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The McLemore House

The McLemore House is a museum in Franklin, Tennessee that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1999.

It is also known as the Harvey McLemore House, as it was the home of former slave 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, located at 446 11th Ave. N. in Franklin.   Please click on the GET TICKETS button to see when we are open.

For self-guided tours, the cost for adults is $10.00 for adults and $5.00 for students and children under 12.  Children under 5 are free.  For guided tours, the cost for adults is $15, students is $5, and under 5 is free.

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The Merrill-Williams Home

Help preserve this important part of African American culture in Williamson County
The Historic Merrill-Williams home at 264 Natchez St.

The Merrill-Williams property speaks to very important truths in the history of Franklin, Tennessee, rising as it did from the very ashes of the Civil War to the transformations of the Civil Rights Movement. It rests on a prominent corner within the National Register-listed Natchez Street Historic District, a street that developed as an African American enclave during the terrible times of Jim Crow America and a place that still serves as a foundation for African American identity and culture for Franklin in the twenty-first century. Its potential to tell stories of trial, triumph, and transformation is unrivaled—not only would its preservation help to elevate a larger public understanding of Black history but it also would serve as a lasting sign of commitment by all to recognize and protect the fuller story of this remarkable town.

The Vision

An agreement was reached with the Fred Williams family to give our community a year to raise $610,000 to purchase the Merrill-Williams House. It is easy to see the historic architectural fabric of Natchez Street disappearing. Join us and become an integral part of saving this legacy through your support of this national treasure!

  • The community, the African American Heritage Society (AAHS), and its partners successfully raised $610,000 by May 1, 2022, to purchase the Merrill-Williams House.
  • The House is now retained in ownership by AAHS.
  • AAHS and its partners are currently rehabilitating the Merrill-Williams House.
  • AAHS is partnering with the MTSU Center for Historic Preservation to create the first-ever Heritage Center in Franklin.
  • The Heritage Center for the Natchez neighborhood will serve as a place for visitors and locals to learn of the City’s rich history –  from the Civil War to Reconstruction, from “Jim Crow” south to Civil Rights, to the present day.
  • The Heritage Center at Natchez will also provide a place for study, an area for a repository, and a shared space to learn about the rich past and present of our Natchez neighbors.
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The African American Experience in Franklin

Take a virtual tour of Franklin’s Black History then come see it in person. To learn more, click and watch this video.

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