In commemoration of the 159th Anniversary of the Battle of Franklin held on November 30, the Lotz House will host a Walking Battlefield Tour in the morning and an Illumination Ceremony on the front lawn of the home, ground zero of the Battle of Franklin at 4:30 p.m., the time the battle ensued. In addition, they will host a Women’s History Tour on November 29 at 6:30 p.m. to commemorate Matilda Lotz birthday which was the day before the battle.

In making the announcement. Lotz House Executive Director Thomas Y. Cartwright said, “We have commemorated the anniversary of the Battle Franklin since we opened the Lotz House in 2008. It started with a handful of history enthusiasts working to keep the story alive. We invite the community to the Lotz House to remember those who died, those who survived, and how it changed Franklin and beyond forever.”

The lighting of a luminary will take place on the front steps of the Lotz House at 4:30 p.m. and the community is welcome to attend. Instrumentalist Cody Engdahl will be on hand to perform period music and reenactor Bill Radcliff will perform “Bright Hearts Have Marched Away.” Thomas Y. Cartwright’s Walking Battlefield Tour will be held Thursday at 10:30 a.m. and reservations are required by calling 615-790-7190.

Wednesday, November 29 Lotz House Tour Guide Kelly Kautzman will host a Women’s History Tour highlighting what would be Matilda Lotz’s 165th birthday. Matilda grew up to become a famous portrait artist and many of her original works are displayed in the house. Reservations are required by calling 615-790-7190.

The Lotz House is also hosting a Living History Event with the 33rd Alabama/6th Indiana regiment Saturday, December 2 from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. with a medical, hospital and common soldier program. The Seventh Annual Living History event will provide educational interaction with visitors on the life of the soldiers – both Federal and Confederate - and the stories of the Battle of Franklin held November 30, 1864. Visitors will see how the soldiers camp-out, learn about their lifestyle and witness the stories they tell from the historic battle. It’s free and open to the public.

For more information, call 615-790-7190 or visit www.lotzhouse.com.

About the Lotz House:
The Lotz House, which has been on the National Historic Register since 1976, is located in the heart of downtown historic Franklin, Tennessee at “epicenter” of the Battle of Franklin, which was a pivotal battle in the Civil War on November 30, 1864.  The house is open Monday – Saturday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Admission charged.  The Lotz House is located at 1111 Columbia Avenue.  For more information, call 615-790-7190 or visit www.lotzhouse.com.