Southern Porch Review: Mabry-Hazen House's Juneteenth Tour Brings Knoxville's History Into Focus

On a warm June afternoon, we climbed the hill to the Mabry-Hazen House expecting to learn a little local history. Raising our son, who was born in Knoxville, we believe that it is important to learn about where we live. And how lucky are we to live in a community that offers just that.

Some historic tours teach dates and names. Others leave you thinking about the people whose stories have too often been left untold.

Mabry-Hazen House's special Juneteenth program, "...And Then I Became Free: Stories of Emancipation at Mabry-Hazen House," does exactly that.

Perched on a hill overlooking downtown Knoxville, the historic home is known for preserving more than a century of local history. For Juneteenth, however, the focus shifted beyond the house itself and toward the lives of the enslaved men, women, and families connected to the property and the broader story of emancipation in East Tennessee. The tour explores the many paths to freedom, from self-liberation to the eventual passage of the 13th Amendment, while highlighting the experiences of African Americans whose stories have too often been absent from traditional historic narratives.

What struck me most was the care taken to tell these stories as human experiences rather than historical footnotes. Through artifacts, research, and personal accounts, visitors learn about the achievements, struggles, and resilience of people who lived through one of the most transformative periods in American history. The tour also shares recent research about the Franklin family, who were enslaved by the Mabry family and gained their freedom when Union forces arrived in Knoxville in 1863.

The experience feels especially meaningful within the walls of a house museum. Standing in the spaces where these histories unfolded creates a connection that is difficult to replicate in a textbook or exhibit panel. The Mabry-Hazen House opened up the basement to showcase

For families, history enthusiasts, and longtime Knoxvillians alike, the program offers an opportunity not only to commemorate Juneteenth but also to gain a deeper understanding of the people who helped shape our community. It is a reminder that local history is never just about buildings—it is about the lives lived within and around them.

Porch Notes

📍 Location: Mabry-Hazen House

💵Cost: Free during the Juneteenth tour series, though donations are appreciated.

Otherwise admission: ADULT $10 STUDENT $8

⏰ Time Needed Approximately one and a half hour guided tour.

👶 Bringing Baby?

* Baby carrier recommended (not stroller friendly)

* Restrooms available

🎒 What I Packed

* Baby Wrap

* My baby backpack

* 2 full bottles

🌿 Best For: History lovers, families with older children, Knoxville locals, and anyone interested in learning more about East Tennessee's Black history.

☕ Porch Rating: 4/5 Green Tomatoes

Everyone was so kind, especially with my little and were very accommodating to us. We were fortunate to be on a tour with members of the board and they were so kind and made sure my little and I had everything we needed (like a chair to sit when my little one got hungry during the tour).

I really want to go back for an actual house tour to learn more about the history because truly seeing it is better than googling all about it!