“2008 Rutherford County Month”

A time to focus on things uniquely Rutherford!

A county-wide month-long focus will begin October 1, 2008 to
include many events and activities around the county. Everyone
is encouraged to experience and discover Rutherford County.

The Heritage Partnership of Rutherford County will host a special public celebration ceremony from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, October 24th at the Rutherford County Courthouse.

190 years ago our county became the capital city until it was removed to Nashville. “Rutherford County, the State Capital of Tennessee from 1818-1826” will be presented in theatrical cameo performances of historical figures. This event’s presentation was created by Heritage Partners: The Center for the Arts, under the talented direction of Todd Seage, staff, actors and volunteers, and researched by County Archivist, John Lodl.

Come and meet characters from the past, as you hear our history as the state capital of Tennessee. Guess the identity of historical mystery guests, and win.

During the day on October 24th: Stroll the downtown and visit the many unique businesses and restaurants in the historic buildings of the area. Drop in at the Heritage Center and see the exhibits and pick up a map and brochure for a self guided walking tour, arrange for a guided tour or courthouse history tour. Within a short drive of our historic courthouse and downtown you can explore the Discovery Center at Murfree Springs and Wetlands, discover Bradley Academy, Cannonsburgh or Stones River National Battlefield. Visit the County Archives for the opening of the traveling exhibit of Old Jefferson and enjoy some light refreshments.

Continue your evening with a choice of special events for the season:

"5th Annual Howl-O-Ween Magic Show" and don’t miss this spook-tacular good time as Members of the Middle Tennessee Magic Club scare up a frightfully fun evening for the family with demonstrations of comedy, slight of hand and classical magical routines at the Center for The Arts.

“Haunted Murfreesboro” a guided downtown walking tour with unusual local stories presented by the BoroTellers.

“Mourning Tour by Candlelight” of Evergreen Cemetery a returning event of Oaklands Historic House Museum.

“Headstones, Hearses and Heartaches: A Mourning Melodrama” a one act theatrical play taking place in Maney Hall at Oaklands Historic House Museum.

“8th Annual Barfield Bash – Not-So-Haunted Trail and Carnival”  that also has a hayride can be found at  Barfield Crescent Park for some late night family fun. 

For those returning to Smyrna, “Ghost Tours at The Sam Davis Home” begin with a haunted hayride on the plantation, once the hayride comes to a dead stop, enter the historic home to hear strange experiences from beyond. Not recommended for children under 10.

INFORMATION AND CALENDAR: Refer to the HPRC and the Rutherford County websites for county-wide events all through the month in Rutherford County for events, places, dates, reservation and contact information. Anyone wishing to discuss participation in Rutherford County Month should contact Denise Carlton, event organizer at (615) 604-0401 or d.carlton@heritagepartnership.org. The Heritage Partnership of Rutherford County will be unveiling our new website look for this upcoming month of events. www.heritagepartnership.org.