123 S. Jefferson Street
Ripley, Tennessee
731-635-9541

The Lauderdale County Museum is housed in the historic Sugar Hill Mansion which was built in 1842. The museum showcases items highlighting the history of Lauderdale County. Sugar Hill Mansion was built in 1842 by Joseph Wardlaw and was the first frame house built in Ripley. The house stood on a hill and was surrounded by numerous sugar maple trees, thus the name Sugar Hill. Sugar Hill had several owners including the Carson family and W.G.L. Rice, who donated the property in 1948 to become the first county library. It served as a library for 50 years. The Lauderdale County Chamber of Commerce moved into the facility in 1999 and began a restoration phase that includes the Lauderdale County Museum. The home still has its yellow poplar wood floors on the second floor. The building also houses the Lauderdale County Chamber of Commerce which promotes tourism, business, and industry in Lauderdale County and sponsors the Lauderdale County Tomato Festival held the weekend after July 4th and the Lauderdale County Fair held the first weekend in October.

Visiting the Lauderdale County Museum
Chamber Office and Museum Hours: Monday - Friday: 8 am - 4:30 pm; Groups may schedule a weekend appointment to tour the museum.
There is no charge to visit the Lauderdale County Museum, although donations are welcome.