East Tennessee Historical Society

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East Tennessee Historical Society ETHS strives to preserve, promote, and interpret the history of Tennessee, with a focus on East Tennessee. Visit us in Downtown Knoxville.
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Please see our website for more information about events and exhibits. Preserving, interpreting, and promoting the history and culture of East Tennessee's 35 counties. Headquartered in Knoxville, TN.

On this day in East Tennessee history, October 19, Joseph Mabry, Jr. and his father are killed in a gunfight in 1882 on ...
10/19/2026

On this day in East Tennessee history, October 19, Joseph Mabry, Jr. and his father are killed in a gunfight in 1882 on Gay Street in downtown Knoxville. The shocking event is immortalized in Mark Twain's Life on The Mississippi.

To learn more about the Mabry family and their place in Knoxville's history, visit or follow Mabry-Hazen House.

Every artifact has a story to tell! 🏺✨ Whether it’s something that caught your eye, sparked your curiosity, or gave you ...
10/18/2026

Every artifact has a story to tell! 🏺✨ Whether it’s something that caught your eye, sparked your curiosity, or gave you a new perspective on East Tennessee’s history, we want to know!

👀 What’s your favorite artifact in Voices of the Land: The People of East Tennessee?

💬 Tell us in the comments👇

It’s voting season! But voting didn’t always look like it does today.This historic ballot box, gifted to former Governor...
10/16/2026

It’s voting season! But voting didn’t always look like it does today.

This historic ballot box, gifted to former Governor Don Sundquist at the 2013 Evergreen Ball, is believed to have originated at the Edwards-Fowler House in the Dutch Valley community of Anderson County.

According to local historian John Rice Irwin, ballot boxes were placed at voting precincts and kept overnight by trusted community families until county officials collected them a day or so after the election.

Your voice matters, and your vote counts! Make a plan to vote in the upcoming election. Visit the GoVoteTN website (link in the comments) to locate voting information for your area of Tennessee.

2018.16.1
Gift of Donald K. Sundquist

🧬 Discover More About Your Family’s Story!🔎What can your DNA reveal about your family history? Join us for the Cherel B....
10/15/2026

🧬 Discover More About Your Family’s Story!🔎

What can your DNA reveal about your family history? Join us for the Cherel B. Henderson Memorial Lecture at the second annual East Tennessee Roots & Resources!

This year, professional and investigative genetic genealogist Denise Shoulders presents “Third-Party DNA Tools and Why You Want to Use Them.”

Already taken a DNA test? Discover how third-party tools can help you analyze DNA matches, map chromosome connections, and uncover family relationships that traditional testing databases may miss. Learn practical strategies, explore valuable resources, and understand important considerations when using DNA to piece together your family’s story.

Whether you’re a seasoned genealogist or just beginning your family history journey, this special memorial lecture offers new ways to connect the dots between generations.

✨ Best of all, East Tennessee Roots & Resources is FREE and open to the public! Preregistration is required, and space is limited.

📅 Friday, October 23 - Saturday, October 24, 2026
📍 East Tennessee History Center

🔗 Learn more and register: https://www.knoxcountylibrary.org/etrr

On this day in East Tennessee history, October 14, Calvin “Cal” Johnson was born to enslaved parents in 1844. He later b...
10/14/2026

On this day in East Tennessee history, October 14, Calvin “Cal” Johnson was born to enslaved parents in 1844. He later became a prominent Knoxville businessman and served on the Board of Aldermen.

Happy Indigenous Peoples Day!Today, the East Tennessee Historical Society honors the Indigenous peoples whose histories,...
10/12/2026

Happy Indigenous Peoples Day!

Today, the East Tennessee Historical Society honors the Indigenous peoples whose histories, cultures, and communities are deeply woven into the story of our region.

Long before Tennessee had its name or its present boundaries, this landscape was home to thriving Native communities. The rivers, valleys, mountains, and pathways of East Tennessee hold generations of Indigenous history, especially the enduring history and culture of the Cherokee people, whose connections to this land continue today.

Among the most remarkable figures in that history was Nanyehi, or Nancy Ward, a Cherokee Beloved Woman who became an influential leader, diplomat, and advocate for her people during the turbulent eighteenth century. Her life reminds us that the history of East Tennessee cannot be told without the voices, experiences, and enduring presence of the Cherokee people.

From our collection is a picture of Nancy Ward's ring, a tangible connection to one of the most important Indigenous figures from East Tennessee ans is on display in our "Voices of the Land" exhibit.

🔎 Your family’s story is waiting to be discovered!Have you registered for East Tennessee Roots & Resources yet? Join us ...
10/11/2026

🔎 Your family’s story is waiting to be discovered!

Have you registered for East Tennessee Roots & Resources yet? Join us October 23–24 at the East Tennessee History Center for two days dedicated to exploring family history, genealogy, and the resources that can help you connect with your roots!

Whether you’re searching for long-lost ancestors or looking to take your genealogy research to the next level, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to learn from experts, discover new research tools, and explore East Tennessee’s rich history.

✨ Enjoy expert-led sessions, special tours, genealogy resources, and more!

📅 October 23–24, 2026
📍 East Tennessee History Center
🎟️ FREE to attend!

⚠️ Space is limited, so be sure to register in advance!

🌳 Start your journey into the past and uncover the stories that shaped your family.

👉 Register today, link in comments....

THREE WEEKS UNTIL MONSTERS AT THE MUSEUM! 🎃👻The countdown is getting spooky! On October 31, Monsters at the Museum retur...
10/10/2026

THREE WEEKS UNTIL MONSTERS AT THE MUSEUM! 🎃👻

The countdown is getting spooky! On October 31, Monsters at the Museum returns to the East Tennessee History Center for a day of Halloween fun, fascinating history, and a few delightful frights. 🕷️

🎃 Trick-or-treat throughout the museum
👻 Discover Appalachian legends & lore
🕸️ Enjoy Halloween crafts and games
🔎 Take on a history-themed scavenger hunt
📚 Hear spooky stories and explore East Tennessee’s past

Grab your costumes and bring the whole family for a Halloween celebration you won’t want to miss!

📅 Saturday, October 31, 2026
⏰ 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
📍 East Tennessee History Center

🎃 ONE SPOOKY DAY. SO MANY MONSTERS. 👻

Address

601 S Gay Street
Knoxville, TN
37902

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 4pm
Tuesday 9am - 4pm
Wednesday 9am - 4pm
Thursday 9am - 4pm
Friday 9am - 4pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm
Sunday 1pm - 5pm

Telephone

(865) 215-8824

Website

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