McLemore House, Franklin

About McLemore House

The McLemore House Museum in Franklin preserves African American culture and heritage through artifacts, pictures, and exhibits displayed throughout the historic home. Built in 1880 by Harvey McLemore, a formerly enslaved person, the house stands as a remarkable example of community development in Hard Bargain, Franklin's first black middle-class neighborhood. The museum interprets the lives of the teachers, carpenters, masons, and farmers who built this subdivision. The dwelling remained in McLemore family ownership for over a century, from 1880 until 1997. The African American Heritage Society now operates the museum as part of its mission to collect, preserve, and interpret artifacts pertaining to Williamson County's African American history. Visitors explore the home's exhibits to learn about the deep, rich black heritage of Franklin, Williamson County, and the larger Middle Tennessee region. The McLemore House offers families and history enthusiasts an opportunity to experience authentic local African American history.