Leading Ladies of Rutherford County History is a community partnership created to give voice to women from the past who have shaped our area history and culture. Organized by the Rutherford Arts Alliance, the partnership seeks to encourage a local sense of place through recognition of a diverse, representational group of historic women.

The project includes Party of Twelve, an original play by Mary Donnet Johnson, commissioned by the Rutherford Arts Alliance to illuminate a diverse group of powerful women in Rutherford County history. After numerous pandemic delays, the play premiered April 8-10, 2022.

Our Party of Twelve commemorative booklet documents the long-awaited premiere and includes photos of cast and community supporters in attendance, a coloring page, “The Bridge Builder” poem by Murfreesboro resident Will Allen Dromgoole which in part inspired the vision for this project, and much more.

The Leading Ladies project also includes sharing of local ancestors’ stories, outreach, and more. Other resources on our website include

• Alliance debuts "Leading Ladies" project and website

• New series on Murfreesboro City TV celebrates "leading ladies" of local history

• Party of Twelve Featured on Murfreesboro City TV’s Newsbreak

• Photos from the Party of Twelve Premiere

You can also learn more on the Leading Ladies website or from the original Party of Twelve program.