Whether you’re a local or an out-of-town visitor, the Mallory-Neely House in Memphis, TN, is a treasured historic home your family should tour. When museum preservationists open the unique treasures of historic houses to the public, they offer visitors an up-close experience of the past. For those unfamiliar with this city landmark, here’s a brief history of the Mallory-Neely House.

Origins

The Mallory-Neely House was built in 1852 by banker Isaac Kirtland. Over the years, ownership passed to several other Memphis families: the Babbs, Neelys, Mallorys, and Grands.

The Babb family bought the home from the Kirtlands in 1864 for $40,000, a significant sum for its time for the home and its 1.25-acre lot. Later, in 1883, the Neely family purchased the property. The Neelys made many interior and exterior changes to the house, including adding a third floor to the main house, a fourth floor to the tower, late-Victorian architectural motifs, and stained-glass windows.

Daisy Neely-Mallory

Daisy resided in the mansion until her death in 1969. Afterward, her heirs deeded most of the property and furnishings to the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), Sons of the American Revolution (SAR), and Children of the American Revolution (CAR). 

These three organizations formed a nonprofit corporation to manage the house until 1985, when they donated it to the city. Since 1987, the Pink Palace Family of Museums has overseen the property.

Present Day

As one of two historic houses managed by the Pink Palace Family of Museums, the Mallory-Neely House is open to the public. Visitors requiring wheelchair access can visit the first floor of the mansion and view a virtual tour of the upper floors in the carriage house visitor’s center.

Historic houses engage visitors with the past, allowing them to experience the lives of people who defined a region and its culture. If you and your family are looking to witness a bit of Memphis history, call the Pink Palace Family of Museums at  (901) 636-2362 to discuss upcoming events, or visit their website to learn more about their historic homes and attractions.