Murfreesboro is home to several vibrant nonprofit organizations that play crucial roles in enhancing the cultural, historical, and educational landscape of the community. These organizations not only enrich the lives of Murfreesboro residents but also attract visitors from neighboring areas, offering unique experiences that celebrate history, art, education, and community involvement. Each of these organizations are dedicated to enriching Murfreesboro in engaging and culturally rich ways.
Discovery Center: Igniting Curiosity in the Youngest Minds
The Discovery Center at Murfree Spring exemplifies how education and play can combine to inspire curiosity and future generations. With a mission to engage curious minds, the center offers a safe, interactive space where children and families can explore science, art, and culture. Since its founding 37 years ago, the museum has welcomed over 131,000 visitors annually, making it a key hub for hands-on learning.
What distinguishes Discovery Center is its focus on fostering social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development through play. From interactive exhibits exploring nature to cultural events celebrating diversity, the museum offers enriching experiences that encourage creative problem-solving and curiosity.
"Through field trips, public programs, and free community days, Discovery Center connects curiosity to careers, creating a pathway for children to imagine themselves as future leaders and innovators, says Tara MacDougall, President and CEO.
Oaklands: Preserving the Past for Future Generations
The Oaklands Association, Inc. is dedicated to preserving and interpreting the unique history of the Oaklands Mansion, a site that offers a glimpse into over two centuries of local history. Oaklands Mansion, built in multiple phases starting in 1815, is a testament to the adaptive reuse of historical structures and the community's resilience in preserving its heritage. As a nonprofit educational organization, Oaklands strives to inspire an appreciation of history while serving as a key heritage tourism destination in Murfreesboro.
Oaklands Mansion stands as a significant part of Murfreesboro’s complex history, reflecting the contributions of both the Maney family and the enslaved individuals who built and maintained the property. Today, visitors can explore the mansion’s diverse collection of furnishings, artwork, and personal items, offering a more inclusive understanding of the lives of everyone who lived and labored there. As a historic house museum, Oaklands also offers events and educational programs designed to engage and reflect the diverse experiences of all audiences, bringing history to life in an inclusive and respectful manner.
Center for the Arts: Enriching Lives through Creative Expression
The Center for the Arts (CFTA) plays a vital role in Murfreesboro's cultural scene, offering year-round performing arts programs and art education. With a mission to enrich the community culturally and economically, CFTA brings people together through theatrical productions, musical performances, art exhibits, and community events, creating a space for artistic expression and personal growth.
Supported by over 500 volunteers annually, CFTA produces 11 to 14 mainstage productions and 10 youth shows through the Center Stage Academy. Additionally, the center offers vocal recitals, free art exhibits, and public classes, engaging approximately 20,000 individuals each year from Rutherford County and surrounding areas.
"Our role at CFTA is to enhance the opportunities for arts and culture through the experiences of visual and performing arts, in a way that brings belonging and community to the middle Tennessee area. We are so blessed to be able to do that in our historic space in downtown Murfreesboro," said Regina Wilkerson Ward, Executive Director.
The Heritage Center: Connecting the Community to Its Roots
The Heritage Center of Murfreesboro and Rutherford County offers a unique glimpse into the region's history, serving as a free museum and visitor center near the historic downtown square. Through exhibits, guided tours, and educational programs, the center helps residents and visitors appreciate the historical events that shaped the community.
Key exhibits include “The Time that Changed Everything,” which explores the Civil War’s impact on Murfreesboro, including the 1862 Battle of Murfreesboro and Reconstruction. Another exhibit, “Two Families, Two Revolutions,” highlights the stories of two Tennessee families and their pursuit of freedom, providing a personal lens on the region’s history.
“Our goal is to share the incredibly rich and diverse history of Rutherford County with our residents and visitors, serving our community by ensuring that all of our offerings remain free and open to the public,” said Heritage Center coordinator Laura Holder.
Main Street Murfreesboro:
Main Street Murfreesboro’s mission is to maintain, enhance, and promote the historic downtown as the heart of the community. Through advocacy and collaboration with public, private, and community partners, their vision is to cultivate an inclusive, diverse, and progressive revitalization program that educates, empowers, and creates a strong sense of place in the historic district.
“The favorite part of my job at Main Street is being a cheerleader for all the amazing organizations and businesses in the historic downtown,” said Sarah Callender, Executive Director of Main Street Murfreesboro. “For the past 39 years, this nonprofit organization has been focused on one area of our city and you can see the changes, the growth, and the excitement that has occurred over those years because of that.”
In collaboration with local nonprofits, Main Street Murfreesboro promotes cultural arts, historical tourism, and community support initiatives. Their work enhances the downtown area through city fund advocacy, infrastructure improvements, and events like the Murfreesboro Saturday Market and Friday Night Live concerts, all aimed at fostering community engagement and supporting small businesses in the historic square.
These nonprofits form a dynamic network enriching Murfreesboro's cultural, educational, and historical landscape. From sparking curiosity at the Discovery Center to preserving history at Oaklands, inspiring creativity at the Center for the Arts, and connecting the community at the Heritage Center, they are committed to making Murfreesboro a better place. Their dedication ensures the community continues to grow, learn, and thrive.
These organizations not only enrich the lives of Murfreesboro residents but also attract visitors from neighboring areas, offering unique experiences that celebrate history, art, education, and community involvement.
Murfreesboro's nonprofits form a dynamic network that enriches Murfreesboro's cultural, educational, and expansive historical landscape.