It takes a lot of helping hands to preserve history and that is what the “Friends of The Little Courthouse” needs as efforts are being made to reopen the historical building on a regular basis for visitors. The Little Courthouse Museum is one of Hardeman County’s oldest structures at 202 years old. It has been five years since the museum opened to the public, with the exception of special events and private tours.
The responsibilities of the Friends of The Little Courthouse (TLC) will be to provide general maintenance and upkeep of the building. The group will also help to support the Museum with exhibits, touring, etc.
“Hardeman County has a unique history through The Little Courthouse that should be shared,” said TLC volunteer Cissye Pierce. “The Little Courthouse belongs to Hardeman County. It and the Hardeman County Archives building come under the auspices of the Hardeman County Historical Committee, which is appointed by our county mayor. Although the County owned the building, the Association for the Preservation of Tennessee Antiquities (APTA) had a 50-year lease to run it. Since that lease is no longer in effect, care for the museum falls back to the Historical Committee.”
Ms. Pierce, a Saulsbury native, has been a volunteer at TLC for 30 years and is active in preserving Hardeman County history.
“The building needs some updating and some love and care,” said Ms. Pierce.
The hope is that the reopening of TLC will allow people in Hardeman County and out-of-area visitors to see the rich history of the building and hopefully support the preservation efforts.
Upcoming public events are already scheduled this month at TLC with the hosting of Judge Harriet Thompson’s Hardeman County History Club on Saturday September 12, 2026, at 10 a.m. Later that afternoon, the Friends of The Little Courthouse will hold its first meeting at 1 p.m. and invites anyone interested in learning more about the group to attend.
“If you’re interested in seeing The Little Courthouse become a county showplace, please join us for more information,” said Cissye Pierce.
The Little Courthouse Museum
215 East Market Street
Bolivar, Tennessee 38008
(731) 212-9424
The Magnolia Post
