08/27/2026
Dear Friends of Oaklands,
If you’ve toured the grand halls of Oaklands Mansion, you’ve experienced the vibrant history that makes Murfreesboro so incredibly unique. During these tours, our staff and volunteers are frequently asked a very familiar question: “How is Oaklands funded?”
Almost daily, guests and community members express surprise when they learn the answer. A vast majority of our visitors assume that Oaklands Mansion is owned, operated, and fully funded by the City of Murfreesboro. We would like to gently clear up this misconception and share how you can help us preserve this local treasure.
The Reality Behind the History
Oaklands Mansion is not City-owned. We are a private, independent 501(c)3 non-profit educational organization. Keeping our doors open and our history alive requires a massive, community-wide effort.
Here is how Oaklands is actually funded:
90% Self-Funded: We proudly raise nearly 90 percent of our own operating budget through museum memberships, educational programs, private rentals, and special community events.
No Ongoing State or Federal Support: Oaklands receives no recurring state or federal funding, with the exception of occasional, highly competitive grants awarded strictly for special preservation projects.
A Shift in Local Funding: While we are deeply grateful for the continued annual funding we receive from Rutherford County, Oaklands has recently lost its funding from the City of Murfreesboro Community Investment Trust.
This sudden loss of city funding means we must rely on the generosity of friends like you more than ever before to bridge the gap.
How You Can Support Oaklands Mansion
To ensure that future generations can learn from and enjoy this historic landmark, we invite you to partner with us today. There are several meaningful ways to make an impact:
Become a Museum Member: Annual memberships provide steady, reliable support and offer you year-round access to the mansion and exclusive member events. Join or renew now: https://www.oaklandsmansion.org/membership/.
Sponsor a Special Event: Corporate and individual sponsorships for our community events directly fund our educational outreach and preservation efforts. Learn more or sponsor now: https://www.oaklandsmansion.org/sponsorship/.
Make an unrestricted or directed contribution and consider including Oaklands Association, Inc. in your estate planning. Learn more or donate here here: https://www.oaklandsmansion.org/donate-oaklands-mansion/.
Take Action Today
If you would like to discuss a legacy gift, a major donation, or corporate partnership opportunities, we would love to speak with you personally. Please feel free to reach out directly to our Executive Director, James Manning, or any member of our Board
of Trustees. You can email us at [email protected] or call 615-893-0022.
Thank you for your enduring love for Murfreesboro’s history and your continued support of Oaklands Mansion. Together, we can keep this history alive.
With sincere gratitude,
The Board of Trustee and Staff Members
Oaklands Mansion is owned and operated by Oaklands Association, Inc., a 501 (c) 3 non-profit educational organization. EIN 62-0717481.
Contributions made to Oaklands Association, Inc. are deductible by donors as provided under Section 170 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954. Bequests, devices, transfers to or for the use of the Association are deductible for Federal Estate Tax purposes under the provisions of Section 2055 of the Code. Lifetime gifts to the Association and conditional gifts are exempt from tax consideration pursuant to the Code. The Association is exempt from taxation under Section 501(c) (3) of the Code.
To learn about the history of Oaklands visit: https://www.oaklandsmansion.org/history/.
Plan your visit here: https://www.oaklandsmansion.org/hours-admission/.
📸 615.Media
