After several years in the planning, Historic Carnton Plantation opens its doors to a $1.2 million dollar visitor center. Officially called The Fleming Center, the new building is named after Sam Fleming, a Franklin native and Middle Tennessee banker who was a lifelong supporter of the museum. His widow, Valerie Fleming, is the largest benefactor among several other donors who have given generously to the project.
An official dedication ceremony will take place Sept. 12 at 10 a.m, with a party to follow that evening.
At 7,000 square feet, the Fleming Center houses an expansive gift shop as well as the Carnton offices. In addition, the board and batten barn-style building offers ample event and exhibit space, as well as new restrooms, a bride’s changing room, and a large catering kitchen.
Rehearsal dinners, bridal receptions and reunion parties are some the events that have already been booked for the remainder of 2009 and throughout 2010.
“The Fleming Center is the realization of many years of work and it will help us better tell the story of Carnton, the McGavock family, and the Battle of Franklin,” said Eric Jacobson, Carnton’s interim executive director. “The building itself is spectacular and the amenities are unparalleled.”
The first exhibit planned for the Fleming Center, Hood’s Legacy, will house an exhibit focusing on Confederate General John Bell Hood, the commander of the Tennessee army who was defeated at the Battle of Franklin.
"This exhibit is believed to be the largest collection of Hood artifacts gathered since his death in 1879,” said Joanna Stephens, Carnton’s curator. The Hood exhibit runs from Sept. 1- Dec. 1.
A lecture series is planned for three Mondays this fall at the Fleming Center. The schedule is:
Sept. 28 - Medical Mysteries
Oct. 12 - What Was the Civil War Really About
Oct. 26 - If Floors Could Talk.
The start time for each lecture is 6 p.m.
During the Battle of Franklin on Nov. 30, 1864, Carnton Plantation was used as a Confederate field hospital. It is adjacent to the McGavock Confederate Cemetery. Carnton is also home to the New York Times bestseller, The Widow of The South, by Robert Hicks. Robert Hick’s second novel, A Separate Country, focuses on the life of John Bell Hood and will be available in bookstores Sept. 24.
The Fleming center will be open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sundays from 1-5 p.m.