East Tennessee Historical Society and Museum

Geography defines East Tennessee as a land of mountains and valleys and with a history and heritage apart from the rest of the state. The East Tennessee Historical Society recognizes this distinctiveness with programs and exhibitions uniquely tailored to the region. Our educational mission is to engage the public with the message that history is important.

The Museum of East Tennessee History's signature exhibition, Voices of the Land: The People of East Tennessee, explores three centuries of life in the region. Visitors will walk through time with the Cherokee and pioneers and then travel through the divided loyalties of the Civil War to industrial growth, women’s suffrage, the hillbilly stereotype, mountain crafts, African American contributions, the beginnings of country music, the upheaval of families relocated due to a national park, TVA lakes, and the “Secret City” and Manhattan Project of World War II. Changing feature exhibitions highlight local, state, and national topics.

Museum Hours

Monday-Friday: 9am - 4pm

Saturday: 10am - 4pm

Sunday: 1pm - 5pm

865-215-8830

The Museum Shop inside features a wide selection of books, crafts, and history-related items. Members of the East Tennessee Historical Society receive a 10% discount on purchases.

Interested in your family history and genealogy but don't know where to start? Or simply want to sharpen your skills? Beginner or seasoned, you will find a class to match your interest and level of experience here at the East Tennessee History Center!