The museum is housed in a building that once served as the U.S. Custom House and Post Office, built in 1874.
The collection includes a rare collection of East Tennessee-made longrifles, showcasing the region's 18th and 19th-century craftsmanship.
It maintains one of the most comprehensive genealogical collections in the United States related to Appalachian ancestors.
The facility manages the Tennessee Archive of Moving Image and Sound, preserving local film and audio history.
The site hosts a permanent display dedicated to the 'Davy Crockett' era and early frontier life in the Tennessee territory.
The East Tennessee Historical Society and Museum is located within the historic East Tennessee History Center in downtown Knoxville. It houses the permanent exhibition 'Voices of the Land: The People of East Tennessee,' which spans over 300 years of regional history. The museum displays thousands of artifacts including frontier tools, Civil War weaponry, and Appalachian folk art. It serves as a repository for regional genealogical records and historical archives. The facility is situated inside a renovated building that preserves original architectural elements alongside modern museum infrastructure. Visitors can explore the impact of the Tennessee Valley Authority and the area's development through industrialization. The museum frequently hosts rotating temporary exhibits that focus on specific historical narratives or local cultural achievements.
The dramatic grand staircase in the main atrium of the History Center.
Visit the Calvin M. McClung Historical Collection room if you are interested in researching family genealogy.
Check the museum's online calendar before visiting, as they often hold community history lectures that may impact gallery access.
Combine your visit with a walk down Gay Street to see the surrounding historical architecture.
Do not treat the museum purely as a quick photo stop; the value lies in the detailed archival documentation and small-scale artifacts that require closer inspection.
Closed on major federal holidays; check ahead for limited availability on Sundays.
