guild that promotes and perpetuates the art of storytelling and will join Oaklands at stops along the walking tour to entertain our guests.
“Few families would place cemeteries high on their list of places to visit, but maybe they should,” explains Mary Beth Nevills, Educational Director of Oaklands Mansion, “after all, cemeteries offer art, architecture and local history in a natural outdoor setting. Just like pictures in a museum, every monument in a cemetery tells a story.” Nevills adds, “Not only can you take a walk through the cemetery, you can learn about mourning customs during the Victorian era.”
The tour is a 45-minute walk of the incredible history of Evergreen Cemetery. Wander among the graves of some of Murfreesboro’s founders and earliest citizens and hear their interesting stories. Comfortable walking shoes, weather appropriate clothing, and flashlights are recommended.
Oaklands Mansion is nestled in Oaklands Park, a native tree arboretum and natural wetlands, which includes Maney Spring as well as heritage and native gardens. Oaklands Visitors Center houses a gift shop and Maney Reception Hall for special events and temporary exhibitions. Oaklands Mansion is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00AM – 4:00PM and Sundays 1:00PM – 4:00PM. Tours begin on the hour and a short video is offered on the half hour. Plan your trip today! Tour admission is $15.00 for adults, $12 for seniors and AAA, $6.00 for children and students, call for group rates. For more information visit www.OaklandsMansion.org, find Oaklands Mansion on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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