Memphis Heritage

06/06/2026

What a wonderful day exploring Memphis history! Memphis Heritage’s walking tour of our very own neighborhood, the Overton Parkway National Register Historic District—also known as the East End Historic District—was a tremendous success.

Guests enjoyed a beautiful day, stunning historic homes, fascinating architectural stories, and great fellowship with fellow preservation enthusiasts. We were thrilled by the incredible turnout and the enthusiasm everyone brought to the tour.

A special thank you to the homeowners who graciously opened their beautiful homes and shared them with our guests. Their generosity made this event truly memorable and provided a rare opportunity to experience some of Memphis’ architectural treasures up close.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make this event so special. Events like these remind us why preserving and celebrating Memphis’ historic neighborhoods matters. We look forward to seeing you at our next Memphis Heritage adventure!

05/27/2026

On June 6, step inside one of Memphis’ most charming historic neighborhoods during the Memphis Heritage Fundraiser: Historic East End Home & Garden Tour! 🌿🏡

Guests will enjoy exclusive access to four beautiful historic homes, with opportunities to tour both the interiors and the gardens that make the Historic East End neighborhood so special.

The morning begins at Howard Hall, headquarters of Memphis Heritage, at 9:30 a.m. with coffee and donuts before participants set out to explore a neighborhood filled with stunning architecture, rich history, and inspiring outdoor spaces. The tour will conclude around noon.

Come experience the beauty, character, and preservation of one of Memphis’s treasured historic neighborhoods — all while supporting Memphis Heritage’s mission.

🎟 This is a ticketed members-only event. Purchase tickets here: https://www.memphisheritage.org/event/memphis-heritage-fundraiser-historic-east-end-home-garden-tour/

Space is limited, so if you are not already a member, become one today and then purchase your ticket! Click here to become a member: https://www.memphisheritage.org/membership/

📅 Rain Date: June 7, 2026

05/15/2026

Today, Meredith and Trey from Memphis Heritage were honored to attend the Preservation Symposium hosted by the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County. In historic Franklin, TN. It was an information-packed day filled with inspiring discussions, innovative preservation ideas, and opportunities to connect with fellow preservation advocates from across the region.

We are so grateful to have been included and appreciated the chance to learn, share, and celebrate the importance of protecting our historic places and communities. Thank you to the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County for hosting such a wonderful symposium!

05/15/2026

Last night, Memphis Heritage’s Preservation Posse tour of the historic Overton Park Shell was a tremendous success with a sold out crowd as The Shell celebrates 90 years of music, culture, and community in Memphis! We are especially grateful to Cole Early of The Shell, Content and Archives Manager, and The Shell for so generously opening this treasured landmark to us for such a special behind-the-scenes experience. Guests enjoyed fascinating stories and history that brought this beloved Memphis icon to life.

Following the tour, attendees gathered for a catered barbecue dinner while blues guitarist Jon Hay provided incredible entertainment throughout the evening. With perfect weather, great music, delicious food, and an enthusiastic group of preservation supporters, it was truly a memorable night celebrating one of Memphis’ most treasured historic places.

05/04/2026

The Overton Park Shell turns 90 this year—a milestone worth celebrating for one of Memphis’s most iconic cultural landmarks.

Since opening in 1936 as part of the New Deal-era park improvements, the Shell has been a stage for generations of unforgettable performances. It’s perhaps best known as the site where a young Elvis Presley famously opened for Slim Whitman in 1954—an early moment in what would become a legendary career. Over the decades, the Shell has hosted an incredible range of artists, from Johnny Cash to Isaac Hayes and even Lisa Marie Presley.

The Shell has faced demolition several times, but through passionate grassroots efforts, it has endured—standing today as a testament to the power of preservation and community advocacy.

More than just a stage, the Shell has long been a gathering place—where Memphians have shared music, culture, and connection for nearly a century.

As we celebrate 90 years of the Shell, Memphis Heritage is excited to offer a special behind-the-scenes tour exclusively for our members—an opportunity to experience this historic venue in a whole new way. Tickets will go out today, so keep an eye out-space is limited.

05/02/2026

Yesterday was an incredible day of learning, collaboration, and inspiration at CAMP — our Commission Assistance and Mentoring Program training session. This all-day intensive training was designed specifically for our board of directors, landmarks commissioners, city planners, and preservation-minded architects. We spent the entire day diving deep into historic preservation with six engaging lectures led by three outstanding trainers who traveled in from out of town to share their expertise.

The knowledge, energy, and thoughtful discussion throughout the day made it clear just how vital programs like this are to strengthening preservation efforts in our community. From practical tools to big-picture thinking, every session offered something meaningful to take away.

A special thank you to Kitchen Laurel for providing an absolutely outstanding lunch — a perfect mid-day break that brought everyone together.

CAMP was made possible through a grant from the Historic Preservation Fund and the Tennessee Historical Commission, and we are especially grateful for a generous donation from one of our members that covered our required matching funds as well as lunch. Support like this makes opportunities like CAMP possible, and we are deeply appreciative.

We are especially grateful to the city of Memphis and Memphis Landmarks Commission for their partnership with us on this grant! And a very heartfelt thank you to Margot Payne for all her hard work on submitting the grant and everything she does for the city of Memphis!

We all left this experience energized, better equipped, and even more committed to preserving the places that matter.

05/01/2026

Last night’s talk on Clayborn Temple with Anasa Troutman was nothing short of inspiring.

Anasa has a remarkable way of connecting history, place, and purpose—and her passion for Clayborn Temple and the future of Memphis is truly contagious. She reminded us that preservation isn’t just about saving buildings; it’s about honoring stories, uplifting communities, and shaping what comes next.

We left the evening not only more informed, but with a renewed sense of pride and love for our city.

Memphis is lucky to have voices like hers leading the way

04/27/2026

Support Elmwood and enjoy some history! 🎬

Cemetery Cinema is back on Saturday, May 2nd, with a screening of the original 2020 Broadway production of Hamilton, starring Lin-Manuel Miranda!Cemetery Cinema is an event taking place inside Elmwood Cemetery's gates. Buy a ticket, bring a lawn chair, and

04/24/2026

Memphis Heritage had a truly special experience touring the Carpenter Gothic cottage at Elmwood Cemetery, one of the city’s most historic and significant landscapes. Established in 1852, Elmwood is the oldest active cemetery in Memphis and spans over 80 acres, serving as the final resting place for generations of Memphians. Its grounds reflect the city’s history—from the Civil War era to modern day—and offer a powerful connection to Memphis’ past.

A heartfelt thank you to Kim Bearden for leading such a wonderful and insightful tour. Her knowledge and passion brought the history of the cottage—and the stories surrounding it—to life in a way that made the experience unforgettable.

Opportunities like this remind us why preservation matters. These spaces connect us to our past and help shape a stronger, more vibrant future for Memphis.

Thank you to everyone who joined us—we look forward to seeing you at the next Preservation Posse event

04/24/2026

Please join Memphis Heritage for our next Lecture Series: “Clayborn Temple: The Next Chapter” with Anasa Troutman on April 30 at Howard Hall.

As the visionary behind the revitalization of Clayborn Temple, Ms. Troutman will explore the site’s powerful history and share what’s ahead for this iconic landmark.

Members only event • Limited space available

Reserve your spot today before it fills up! https://www.memphisheritage.org/event/coming-soon-clayborn-temple-the-next-chapter-with-anasa-troutman/

If not a member, become one today! https://www.memphisheritage.org/membership/