To commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the Tennessee State Museum will debut Tennessee Voices, American Stories on January 13, 2026.
Organized around three concepts from the preamble to the U.S. Constitution: “We the People,” “A More Perfect Union,” and “The Blessings of Liberty,” Tennessee Voices, American Stories presents artifacts and stories of Tennesseans who helped shape both Tennessee and the nation.
“Tennessee’s history offers countless examples of individuals whose courage, creativity, and determination have advanced our shared ideals,” said Ashley Howell, executive director of the Tennessee State Museum. “As America reflects on the last 250 years, this exhibit helps us understand how the experiences of Tennesseans are woven into the fabric of the American story, and how the Museum’s collection, built over 88 years, helps tell that story.”
Among the exhibition’s highlights is a sword presented by the state of North Carolina to Revolutionary War leader and Tennessee’s first governor, John Sevier. This sword is the product of a 1781 resolution of the North Carolina legislature honoring senior officers in the Patriot forces at the Battle of Kings Mountain. One of the earliest known dated Tennessee quilts, made by Rebecah Foster, will also be on display. Completed in 1808, the quilt features a striking image of an American eagle with seventeen stars, the number of states in 1808. This quilt reflects Foster’s political sentiments as well as her technical skill and artistry.
Also featured will be artifacts from pathbreaking Tennessee State Supreme Court Chief Justice, Adolpho A. Birch. Born in 1932, Birch holds the distinction of being the only person to have served at all levels of the state judiciary. His extensive career includes becoming the first African American to work as a prosecutor in Davidson County. Birch continued to break barriers in his career as the first African American in many offices including his role as Tennessee Supreme Court Chief Justice.
Another notable artifact is a performance costume worn by Dolly Parton. Created by Robért Behar, the ensemble was worn during a performance at the 1998 Dollywood Foundation Benefit Concert. Parton’s philanthropic work and business ventures like Dollywood are important parts of her contributions to the state.
Through these extraordinary pieces and the stories behind them, the exhibition encourages visitors to reflect on how their own experiences will contribute to the ongoing American narrative.
“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” said Miranda Fraley Rhodes, assistant chief curator at the Tennessee State Museum.
Tennessee Voices, American Stories aligns with the initiatives of Tennessee America 250, which “celebrates and commemorates America’s 250th Anniversary by interpreting and preserving the unique Tennessee stories, objects, landmarks, and places that have defined who we are as
Tennesseans and Americans.” For more information, visit tn250.com .
