Tennessee at 225: Highlights from the Collection is a self-guided tour within the Museum’s galleries and an online exhibition, showcasing 100 artifacts from the Museum’s collection across five key themes—Art, Community, Innovation, Service, and Transformation. Together, they tell an expansive story about Tennessee, from its First Peoples to the present day. The self-guided tour (which ran from June 1, 2021 - May 30, 2022) and online exhibition (which remains ongoing) coincided with the 225th anniversary of Tennessee's Statehood. — Annabeth Hayes and Brigette Jones, Curators
COMMUNITY represents the groups of people who created spaces for themselves based on shared beliefs, ideas, and backgrounds.
INNOVATION offers opportunities to learn about Tennesseans who have used their skills to achieve progress in knowledge, trades, and technology.
ART shares stories and works by self-taught, formally trained, and craft artists who have used their creativity to shape Tennessee’s rich artistic heritage.
TRANSFORMATION explores how Tennessee has transformed politically, geographically, and socially over time.
SERVICE recognizes the contributions of Tennessee “Volunteers” including military veterans, civil rights activists, and other persons who have served their communities.