East Tennessee History Center
Regional history is displayed and explored here at the East Tennessee History Center, the history center downtown that holds artifacts, art, and civil war era items for curious guests of the region to peruse. The museum historical society wants to show visitors how the history and heritage of Knoxville and East Tennessee are unique to the rest of the state, from the mountains and valleys in this area to the cultural background. Considered to be 'the front porch to the region's history', this spot is undoubtedly one of the most historically and culturally insightful in Tennessee.
During your visit, your group will be able to participate in any happening lectures, tours, heritage programs, genealogy classes, or student/teacher education courses. You may also just choose to browse the museum on your own, some of the most popular displays including Following in the Footsteps of Sergeant York, Stories on Stitches, Smokies Splendor, Civil War Families of Tennessee, and First Families of Tennessee. You will get to learn about the start of the society that made this all happen as well, with a history tracing all the way back to 1834.
Another popular exhibit you will see during your visit, to give you a good example of the information you will encounter, is the Voices of the Land: The People of East Tennessee exhibit. This exhibit 'allow visitors the opportunity to not only be in the presence of original artifacts that stood witness to the region's past but also to hear first-person accounts of what life was like, all amidst a backdrop of compelling, historic imagery.' (ETHS)
