Blog

Did you know that apiculture is the technical term for beekeeping? Watch this video featuring Erica Dahlgren, Director of Interpretation, as she begins the educational process to become the beekeeper of the new hives at Belle Meade. Stay updated by checking out her video updates and blog posts as she shares what she has learned…

Author: Erica Dahlgren, Director of Interpretation Grand mansions and elegant grounds have come to be regarded as emblematic of historic sites, like Belle Meade.  However, historically, the farm at Belle Meade was fundamentally a place of work, but even still, by the 19th century, families like the Hardings and Jacksons, used the physical setting that…

Author: Erica Dahlgren, Director of Interpretation How do you know when spring has begun? Is it the appearance of the first tiny leaves on the trees, or the first daffodils peeping through the snow? Every year, we patiently look for the first signs of spring at Belle Meade – leaves budding, birds chirping, and flowers…

Author: Mary Jane McClarty, Historic Interpreter Adaptability is the beauty of the female. She takes on so many roles, often seamlessly throughout the days, weeks, months, and years. When we look at the women of Belle Meade during the 19th century, each generation boasts such female strength. Through their letters, the Belle Meade women show…

Author: Jeff Williams, Historic Interpreter Although it is not known when Moses Harding was born, it is believed that, based on his Civil War pension application, he was born October 8, 1837 in Davidson County, Tennessee. Through a pension affidavit written by a Nathan Harris (who’s last name could have been Harding during the time…

Author: Rachel Gibson, Vice President of Operations and Director of Education No museum is complete without a vibrant Education Department.  An animated educator leading an excited group of school children across the front lawn has been a part of the Belle Meade experience for decades.  Many life-long Nashvillians have fond memories of their third grade…

The original Ice House (c. 1820) was about 18 feet deep and filled with ice blocks shipped from the North during the winter. The ice blocks were covered with sawdust and straw in order to protect perishable foods through the summer. Our reconstructed Ice House was built in 2018 adjacent to the original foundation that…

As we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment, our Curator, Jesse Williams, has created a special Suffrage exhibit in the Mansion that will be on display during August. Suffrage supporters were working for the American woman’s right to vote in the mid-19th century. The amendment was first introduced in 1878…

Congratulations to our Curator, Jesse Williams, for receiving two Awards of Commendation from the Tennessee Association of Museums! At the 2020 TAM Annual Conference, Jesse was recognized for his Spring Sporting Exhibit (Temporary Exhibit) and D-Day Anniversary (Special Event). We greatly appreciate Jesse and our Collections Manager, Valerie Cecil, who maintain the Mansion, research archives to create new…

Did you know that Belle Meade is designated a Level Two Arboretum by the Tennessee Urban Forestry Council? Erica Dahlgren, Director of Interpretation, identified our trees (several are over 100 years old!) and created the Tree Walk. During your visit, explore our walking path using the mobile app which can be accessed by scanning the…

By 1860, Belle Meade was home to 136 enslaved men, women, and children. Their numerous skills and talents included blacksmithing, horse breeding, training, grooming, and racing. Additionally, Belle Meade’s domestic staff was famous for their award-winning wines, cordials, and cooking skills. Today, we honor their legacy and recognize the triumph of black excellence. Their strength…

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 8, 2020 Contact: Mark James Vice President of Sales and Marketing 5025 Harding Pike, Nashville, TN 37205 615-356-0501 ext. 135 [email protected] Belle Meade Opens New Restaurant The Belle Meade Meat & Three is the Newest Culinary Addition to the Site’s Legendary Hospitality Nashville, TN: Belle Meade continues to be a food…