Organization

The First Tennesseans

Presented by Tennessee State Museum at Tennessee State Museum

July 1, 2007 - Ongoing

Prehistoric Indian cultures existed in Tennessee through four evolving periods, beginning about 15,000 years ago, peaking between 800 and 1650 A.D. with the Mississippian people, and ending with the ascendancy of such modern tribes as the Cherokee and Chickasaw. Artifacts from the Paleolithic, Archaic, Woodland, and Mississippian periods are...

The Age of Jackson

Presented by Tennessee State Museum at Tennessee State Museum

July 1, 2007 - Ongoing

Between 1815 and 1850, Tennessee embodied the spirit of American expansion and politics, with President Andrew Jackson being the central character in the state's development. Displays on Jackson, David Crockett, Sam Houston, and President James K. Polk are included in this section of the museum.

Antebellum

Presented by Tennessee State Museum at Tennessee State Museum

July 1, 2007 - Ongoing

The Antebellum period of 1840 to 1860 was a time of prosperity and cultural development for many Tennesseans. (Antebellum is from the Latin words ante, before, and bellum, war. It is used to signify the period before the Civil War.) Cities and towns became trade centers, as railroads and steamboats drew people closer together. The...

The Civil War and Reconstruction

Presented by Tennessee State Museum at Tennessee State Museum

July 1, 2007 - Ongoing

By 1860 the issue of slavery had become a tinderbox; a moral, social and economic issue which slowly divided the northern and southern states. Tennessee found itself divided when the General Assembly voted to secede. Many people in East Tennessee supported the Union and even fought in the Union Army. Tennessee was the primary battlefield of...

The New South

Presented by Tennessee State Museum at Tennessee State Museum

July 1, 2007 - Ongoing

Between 1870 and the 1920's, Tennessee experienced great changes fueled by the post-Civil War industrial revolution. Exhibits on women's suffrage, Prohibition, and the Tennessee Centennial Exposition illustrate the state's involvement in social issues of the times.

Kristoffersen Book Signing/Granville Automatic Concert

Presented by Tennessee State Museum at Tennessee State Museum

May 18, 2013

Photographer Kris Kristoffersen will speak about his work and sign copies of his book, North & South: The Brothers War. Following the book signing, the bluegrass duet, Granville Automatic, will perform songs inspired by the Civil War era. This free event is held in collaboration with Camp Chase Gazette, The Civil War Courier and the...

A Tennessee Waltz Late Party

Presented by Tennessee State Museum at Various Venues

April 20, 2013

The Tennessee State Museum will host its largest fundraiser, A Tennessee Waltz, at the Tennessee State Capitol. This year marks the 21st anniversary of the gala, which is the only black-tie event held at the Capitol.

The late party will begin at 8:30pm with hors d’oeuvres and cocktails at the five-star Hermitage...

In the Footsteps of Sergeant York

Presented by Tennessee State Museum at Tennessee State Museum

March 1-May 9, 2013

In the Footsteps of Sergeant York uses modern-day science to rediscover an important historic event.

Sergeant Alvin York, a native of Fentress County, Tennessee, was one of the most decorated American soldiers in World War I. The focus of the new exhibit, In the Footsteps of Sergeant York, is on York’s battlefield experience...

The Original Emancipation Proclamation

Presented by Tennessee State Museum at Tennessee State Museum

February 12-February 18, 2013

Visitors will be able to see the original Emancipation Proclamation at the Tennessee State Museum in February. Visitors can either walk in and wait, or pay a minimum fee for a timed reservation in advance.

The Emancipation Proclamation will be on view in conjunction with the Discovering the Civil...

Jammin' at Hippie Jack's features songwriters Rod Picott and Kim Richey

Presented by Tennessee State Museum at Tennessee State Museum

January 18, 2013

Jammin’ at Hippie Jack’s Live at the Tennessee State Museum! is back for the new year. The public is invited to a free, musical showcase and TV taping on Friday evening, January 18, featuring acclaimed songwriters Rod Picott and Kim Richey. Doors at the museum open at 7:00pm. The performance begins at...