Elvis Presley Birthplace on a mission to attract more locals with special community centered events
TUPELO, MISS. (WCBI) – On a recent weekend, parents and their kids were taking a guided stroll around the “Reflections” pond at the Elvis Presley Birthplace.
And inside, group activities led by instructors at the Tupelo Music Academy.
While the Elvis Presley Birthplace and Museum welcomes more than 100,000 visitors annually to the historic 15 acre site, the birthplace staff is also focusing on getting locals back to the property.
“We are trying to increase the type of programming that will bring out our friends from Tupelo and surrounding areas,” said Stephanie Hall, director of community outreach for the Elvis Presley Birthplace. It is a new position, created to help strengthen ties with locals.
Hall says the goal is to keep local folks coming back for a variety of events, or a spot for a walk, or just to relax.
‘We are doing many more things, with local musicians, we have Free Music Friday on the grounds, until the end of October. there are lots of chances to utilize the grounds, bring your dog, we are pet friendly, come utilize this space that we have,” Hall said.
As Director of Tupelo Music Academy, Terrence Cummings says partnering with the Elvis Presley Birthplace is a great way to teach the community about all types of musical styles.
“We have different types of music we deal with, from the church to the R and B , soul country, that is what Elvis did, he put everything together, made a mesh and put it out there,” Cummings said.
Whether it’s historical projects like rebuilding a model of the nearby Shake Rag community, or hosting local birthday bashes, weddings and other events, staff here want to remind people that this isn’t just a museum for tourists, it is a community hub for the area.
For a listing of upcoming free concerts at the Elvis Birthplace and Museum, go to elvispresleybirthplace.com
