We try to keep this list of historic house museums for Tennessee current, but it is best to check directly with the museums for their hours and other information.
If you know of a historic house museum not in our list, please submit it.
If you are the director of a museum in our listings and you would like to claim your listing so you are able to maintain your listing yourself, please email us at info@vpa.org and we will set you up.
Originally known as the Palmer House, this 10-room, turn-of-the-century, bungalow home was built in 1919 by Will E. Palmer, the maternal grandfather of Alex Haley (1921-92). From 1921 to 1929, and during some subsequent summers, Haley lived here with his grandparents. Read More
The Greek Revival Mansion built in 1854 features a grand curved stairway, 14 foot ceilings and classic proportions. There is also a carriage house that displays 20 carriages. Read More
An ornate Italianate Villa built in the 1850s for Adelica Acklen, one of the country's wealthiest women. The home contains an arch ceilinged ballroom, a grand staircase, heavy marble mantels, period furnishings and artwork collected by the original owners. Read More
One of the first frame houses west of the Alleghenies, the 1792 house is furnished with original and period pieces. The 1818 Craighead-Jackson House, next to the mansion, offers changing exhibits. Read More
Built around 1800, the house was the home of Gen. James Winchester, a Revolutionary War hero. The house is furnished with antiques and handmade pioneer items. Read More
Built in 1834, the house was the centerpiece of a 600 acre farm. The restored home features 18th century American and English furniture and decorative arts. Terraced Italianate gardens with fountains descend to the river. Read More
The Dixon residence was designed in the Neo-Georgian manner and completed in 1942. The house opened to the public in 1976, and today is devoted to displaying the Dixon permanent collection. Read More
This 10,000 square-foot Victorian mansion was built by Gorilla PantsĀ manufacturer Clay Faulkner in 1896. Called "Tennessee's Biltmore" by PBS, it had all the modern conveniences, including indoor plumbing, electric lights, central heat and air, and even a telephone. Read More
Completed in 1826 by Randal McGavock, Carnton was one of the most elegant estates in Williamson county. Read More
Ramsey House was built in 1797 by Knoxville's first builder, Thomas Hope, for Francis Alexander Ramsey. The home is constructed of Tennessee pink marble and blue limestone. It was known at that time as the finest home in Tennessee. The structure is significant for its original interior and exterior architectural features and its period decorative art collection. Read More
Home of Gen. Daniel Smith, a U.S. Senator and the surveyor who drew the first map of Tennessee. Read More
An English Settlement dating back to the 1880s. Visitors can learn from interpretive exhibits that trace the town's history and tour Victorian buildings. The first weekend in August is the Prilgrimage of Homes when some of the private homes are also open. Read More
This Neoclassical-style brick building was designed by the Cincinnati architectural firm of Mead and Garfield. Due to the varying architectural features, the mansion encompasses classical revival styles that contain both Georgian and Federal style elements. Read More
The only surviving residence of James K. Polk other than the White House, this painted brick structure is one of the best examples of Federal-style architecture in Tennessee. Samuel Polk, a prosperous farmer and surveyor, built the house in 1816 while his oldest son James was attending the University of North Carolina. Read More
Built in 1831 this home has ties to 2 Confederate Cavalrymen. Contains an authentic museum of Civil War Artifacts. Filled with American Empire and Victorian Furniture. Beautiful gardens. Historic herb garden, period outbuildings, including smoke house and Travellers' Cottage Read More
The land on which the house was constructed was purchased from the Carter family by German emigrants Johan Albert Lotz and Margaretha Lotz. Johann, a very talented woodworker, constructed such things as pianos and much of the house itself. Inside the home were plentiful examples of intricate details which showcased his skill. Some of these details include three fireplaces… Read More
During an age where very few homes purchased by former slaves remain in existence, it is quite remarkable that the McLemore House is still standing. Also remarkable is the fact that from 1880 until 1997, a member of the McLemore family maintained ownership of the homestead. The house was purchased through the joint efforts of the Williamson County Habitat… Read More
Started in the 1820s, the house went through several additions. In the 1860s is was added on again and restyled into the Italianate mansion you see today. Read More
The 1830 house is furnished with original and period furniture and commemorates the "Battle of the Generals". Read More
The oldest framed house in Tennessee, it still retains over 90 percent of the original materials. Read More
The mid 19th century home of the 21 year old Confederate hero has been restored and the 168 acre grounds contain outbuildings, slave quarters, period gardens and a museum. Read More
Saved from demolition in 1954 by the Tennessee Society of the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America, the historic house, built originally in 1799, was restored to interpret the early 19th century life of Judge John Overton, one of the state's first Supreme Court Justices, the founder of Memphis, and a close personal friend of Andrew Jackson. Read More
A fine example of French Victorian style and craftsmanship, the 1870 house is restored and furnished with antiques. Changing exhibits often feature antique clothing. Read More