"From the Fiery Furnace to the Promise Land" tells the story of a small village west of Nashville founded after the Civil War by people who had been enslaved at Cumberland Iron Furnace. Learn more with Serina Gilbert, Learotha Williams, and Natalie Bell:

This machine was used to emboss papers with the seal of the @MineWorkers local union no. 2491, Oakdale, Tennessee. During the late 1800s and into the 1900s, coal mining was an important industry in Tennessee. Miners joined unions to help improve their pay and working conditions.

This oval salt print, "The Market at Nashville," is one of the earliest images of a city in Tennessee. Taken in 1855 from the northwestern corner of the Public Square, the studio of C.C. Giers is visible towards the right of the frame. #PhotographyInTN

This recently-acquired watercolor painting (1816) by Catherine Hassel of Gallatin is an example of artwork made by a young woman as part of her education. The painting includes patriotic iconography, such as an American eagle and female figure likely representing Columbia.

Part of the @AMERICANAFEST lineup, our September 11 Lunch and Learn panel delves into the fascinating world of acquiring, preserving, and showcasing music related artifacts at museums, exhibits, and libraries. Learn more and RSVP 🎟️ for this FREE event:

Thirteen-year-old Nancy Franklin made this sampler in 1813. Since it was made prior to the establishment of any schools for girls in Franklin County, she learned at home from a relative or private teacher. See it on display in our "Samplers and Young Women" exhibition.

This afternoon's Lunch and Learn event featured a great conversation with fascinating stories about 100 years of the @opry. Catch the discussion with Craig Shelburne, Ryan Dooley, and Emily Frans on our videos page ▶️:

Our Storytime event on Aug. 23 with Mary Morgan Ketchel and Sen. Marsha Blackburn reading from their book “Camilla Can Vote” has been postponed to be rescheduled for a later date. Our normally scheduled Storytime at 10:30 a.m. will continue with a book and craft to be determined.

We recently welcomed Forgotten Lines, a team of genealogists, for a behind the scenes look at our #PhotographyInTennessee exhibition. Curator Tranae Chatman walked them through the many photographs that bring faces and stories from Tennessee to life ▶️:

Astronaut Barry E. Wilmore flew this Tennessee State Flag during his historic mission on the International @Space_Station from June 2024 to March 2025. Now part of the Museum's collection of artifacts, it was recently included as part of this year’s @TNStateFair.

Commemorate the legacy of Lizzie Crozier French, East Tennessee's esteemed "silver-tongued suffragist," as the anniversary of the passing of 19th Amendment draws near. Read about her unwavering dedication to advance opportunities for women on our blog ➡️:

In the Aug. 21 Lunch and Learn event, author Craig Shelburne and panelists will discuss his new book, "100 Years of Grand Ole @Opry: A Celebration of the Artists, the Fans, and the Home of Country Music." Learn more and RSVP for this free program 🎟️:

More than 300 music lovers joined us at the Museum for @lightinguplives Free Daytime Concert Series, featuring the fantastic Craig Duncan's Tennessee Bluegrass Review. Their performance had everyone tapping their toes and clapping along. Thank you to all who joined us! 🎵

Country music star Johnny Cash (1932-2003) began his career recording for Sun Records in Memphis in the mid-1950s. "I Walk the Line" was released in 1956, charting in 1957 as #1 in the Billboard Hot Country Songs category. See it in #TheTNPlaylist. #NationalVinylRecordDay

Saturday's TN Writers | TN Stories featured Jennifer Core and Janet Hasson's new book, "Tennessee Samplers." Core was joined in discussion by Julia Doyle, the Museum's curator of fashion and textiles. Core and Hasson also signed book copies. Watch ▶️:

Join us at the Museum next Wednesday, August 13 at 11:00 a.m. for a free bluegrass concert with Craig Duncan. The Museum is hosting this musical event as part of the @lightinguplives Free Daytime Concert Series presented by CenterWell. More info:

Now open! "Samplers and Young Women: Threading Together Art and Education," a new temporary exhibit, is on display at the Museum through April 2026 ➡️:

Museum educators are ready to welcome your students for field trips! The Spring 2026 calendar is opening for reservation requests on Wednesday morning, August 6. 📅🚌 Students can experience Tennessee history with our exhibits and interactive programs:

Unique images produced without a negative, tintypes were developed on iron sheets as opposed to copper or glass. They were increasingly popular during the Civil War due to their portability. 📸: William McKamey, United States Colored Troops (USCT), 1863 to 1865. #PhotographyInTN

During the next TN Writers | TN Stories event on Aug. 9, author Jennifer C. Core will be joined by Julia Doyle, the Museum's curator of fashion and textiles, to discuss the book "Tennessee Samplers: Female Education and Domestic Arts, 1800-1900". RSVP 🎟️: