The grounds are beautiful year round with walking trails, a wide variety of trees, and an array of unique outbuildings. The goats and donkey are great fun to interact with. The year-round programming and special events are excellent and getting even better. Interesting newsletters prepared by energetic and engaged staff. All in all, DMA is a terrific place to visit and volunteer.
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I have been involved at Davies since participating in the 2008 annual Quilt and Fiber Arts Show. It is truly a remarkable place - so much to explore on the grounds, the historic Manor House, the many outbuildings, George the donkey, his four goat buddies, chickens, the kitchen garden, the arboretum/hiking trails, the wide variety of exhibits/programming on the property, and so much more. Excellent destination for field trips.
I called to ask a question about an event I heard about and ended up buying a membership. Beth really sold it! She described the 5 exhibits they have lined up for this year and the events to go with them and I wanted to see all of them. For $30 a membership will get me and my kids to see all five exhibits this year! You can't beat that.
My daughter loves visiting George the donkey thats here and feeding the chickens. we walk over all the time
Had a fantastic tour last year and then was invited to their Christmas party. Such a cozy event for the community and the food was amazing. I got the recipe for the pumpkin thing that was made and the eggplant rice!
I went to their After Hours Tour for the Manor in Mourning exhibit in October of 2024 and it was fantastic. A bit spooky but fun and the artifacts were amazing! I saw hair jewelry that was so gorgeous it didn't even look like hair! I also tried Funeral Pie (Raisin Pie) which I liked despite not usually liking raisins.
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As a fundraising coach, it was wonderful to make a site visit to the Davies Manor Association and see how the nonprofit generates multiple streams of revenue to sustain its mission. The Board and Staff collaborate to preserve and interpret the oldest home in Shelby County and one of the oldest original structures in Western TN. The story delivered is both nclusive and multi-faceted.
This organization provides another great example of growing leadership from within its own talent: Kat Hansen, Executive Director, began as a volunteer.
Lea Ann Skogsberg
Dollars and Sense for Nonprofit Success
Personal Fundraising Coach
Network for Good/Bonterra
We have enjoyed and supported Davies since we moved to Bartlett 12 years ago. They have fantastic programs for ages and always have something new. My family loved the music series they had last year!
While many of my Davies Manor experiences have involved field trips with my students (or school visits from the Davies Manor staff and volunteers to our summer camp)*, I’ve enjoyed multiple quilt shows, teas, a tomato festival, a concert, a couple weddings, and other special events. Every experience has been well planned and run, entertaining, and informative. It’s a beautiful place to visit and I adore the goats and donkey.
*If you’re a teacher or if you home school, plan a visit to Davies. They have a wide variety of activities available for different ages and ability levels and have been wonderful when accommodating for my student with sensory disabilities.
Awesome place to come and learn about rural history of Shelby County. Docents are knowledgeable about the history of Memphis and Bartlett.
I started out here as an intern and I just kept coming back. I love the people I work with, the artifacts, the grounds, the historic house (which I have called my house to several people including my thoroughly confused grandmother), and I really love not just what we do now but the possibility of what can be done in the future too.
I love this historic site with all the wonderful old buildings, right in the middle of a safe city, Bartlett, TN to tour with a knowledgeable docent to tell you all about the manor house and grounds. Outside self guided tour of the grounds. Be sure to come bearing gifts such as an apple or carrot for George the donkey and the 5 adorable goats like evergreens that you have recently pruned. The chickens and Roosters are lovely too and one very handsome rooster named Elvis will crow for you.