Pillars and Foundations
In the Spring of 2002, The Bradley Academy Museum and Cultural Center installed a new display entitled Pillars and Foundations. The exhibit was designed to celebrate the important role of Bradley Academy and Holloway High School in the development of Murfreesboro's African-American community. These instituions were centers of education, religion, healthcare, the arts, and social activities. Included also are churches, important members of Murfreesboro's African-American community, and the work of local artists.
Dr. Bren Martin's Local Museums class from Middle Tennessee State University and local physician Dr. George Smith fabricated the exhibit. The students of Dr. Martin's class worked for the semester researching the history of these institutions, developing, and installing the exhibit.
The original Bradley Academy closed in the 1850s when the classes and students were moved to Union University, also in Murfreesboro. In 1884, the building was repaired for use as a school for African-American children. Initially there were three teachers and 150 students. Six years later, enrollment grew to 250 students requiring the school to rent an additional building to handle the overflow. By 1917, new laws and requirements demanded a new building, which was completed in 1918.
The new Bradley Academy building became the cultural center of the African American community. This new building was the site of choice for musicals, plays, glee club and band recitals, as well as community fairs. African American students attending Bradley mastered a curriculum equal to that of the original Bradley Academy and—as previous Bradley graduates—became pillars in the community, building on a strong foundation.
Bradley Academy would like to thank local artisans Steve Matthews, Robert Orr, Mary Watkins, and Dan Switzer for donating their time and talents to this project.
415 South Academy Street
Murfreesboro, TN 37130
(615) 867-2633