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

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Free admission & open hours
Magevney House
Best Time
Free admission & open hours

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.
"A beautiful little house with some nice history! A must visit when in the area."
🎯 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.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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
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
Exhibits
Discover the life of Eugene Magevney, an Irish immigrant who became a key figure in Memphis' development.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Discover Memphis' Oldest Home
Free Admission & Limited Hours
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 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.
🗣️ Knowledgeable Docents
Engage with passionate docents for a deeper understanding of the house's rich history.
🏡 Victorian Village Charm
Combine your visit with other historic homes in the charming Victorian Village.
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!
💰 Free Admission!
Enjoy exploring this historic gem without any cost. A great budget-friendly historical stop.
🗣️ Knowledgeable Docents
Engage with passionate docents for a deeper understanding of the house's rich history.
🏡 Victorian Village Charm
Combine your visit with other historic homes in the charming Victorian Village.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
Street parking is typically available in the Victorian Village neighborhood. Be mindful of any posted parking restrictions.
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission to Magevney House is free! This makes it an accessible historical site for everyone to enjoy.
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.
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.
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.
Yes, knowledgeable docents often lead tours, providing in-depth historical context. These tours are usually included with your free visit.
🎫 🧭 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
📸 📸 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.
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.
Magevney House is ideal for architectural photography of its historic clapboard style and for capturing the ambiance of a preserved 19th-century home.
Common restrictions in historic homes include no flash photography and sometimes no photography in certain areas to preserve delicate artifacts. Always confirm with staff.
Drone usage is typically prohibited over historic sites and residential areas due to privacy and safety regulations. Check local ordinances if considering drone photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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.
💰 Budget Travelers
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.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Story of Eugene Magevney
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.
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.
Exploring Victorian Village
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.
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.
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