Three costumed historical interpreters stand outside the Museum with the Tennessee state flag behind them
This year’s Statehood Day will serve to not only celebrate Tennessee’s birthday – it will mark 226 years since it became a state – but also to commemorate the 85th birthday of the Tennessee State Museum, established on May 21, 1937. The public is invited to join state partners all along the Bicentennial Mall campus on Wednesday and again on Saturday to commemorate and celebrate a commitment to telling Tennessee’s stories.
The Museum’s executive director, Ashley Howell, will offer the event’s keynote speech, “85 Years of Tennessee Treasures,” in the Museum’s Digital Learning Center on Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. The address will be followed by celebratory cupcakes in the Grand Hall.
Scheduled events are listed below. Check the websites of partners at Tennessee State Library & Archives, and Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, who will also be marking Statehood with events and activities.
Wednesday
10 a.m.-3 p.m. – Demonstration of Roulstone Printing Press and Commemorative 85th Anniversary Print | Forging a Nation Gallery on Second Floor.
10 a.m.-3 p.m. – Family Statehood Day Activities: Historic Games (Front Lawn), Crafts (Make Your Own Tennessee State Flag, Ladybug/Bee Puppet; Grand Hall).
10 a.m.-5 p.m. – Tennessee at 225: Highlights from the Collection self-guided tour | Second Floor Galleries
10 a.m. – Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park Guided Tour | BM Gift Shop
10:30 a.m. – Statehood Day Storytime with Miss Tennessee. Children are invited for a reading of John Phillip Duck by Patricia Polacco, read by special guest Tally Bevis, Miss Tennessee. Ideal for kids ages 8-and-under | Children’s Gallery on First Floor
11:30 a.m. – Keynote Address by Ashley Howell, executive director of the Tennessee State Museum, “85 Years of Tennessee Treasures” | Digital Learning Center
12:30 p.m. – Cupcakes | Grand Hall
3 p.m. – Tennessee State Museum Guided Tour | Second Floor Rotunda
Saturday
10 a.m.-3 p.m. – Demonstration of Roulstone Printing Press and Commemorative 85th Anniversary Print | Forging a Nation Gallery on Second Floor.
10 a.m.-3 p.m. – Family Statehood Day Activities: Historic Games (Front Lawn), Crafts (Make Your Own Tennessee State Flag, Ladybug/Bee Puppet; Grand Hall).
10 a.m.-5 p.m. – Tennessee at 225: Highlights from the Collection self-guided tour | Second Floor Galleries
10:30 a.m. – Tennessee State Museum Guided Tour | Second Floor Rotunda
11:30 a.m. – Statehood Day Storytime. Children are invited for a reading of a Statehood-themed book and craft. Ideal for kids ages 8-and-under | Children’s Gallery on First Floor
1 p.m. - Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park Guided Tour | BM Gift Shop
Special Open Hours
The Museum is now open special hours:
Monday: Closed
Tuesday-Saturday: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Sunday: 1-5 p.m.
More extensive information is available on the Museum’s website at tnmuseum.org.