The Tennessee State Museum will commemorate Tennessee’s 227th birthday on Thursday, June 1 with free Statehood Day events starting at 10 a.m. and ending at 3 p.m.
Activities include:
- Tennessee-themed Storytime in the Children’s Gallery with guests Miss Tennessee America Lauren Dickson and Miss Tennessee Cosmos Amanda Bell
- a keynote lecture from the Museum’s chief curator Richard White
- print shop demonstrations
- highlight tours
- cupcakes and more!
The Museum joins its neighbors at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park and the Tennessee State Library & Archives in hosting free activities throughout the day.
Tennessee State Museum Schedule:
10:30 a.m. Ms. Tennessee Cosmos Amanda Bell reads for Storytime with the book, V for Volunteer by Michael Shoulders (Author) and Bruce Langton (Illustrator) | Children’s Gallery
11 a.m. | Keynote Lecture – Tennessee State Museum Chief Curator Richard White presents “The Steps to Statehood Through Material Culture” | Digital Learning Center
Chief Curator Richard White discusses the steps taken to become an official state in 1796. He will be highlighting artifacts from the Museum’s collection.
11:30 a.m. | Miss Tennessee America Lauren Dickson reads for Storytime with the book Count on Us by Michael Shoulders (Author) and Bruce Langton (Illustrator) | Children’s Gallery
12 – 12:30 p.m. | Statehood Day remarks from the representatives of the Tennessee State Museum, Tennessee State Library & Archives and Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park; Miss Tennessee America Lauren Dickson reading of Tennessee State Poem “Oh Tennessee, My Tennessee” by Naval Adm. William Porter Lawrence; Cupcakes | Grand Hall
12:45 p.m. | State Symbol Scavenger Hunt lead by Mrs. Barbara | Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park
Join Mrs. Barbara on a fun outside scavenger hunt that encourages kids to spot some of the state symbols of Tennessee. Meet in the Children’s Gallery and walk together to Bicentennial Mall State Park.
1 p.m. | Highlight Tour | Galleries on 2nd Floor
Enjoy a free guided highlight tour of the Tennessee State Museum galleries. The tour lasts 45 minutes to one hour.
1:30 p.m. | Storytime with the book Knoxville, Tennessee by Nikki Giovanni (author) and Larry Johnson (Illustrator) | Children’s Gallery
2 p.m. | Highlight Tour | Galleries on 2nd Floor
Enjoy a free guided highlight tour of the Tennessee State Museum galleries. The tour lasts 45 minutes to one hour.
All Day Programs for Statehood Day
10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Print Shop Demonstration | Forging a Nation Gallery on 2nd Floor
Have you ever wondered how an 18th century print shop worked? Join us as they demonstrate how the printing press works.
10 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Family Activities | Children’s Gallery and Education Suite
Join us as they celebrate the State of Tennessee with crafts throughout the day.
1 p.m. | Historic Games | Front Lawn of Museum
Try out some old-fashioned fun with Historic Games on the Front Lawn!
For more information about Tennessee State Museum, visit tnmuseum.org.
