News Summary
Rowan Oak, the historic home of William Faulkner, offers new audio tours developed by University of Mississippi students, enriching the visitor experience with insights into Faulkner’s life and work. The initiative aims to amplify the cultural significance of the property, linking it to the educational efforts of the University Museum, providing a deeper understanding of Faulkner’s legacy.
Oxford, Mississippi – Visitors to Rowan Oak, the historic home of Nobel Prize-winning author William Faulkner, will now have an enriched experience thanks to a series of new audio tours developed by students from the University of Mississippi. Designed to engage and educate, these audio tours offer insights into Faulkner’s life and work, allowing guests to connect more deeply with the literary legacy of the iconic writer.
The audio tours are a collaboration between Rowan Oak, which is owned by the University of Mississippi, and the University Museum. These initiatives aim to enhance the visitor experience at the property, which sits on 33 acres and features a primitive Greek Revival home that holds significant cultural and historical importance.
The implementation of the audio tours comes following the challenges posed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Rowan Oak was closed to the public from March 2020 until reopening in August 2021. Curator William Griffith, who has dedicated his time to the preservation and care of Rowan Oak since 1999, utilized the closure to maintain and improve the property. His efforts included tasks such as installing exhibits, conducting minor repairs, and performing yard work. Despite the productive closure, Griffith expressed difficulty with not being able to share these improvements with visitors.
Upon reopening, Rowan Oak welcomed back visitors from diverse backgrounds who brought varying levels of knowledge regarding Faulkner’s works. The house’s interior includes a dozen rooms, showcasing where Faulkner and his family lived, including his personal office and bedroom. Notably, visitors can observe Faulkner’s manual typewriter, left in situ, alongside an original plot outline for “The Fable,” scrawled on the wall in Faulkner’s handwriting.
The landscape surrounding Rowan Oak also enhances the visitor experience, featuring a European-inspired English knot garden, a sunken patio, and servant’s quarters that Faulkner built in 1931. This supportive environment provides a comprehensive understanding of both Faulkner’s life at Rowan Oak and the broader historical context of his literary contributions.
The name “Rowan Oak” derives from two symbolic trees: the rowan tree, which symbolizes peace and security, and the live oak, representing strength and solitude. Although neither tree flourishes at the property, the name serves as a meaningful homage to Faulkner’s literary themes and the heritage of the site.
Rowan Oak is also linked to the University Museum through the Bailey Woods Trail, offering visitors an opportunity to explore the cultural history of Oxford as related to Faulkner’s writings. Together, Griffith and the museum are committed to preserving and promoting the literary heritage of the region, facilitating connections between ongoing educational initiatives and the historical narrative of Faulkner’s life.
The audio tours stand as a testament to the collaborative effort to further engage visitors, ensuring that Faulkner’s literary influence continues to resonate. By combining historical insights with modern technology, the University of Mississippi students have contributed to creating a more immersive and informative experience for all who visit the iconic house.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Exploring the Legacy of Rowan Oak in Oxford, Mississippi
Discover Culinary Delights and Culture in Oxford, MS
Explore Mississippi’s Literary Gems on an Inspiring Road Trip Adventure
Additional Resources
- The Daily Mississippian: Rowan Oak Maintained by William Griffith
- Laconia Daily Sun: A Visit to William Faulkner’s Home
- Southern Living: Oxford, Mississippi
- Garden & Gun: Destination Oxford, Mississippi
- USA Today: Square Books in Mississippi
Author: STAFF HERE OXFORD WRITER
The OXFORD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOxford.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Oxford, Lafayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Oxford Film Festival, Double Decker Arts Festival, and University of Mississippi football games. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce and the University of Mississippi, plus leading businesses in education and retail that power the local economy such as Ole Miss Athletics and Square Books. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Mississippi's dynamic landscape.
