Education

Sunday, October 18 | 9 am–Noon

Building Tour #1 – Belmont Mansion Architectural & Historical Tour (0.3 CEUs)

This guided tour will focus on the Italian Villa architecture of the Mansion and the original 1850s water tower (now the university’s bell tower), the symbiotic relationship between the gardens and the home, the challenges of maintaining, interpreting and restoring a 175 years old structure, and the evolution of this National Register of Historic Places property from private residence, to school, to publicly accessible history museum. Additional discussion topics include architectural history and building materials, the crucial role historic trades and crafts played in preservation, and safety accommodations for museum visitors.

Additionally, a Belmont “step-on” guide will accompany participants on the bus ride to provide a contextual commentary of historic sites along the route and provide the background story of Belmont Mansion.

Bus will depart the Convention Center at 8:45 am. Please dress for the weather, wear comfortable shoes and clothes. Additional fee applies. This tour is limited to 50 people and is listed as an option when you register.

Sunday, October 18 | 1–4 pm

Building Tour #2 – Two Rivers Mansion Architectural & Historical Tour
(0.3 CEUs)

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the beautiful 1859 mansion and adjacent 1802 Federal style brick home were once the centerpiece of Donelson, Tennessee. This tour is a wonderful opportunity for conference guests to appreciate the home's craftsmanship, history and its place as a piece of foundational regional history.

Guests will enjoy a guided tour of one of the earliest and best preserved of the ornate Italianate houses in Middle Tennessee, with particular focus on the history, construction, and architectural elements of Two Rivers Mansion and the adjacent 1802 House. The Mansion has undergone various updates over the years—from the first electrification and indoor plumbing in the mid-1920's, to the external elements that allow it to be a year-round event venue. An investment of nearly $2,000,000 resulted in restoration of the exterior of the Mansion, significant interior improvements, fencing across the front of the property, improved signage, a 20-year master plan for the property, restoring and opening of the 1802 House, installation of security devices, as well as plans for a new event center that will enable the Mansion to become a house museum.

Bus will depart the Convention Center at 12:30 pm. Light refreshments included. Please dress for the weather, wear comfortable shoes and clothes. Additional fee applies. This tour is limited to 50 people and is listed as an option when you register.

Sunday, October 18 | 10 am–4 pm

Building Tour #3 – Ryman Auditorium and Opry House Backstage Tour (0.6 CEUs)

Whether serving as the Union Gospel Tabernacle, the home of the Grand Ole Opry, or the world-renowned concert hall it is today, the Ryman has always been a sacred space for those looking for revelation, inspiration, and entertainment. Learn about the many renovations of this property including the installation of a new roof, replacement of broken windows, restoration of original woodwork, and more. An integral part of Opry history, Ryman Auditorium was home to the Grand Ole Opry from 1943 to 1974 and declared a National Historic Landmark in 2001. Today, the Ryman hosts many Opry shows in downtown Nashville and has its own rich history and stories to tell.

In the afternoon, enjoy a backstage tour of Opry House and discuss the history of the Grand Ole Opry show’s 100-year history. Learn about the comeback of the Opry House after it was ravaged by an historic flood in May of 2010 that forced the venue to close its doors for months of restoration. More of the Opry's rich history and fun facts will be shared with guests.

Bus will depart the Convention Center at 9:30 am. Light refreshments included in the morning. Lunch will be on your own at the Assembly Food Hall. Bus will depart Assembly Food Hall at 1 pm for the Opry House. This tour will conclude with an approximately 15-minute walk from the Opry House back to the Convention Center. Please dress for the weather, wear comfortable shoes and clothes. Additional fee applies. This tour is limited to 50 people and is listed as an option when you register.