National Preservation Month is celebrated in historic downtown Murfreesboro.

National Preservation week began in 1973 and in 2005, the National Trust for Historic Preservation extended the celebration to the entire month of May, declaring it Preservation Month.  

This year's Preservation Month theme is "People Saving Places."  Main Street Murfreesboro is working to spotlight everyone involved in saving historic places and highlighting past stories that make up our present day downtown.  "Historic place-savers dedicate their time, energy, and resources to protect places they care about.  Their efforts are vital in ensuring that all Americans connect with their shared history, weaving together the intricate tapestry of our nation's story."  Preservation Month 2024 | National Trust for Historic Preservation (savingplaces.org)

Follow along with Main Street Murfreesboro this month and discover hidden gems downtown with a plethora of stories, photographs, and fun activities to join in as we celebrate our past in order to preserve our future! 

Read about downtown history and see photographs from our past on the Main Street History page!

Where do you turn when searching for permanent government records in Rutherford County, local history and genealogy?  The Rutherford County Archives, located at 435 Rice Street downtown, seeks to preserve and protect the written documents, past and present, generated by the government offices of Rutherford County.  Staff can assist you with researching county government records, genealogy requests, historical property information, class assignments, and so much more.  

The Archives also holds one of the largest collections of historical images in the state of Tennessee donated by the Shacklett family, including over 30,000 historic images of Rutherford County. Taken by Richard "Dick" Shacklett, known for opening Shacklett's Photography on the public square after serving in WWII, until his death in 1994.  These images record the history of Murfreesboro and Rutherford County from roughly the 1860s to the 1980s. Digital Photo Scanning at the Archives

Do you have old pictures stuffed in a drawer or in a box in your attic?  The County Archives is currently searching for these valuable images of Murfreesboro and Rutherford County.  They will scan and digitize historic photographs from the community to create a "digital photo archives" for their patrons.  The best part of this project is that while they are able to preserve the images YOU keep the originals.  

To learn more about the Archives watch this Interview with John Lodl at Rutherford County Archives. 

A partnership was created between the Rutherford County Archives and the Center for Historic Preservation at Middle Tennessee State University creating the first museum in the Rutherford County historic courthouse downtown Murfreesboro.

Representing more than 200 years of county history with artifacts on display, the museum is free and open to the general public.  The museum consists of five exhibit rooms that you can tour at your leisure.  If you have a large group you can request a personalized guided tour by contacting [email protected].  

Hours of operation included Monday-Friday 8am-5pm, Saturday 8am-3pm, and Sunday 1pm-5pm.  Click here for more information: Courthouse Museum

The Heritage Center of Murfreesboro and Rutherford County opened its doors in the fall of 2006. Dr. Caroll Van West, TN. State Historian, spoke here to John Hood on Murfreesboro Storytellers in 2013 about the creation of the Heritage Center.

The Heritage Center's mission is to tell the engaging and compelling stories of Murfreesboro and Rutherford County to visitors and residents.  

The Heritage Center is located at 225 West College Street. Free and open to the public on Monday-Friday from 10am to 3pm, the Heritage Center offers diverse exhibits, public programs, educational events, and downtown tours.  The Heritage Center also serves as an orientation center directing visitors to historic cultural sites, resources, and events throughout the county.  All events and services are free and open to the public.  Click below to learn more about Current Exhibits at the Heritage Center.

The Rutherford County Historical Society has been preserving and promoting OUR local history since 1971. Perhaps you are researching your family, your property, or perhaps just plain, old fun facts - the RCHS is an exceptional resource. The RCHS hosts 'Coffee & Conversation' each Saturday morning from 9 AM-noon at the Ransom School House Museum, 717 North Academy Street, Murfreesboro, TN. VERY informal, VERY fun, and VERY informative. Their funding comes from membership dues, grants, a trust fund, and donations. They have no paid staff - just volunteers- thus every penny of your membership dues or donations goes to preserving and promoting our local history.

For more information on the Rutherford County Historical Society click here.

Annals of Rutherford County by John C. Spence (1799-1828 volume one) (1829-1870 volume two)

Handbook of Murfreesboro and Rutherford County TN

Rutherford County Illustrated – Leaders in Progress

Images of 19^th Century Rutherford County: Its Homes and People by Barry Lamb

Cemeteries and Graveyards of Rutherford County, TN. compiled by Susan G. Daniel (published by Rutherford County Historical Society)

Postcard History Series Murfreesboro by Bill Jakes

The Wendel Papers, A collection of civil war letters from one of Murfreesboro’s first families by Bill Jakes and Sandra Campbell

From Mink Slide to Main Street by Charles B. Arnette

Caneta Hankins, Hearthstones: The Story of Rutherford County Homes (1993)

Bill Jakes, Murfreesboro (2006)

Greg Tucker, Remembering Rutherford (2010)

Deborah Wagnon and Christian Hidalgo, Murfreesboro: Images of America (2007)

Barry Lamb, Images of 19^th Century Rutherford County: Its Homes & People (2007)