East Tennessee History Center, Knoxville

About East Tennessee History Center

The East Tennessee History Center in downtown Knoxville preserves and interprets the complex history of East Tennessee's 35 counties through its award-winning research facility and museum. Visitors explore the Museum of East Tennessee History on the first floor, examining artifacts and exhibits that tell the region's stories. The second floor houses the Knox County Archives, where guests can access historical records and documents. The third floor contains the Calvin M. McClung Historical Collection, featuring extensive research materials. The Tennessee Archive of Moving Image and Sound offers additional resources by appointment. Visitors can also search the Digital Collection online and participate in programs like the Citizen Historian workshop, The History Parlor book club, and lectures on topics such as Civil War ghost stories. The center occupies the Custom House, Knoxville's first federal building dating to 1874, with a 2004 expansion providing access to all resources. The facility suits researchers, history enthusiasts, and families interested in regional heritage.