About & History
When Sallie Barry Peyton Fessenden died in 1983, she willed her mid-nineteenth century home at 236 West Main Street in Lebanon to the History Associates of Wilson County, stipulating that it be opened as a museum for the use and benefit of the people of Lebanon and Wilson County. Soon thereafter, civic groups and civic-minded individuals in Lebanon, bolstered by a grant from the state of Tennessee, joined the History Associates in restoring the home. In 1985, the home was placed on the National Historic Register and by 1987 was welcoming museum visitors. To meet the changing needs of a growing community, in 2019 the History Associates and the Margaret Gaston Chapter NSDAR began working together to update and repurpose Fite-Fessenden House, promoting the home as not only a museum but also a community gathering spot.
The site where the Fite-Fessenden House resides has an interesting history of ownership. Many of the owners before the home was built are historically relevant to Lebanon and Wilson County at large. Click through our interactive timeline about the various owners of the plot!
After the Fite-Fessenden house was constructed, it was used as a home for both the Fite and Fessenden families. It was also used as a preparatory school, and now exists as a museum for the City of Lebanon and Wilson County.
Note: We are searching for pictures of Dr. James Fite, his wife Emma and their children Margaret, Marie, and Albert. If you have pictures or know anyone who does, please let us know!