New exhibit housed in Lila D. Bunch Library explores the people who shaped Tennessee and the nation
Belmont’s Lila D. Bunch Library presents “Our American Story: Voices from Tennessee,” a new traveling exhibit that highlights the lives and legacies of remarkable Tennesseans whose stories connect with and contribute to the nation’s history. Drawing from centuries of innovation, leadership and advocacy, the exhibit invites visitors to explore how individual actions have helped shape the nation.
“The library is excited to host this exhibit and welcomes the campus community to come learn more about our shared history,” said University Archivist and Gallery Curator Molly Randolph. “America’s 250th birthday is an important time to reflect on our history and to celebrate many of the great American heroes whose legacy continues to shape our country today.”
The exhibit is an expansion of “Tennessee Voices, American Stories,” a temporary exhibit from the Tennessee State Museum that commemorates the United States’ 250th anniversary and emphasizes how personal narratives illuminate pivotal moments in state and national history. The traveling exhibition on display at Belmont consists of five double-sided freestanding panels with an additional two panels that include regional stories.
“Tennessee’s history offers countless examples of individuals whose courage, creativity and determination have advanced our shared ideals,” commented 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.”
Featured stories include those of Cherokee leader Ostenaco, Battle of Kings Mountain messenger Joseph Greer, Tennessee’s first governor John Sevier, suffragist Abby Crawford Milton, trailblazing Tennessee Supreme Court Chief Justice Adolpho A. Birch Jr., NASA astronaut Barry Wilmore and more.
Through these extraordinary stories, 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.
“Our American Story: Voices from Tennessee” will run from April 14-May 4 in the Lila D. Bunch Library.
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Explore the exhibit in the library