As Tennesseans greeted the new year, they also welcomed a nod to their state's storied past and cultural heritage with "Tennessee: The Original Frontier," a short film rolled out by Governor Bill Lee and lauded by none other than country music icon Dolly Parton. According to a release from the Governor's office, the film is a vibrant tribute to the state's formative years, celebrating iconic landmarks, history, and the agricultural might that characterizes Tennessee's journey in the making of America.
Accompanied by the voice of Dolly Parton, the narrative seeks to intimately connect viewers to the Volunteer State's earliest days, earthen roots, and the significant impact it has continued to make on music and culture far and wide. With the statewide kick-off of America 250, Governor Lee aims to personally visit all 95 counties to mark this 250th American milestone in 2026, and Tennesseans are urged to actively participate.
The Tennessee State Museum's Voices and Volunteers newsletter is one platform where residents can get more information about these events. Moreover, they are invited to recommend historic sites for the Governor's visits and share personal stories through the official celebration website.
For those looking to hold a piece of this history in their hands, "Tennessee: The Original Frontier" commemorative posters, designed by Knoxville's own Justin Helton, will be available throughout the year at America 250 events. The Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial, under the Tennessee State Museum's wing, has been facilitating grants to projects that strengthen the threads of democracy from the Revolutionary era to present day. A hefty sum of over 1.5 million dollars has already been distributed across the state, and applications for a second round of funding are rolling to remain open until January 20, 2026.
