To mark a key moment in U.S. history, the Tennessee State Museum is rolling out "Tennessee Voices, American Stories," an exhibition honoring America's 250th anniversary since the Declaration of Independence, set to open its doors on January 13, 2026. Framed around the foundational ideals of "We the People," "A More Perfect Union," and "The Blessings of Liberty," the show spotlights influential Tennesseans that played a part not just in the state's history, but also in shaping the nation.
This exhibit takes a deep dive into the state's contribution to the broader American tale, showcasing items like John Sevier's sword, a symbol of Revolutionary War heroism, and Rebecah Foster's 1808 quilt with its emblematic American eagle and seventeen stars. "Tennessee's history offers countless examples of individuals whose courage, creativity, and determination have advanced our shared ideals," executive director Ashley Howell told the Tennessee State Museum's media team, emphasizing the exhibit's role in depicting how Tennessee's past intertwines with America's historical narrative.
Personal stories of trailblazers like Adolpho A. Birch, the first African American to work as a prosecutor in Davidson County and also the first to hold the position of Chief Justice on the Tennessee Supreme Court, further illustrate the state's legacy of breaking racial barriers. Dolly Parton's ensemble, designed by Robért Behar for her 1998 Dollywood Foundation Benefit Concert, illustrates the cultural imprint of her philanthropic initiatives and business enterprises within Tennessee.
Assistant chief curator Miranda Fraley Rhodes hopes that highlighting the sagas of distinguished Tennesseans and the Museum's storied collection will provoke visitors to ponder their own footprint on America’s ongoing story, saying, "I hope that sharing information about remarkable Tennesseans and outstanding artifacts from the Museum’s collection will help visitors learn about our past and inspire them to consider how they can
contribute to the nation’s story," as she discussed with the Tennessee State Museum's media team.
Associated with broader bicentennial efforts by Tennessee America 250, which seeks to honor and preserve Tennessee's unique contributions to the United States, "Tennessee Voices, American Stories" serves both as a retrospective and a beacon for future generations. The Tennessee State Museum, celebrating its 89th anniversary in 2026, remains free to the public and operates Tuesdays to Saturdays from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sundays from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m., inviting all to explore six permanent exhibitions and a myriad of temporary displays encapsulating Tennessee's rich history, culture, and impact on the nation.
