The Tennessee State Museum is gearing up to take locals and visitors on a historical deep dive with its latest exhibition, "Photography in Tennessee: Early Studios and the Medium’s First Century," slated to open its doors on June 10. This temporary display digs into the origins of photography in the Volunteer State, pairing early technological innovations with social and political narratives captured on film, as per the Tennessee State Museum.
Don't expect to stroll through a series of framed photos simply; this show promises an intimate encounter with over 200 pieces chronicling photography's evolution from 1839 to 1939, catching not just the smiles of patrons but the grit and drama of the era, covering everything from daily life to the turmoil of the Civil War. As stated by Tranae Chatman, the exhibition's lead curator and the museum's curator of social history, per the Tennessee State Museum, "Photography in Tennessee tells the story of the photographers who captured the first images of Tennessee and its residents." It will feature photographs from the museum's collection, each telling its slice of state history.
Visitors are set to tread a visual journey through Tennessee's past with rare artifacts like an ambrotype of the city of Knoxville, one of the earliest snaps of the region. They'll also scope out antiquated yet groundbreaking gear like the Rainbow Hawkeye camera. The exhibition also includes portraits of Tennessee residents and attempts to illuminate innovation and legacy equally. James P. Newton's work is notable; he was the first Black photographer to open a studio in Memphis, marking a historic beacon in Tennessee’s timeline.
The temporary exhibition "Photography in Tennessee" is eager to start the conversation from June 10 and will entertain dialogues until November 9, for anyone interested in the state's artistic, cultural, or political heritage. The Tennessee State Museum celebrates an impressive 88 years of preserving Tennessee's rich tapestry in 2025 and continues its mission with this latest installation. Admission is complimentary. Museum doors open from 10 AM to 5 PM on Tuesdays to Saturdays, and Sundays from 1 PM to 5 PM.
