Annual Black Tie Affair
Our organization’s annual fundraiser for over 23 years to benefit AAHS, the McLemore House Museum, and the Merrill-Williams House. It is a night of celebration, honors, awards, music, and dancing! Tickets will go on sale in November, be sure sign up below for our newsletter so you don’t miss it!
McLemore House Museum Tours
the National Register of Historic Places in 1999.
It is also known as the Harvey McLemore House, as it was the home of the formerly enslaved Harvey McLemore, who became a successful farmer. The McLemore House dates from 1880 and includes Colonial Revival architecture. For generations, from 1880 to 1997, it was owned by the McLemore family.
The museum is open for tours Thursday – Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm. Admission is $10/adult, $5/child, Free under 5. Group tour appointments for other days and times are available. Leave us a message at 208-861-4737. All are welcome!
Porch Talks
We’re mixing things up this year because several people told us they couldn’t make the morning Porch Talks. Follow us on Facebook to find out about upcoming speakers.
Juneteenth Celebration
A celebration of freedom will be held on June 19th. The event is open to the public and commemorates the emancipation of the African-American enslaved. Music, food, games and African American cultural activities are part of the celebration.
Annual T. E. Murdic Scholarship Prom
This event is a fundraiser for our annual educational scholarship fund and where scholarships are awarded to several deserving high school seniors in our community attending college. “Prom Night” is a prom for all ages where many will rekindle awesome memories of past proms. This evening is also an opportunity for those who never attended a prom to do so.
Celebrate with us as we honor seven local graduates with a $1000 scholarship.
Please consider making a donation to support our scholarship fund, McLemore House Museum, Heritage Center, or other projects. Our success depends on your support. Thank you!!!
Annual Holiday Open House
Join us for the Annual Christmas Open House hosted by the African American Heritage Society of Williamson County. This is a wonderful event with a live re-enactment featuring Harvey Chrisman and Carolyn Wall reprising their roles as Harvey McLemore and his granddaughter, Maggie. The self-guided tours offer an opportunity for visitors to explore the McLemore House Museum and learn about its historical significance.
Pumpkins on the Porch
The African American Heritage Society of Williamson County will host its 2nd Annual “Pumpkins on the Porch” event on Saturday, October 4, 2025, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at the Harvey McLemore House Museum. This family-friendly community event, celebrates the museum’s rich history while offering visitors the chance to purchase seasonal pumpkins, enjoy complimentary breakfast sandwiches from Hattie B’s Hot Chicken (Franklin location), and savor coffee from Starbucks at Five Points and doughnuts provided by Tiny Little Donuts. Guests will be able to take free guided tours of the museum and learn about Harvey McLemore, a formerly enslaved person whose agricultural legacy included growing Indian corn—a perfect addition to fall décor.
Featured Activities
• Free museum tours with family and friends
• Meet local authors and book signings
• Pumpkin sales for the fall season
• Door prizes and goody bags for children
• Fellowship opportunities with the community
Beth Garlock of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints returns as event chair after successfully launching this community tradition last year. Though Beth and her husband Dana live in California, they spent seven months in Franklin in 2024, during which Beth and Dana volunteered extensively at the McLemore House Museum and Beth conceived the “Pumpkins on the Porch”idea.
Williamson County Historians Rick Warwick and Thelma Battle will be present to sign their latest books. Other authors interested in participating should contact Beth Garlock at bethgarlock3@gmail.com.
The event supports both the McLemore House Museum and the 264 Natchez Project-the Merrill-Williams House. For more information about both historic properties, visit aahswc.org.
The African American Heritage Society extends gratitude to event supporters:
- Food Partners: Hattie B’s Hot Chicken, Starbucks, Little Tiny Donuts
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