Magevney House - A two-story building stands amidst lush vegetation.
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Magevney House

4.7
·12 reviews·Memphis, United States

Step into Memphis' past at Magevney House, one of the city's oldest residences, built in the 1830s by Irish immigrant Eugene Magevney.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

First Saturday of the month

Free admission & open hours

CrowdLow
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Magevney House - A two-story building stands amidst lush vegetation.

Magevney House

Best Time

First Saturday of the month

Free admission & open hours

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Step into Memphis' past at Magevney House, one of the city's oldest residences, built in the 1830s by Irish immigrant Eugene Magevney.

4.7
(12 reviews)

"A beautiful little house with some nice history! A must visit when in the area."

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TIP

🎯 Check Hours Before You Go

Hours are limited, often only the first Saturday of the month. Confirm times to avoid a wasted trip!

💰 Free Admission!

Enjoy exploring this historic gem without any cost. A great budget-friendly historical stop.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Eugene Magevney's Cottage

Eugene Magevney's Cottage

Main House

Explore the humble clapboard cottage built in the 1830s, home to a pioneering Irish immigrant teacher and civic leader.

Pioneer History

Pioneer History

Throughout the House

Learn about Eugene Magevney's journey from Ireland and his contributions to early Memphis as a teacher and entrepreneur.

Irish Immigrant Story

Irish Immigrant Story

Exhibits

Discover the life of Eugene Magevney, an Irish immigrant who became a key figure in Memphis' development.

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Planning Your Visit

Discover Memphis' Oldest Home

Step back in time at the Magevney House, one of Memphis' oldest residences. Built in the 1830s, this clapboard cottage offers a glimpse into early Memphis life and the story of Irish immigrant Eugene Magevney. Plan your visit around limited hours for a truly immersive historical experience.

Free Admission & Limited Hours

Enjoy free admission to the Magevney House, a fantastic way to explore Memphis history on a budget. However, be aware that hours are limited, often only open on the first Saturday of each month. Check in advance to avoid disappointment and make the most of your visit.

Best Times

When
First Saturday of the month
Why
Free admission & open hours
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

In the 1830s, the Magevney House was built by Eugene Magevney as a clapboard cottage. Magevney was born in Ireland in 1798 to a Catholic family. He immigrated to the United States in 1828 and settled in Memphis in 1833, where he was a pioneer teacher and civic leader. He died in the yellow fever epidemic of 1873. . During the late 1830s and early 1840s, three important events in Memphis religious...
thislovelyoldhouse
21 likes • 0 views

🎯 Check Hours Before You Go

Hours are limited, often only the first Saturday of the month. Confirm times to avoid a wasted trip! Reddit

💰 Free Admission!

Enjoy exploring this historic gem without any cost. A great budget-friendly historical stop. Instagram

The Magevney House welcomed a very special visitor this week. Mr. Shane Stephens, Consul General of Ireland, toured the historic home during his first visit to Memphis. Built in the 1830s, Magevney House is one of Memphis’ oldest remaining residences. This small, white clapboard cottage was home to Eugene Magevney, an Irish immigrant from County Fermanagh. Magevney was a schoolteacher and entre...
victorianvillagememphis
20 likes • 0 views
Tomorrow between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., you can tour Magevney House in Victorian Village for free! This small, white clapboard cottage, built in the 1830s, is one of Memphis’ oldest remaining residences. It was home to Eugene Magevney, who immigrated to Memphis from County Fermanagh, Ireland. ☘️🇮🇪 Magevney was a local teacher and entrepreneur who helped found St. Peter’s Catholic Church Downto...
victorianvillagememphis
19 likes • 0 views

🗣️ Knowledgeable Docents

Engage with passionate docents for a deeper understanding of the house's rich history. Reddit

🏡 Victorian Village Charm

Combine your visit with other historic homes in the charming Victorian Village. Instagram

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Check Hours Before You Go

Hours are limited, often only the first Saturday of the month. Confirm times to avoid a wasted trip! Reddit

💰 Free Admission!

Enjoy exploring this historic gem without any cost. A great budget-friendly historical stop. Instagram

🗣️ Knowledgeable Docents

Engage with passionate docents for a deeper understanding of the house's rich history. Reddit

🏡 Victorian Village Charm

Combine your visit with other historic homes in the charming Victorian Village. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.7
(12 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Magevney House for its rich history and free admission, highlighting its significance as one of Memphis' oldest homes. The knowledgeable docents are frequently commended for bringing the past to life. However, some note the house's austerity compared to other mansions and its very limited operating hours, advising visitors to check schedules carefully.

"Very Historic Home with Rich history for the city as well as even in Religious terms!"

Matthew Range

"A beautiful little house with some nice history! A must visit when in the area, especially if you love older houses!"

Heather H

"Lovely house with at least one passionate and knowledgeable docent. Simple and sweet, even austere when compared with the likes of the Mallory Neely house."

Tyler Upchurch

What People Like

Historic significance
Free admission
Knowledgeable docents

What People Dislike

Limited hours
Austere compared to other homes

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Magevney House is located in Memphis, TN. It's part of the Victorian Village area. Driving is a common way to get there, with parking available nearby. Public transportation options might be limited, so checking local bus routes is advisable. Instagram

While specific routes can vary, it's recommended to check with Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) for the most up-to-date bus schedules and routes that service the Victorian Village area. Instagram

Street parking is typically available in the Victorian Village neighborhood. Be mindful of any posted parking restrictions. Instagram

Magevney House is a few miles east of downtown Memphis. While a long walk, it's feasible for those who enjoy extended strolls, or you could consider a short ride-share. Instagram

Yes, Magevney House is situated in the Victorian Village, surrounded by other historic homes like the Mallory-Neely House and Woodruff-Fontaine House, making it easy to plan a historical walking tour. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission to Magevney House is free! This makes it an accessible historical site for everyone to enjoy. InstagramReddit

The hours for Magevney House are quite limited. It is often open only on the first Saturday of each month for a few hours. It's crucial to verify the exact hours before your visit. Reddit

Since admission is free and hours are limited, advance booking is generally not required. However, it's always a good idea to check the official website or social media for any special announcements or changes. Instagram

Magevney House typically operates on a limited schedule, primarily on select days like the first Saturday of the month. It's not open daily, so checking their schedule is essential. Reddit

Yes, knowledgeable docents often lead tours, providing in-depth historical context. These tours are usually included with your free visit. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can explore the preserved rooms of one of Memphis' oldest homes, learn about Eugene Magevney's life as an Irish immigrant teacher and civic leader, and appreciate the architecture of the 1830s. InstagramReddit

A visit to Magevney House is usually quite brief, often around 30-60 minutes, given its size and limited operating hours. It's a perfect stop for a quick historical immersion. Reddit

Children can appreciate the historical aspect, especially if they are interested in old houses and stories of the past. The size of the house makes it manageable for younger visitors. Instagram

Photography policies can vary. It's best to ask a docent or staff member upon arrival about whether interior photography is permitted, especially without flash. Instagram

Magevney House is significant as one of Memphis' oldest surviving residences, offering insight into the life of early settlers and Irish immigrants like Eugene Magevney, a pioneer teacher and civic leader. InstagramReddit

📸 📸 Photography

The charming clapboard exterior, especially with the surrounding greenery, makes for lovely photos. Inside, the preserved historical rooms offer a glimpse into the past. Instagram

Photography rules can change. It's always best to inquire with the staff or docents upon arrival. Flash photography is often restricted in historic homes to protect artifacts. Instagram

Magevney House is ideal for architectural photography of its historic clapboard style and for capturing the ambiance of a preserved 19th-century home. Instagram

Common restrictions in historic homes include no flash photography and sometimes no photography in certain areas to preserve delicate artifacts. Always confirm with staff. Instagram

Drone usage is typically prohibited over historic sites and residential areas due to privacy and safety regulations. Check local ordinances if considering drone photography. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Magevney House offers a simple yet engaging historical experience for families. The compact size of the house makes it easy for children to explore without getting overwhelmed. It's a great opportunity to introduce kids to the concept of historical homes and the lives of people from long ago. Instagram

Focus on the stories of Eugene Magevney, the Irish immigrant teacher, which can be particularly captivating for younger minds. Encourage them to imagine what life was like in the 1830s. Since admission is free, it's a low-cost activity that can spark curiosity about local history. InstagramReddit

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, Magevney House is a dream. Admission is completely free, making it an excellent addition to any Memphis itinerary without impacting your wallet. InstagramReddit

Combine your visit with exploring the surrounding Victorian Village on foot. Since the house has limited hours, plan your visit strategically to maximize your time in the area. It's a perfect way to experience a piece of Memphis history without spending a dime. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Story of Eugene Magevney

Magevney House stands as a testament to the life of Eugene Magevney, an Irish immigrant who arrived in Memphis in 1833. Born in Ireland in 1798, Magevney was a pioneer in the truest sense, establishing himself as a teacher and a respected civic leader in the burgeoning city. His journey from Ireland to Memphis is a significant part of the immigrant narrative that shaped early America. TikTokInstagram

Tragically, Magevney succumbed to the devastating yellow fever epidemic of 1873, a common fate for many Memphians during that era. His home, a simple clapboard cottage built in the 1830s, offers a tangible connection to his life and the challenges faced by early settlers. The house itself is one of Memphis' oldest remaining residences, providing a unique window into the past. TikTokInstagram

Visitors can learn about Magevney's contributions to education and his role in the community. The house, though austere compared to grander mansions, holds a profound historical significance, reflecting the lives of ordinary yet influential people who built Memphis. Reddit

Exploring Victorian Village

Magevney House is nestled within the charming Victorian Village of Memphis, a neighborhood renowned for its collection of beautifully preserved historic homes. This area offers a delightful journey back in time, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the architectural styles and lifestyles of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Instagram

Beyond Magevney House, the village is home to other notable landmarks such as the Mallory-Neely House and the Woodruff-Fontaine House. These grand mansions showcase different facets of Memphis' affluent past, from opulent interiors to intricate exterior designs. Exploring these homes provides a comprehensive understanding of the city's historical development and its social strata. Instagram

Visiting Magevney House can be easily combined with tours of its neighbors, creating a full day of historical exploration. The proximity of these sites makes Victorian Village a must-visit for history buffs and anyone interested in architectural heritage. Instagram

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