August 2014
East Tennessee History Fair
From the Cherokee to the Present – Celebrating Our Region’s History
East Tennessee History Center, Krutch Park,
and various downtown locations
Music ~ Historic Crafts ~ Historical Characters ~ Walking Tours ~
Historic Home Tours ~ Graveyard & Museum Tours ~ Authors ~ Children’s Activities ~Living History ~ Davy Crockett’s Birthday
January 2015
Introduction Knoxville Welcome 2015 Class
The Introduction Knoxville Class of 2015 will be welcomed. Light fare, beer and wine will be served. The reception includes alumni from Leadership Knoxville and Introduction Knoxville.
Find out more »May 2015
League of Women Voters of Knoxville/Knox County Annual Meeting
The 2015 Annual Meeting of the League of Women Voters of Knoxville/Knox County will feature keynote speaker, Dr. Harold A. Middlebrook Sr., an active member of the civil rights movement when the Voting Rights Act was signed into law in 1965. A social period begins at 5:30 pm., with dinner at 6 p.m., followed by Middlebrook's remarks. The group's business meeting is scheduled to start at 7 p.m.
Find out more »June 2015
Kuumba Festival Kickoff Luncheon
The luncheon serves as the kickoff for the Kuumba Festival, the largest African American Cultural Arts Festival in East Tennessee.
Find out more »August 2015
Eighth Annual East Tennessee History Fair
The East Tennessee History Fair includes a living history timeline, live music, historic crafts demonstrations, historic and genealogical groups from across the region, children’s crafts and activities, Davy Crockett’s birthday party, walking tours of downtown, free museum admission, Civil War bus tours and tours of Knoxville’s historic homes, “History Hound” dog costume contest, food, museum tours, “Smoky Mountain Film Festival” at the Tennessee Theatre, genealogy workshops and book signings, vintage baseball games at World’s Fair Park, farmers' market and more. The…
Find out more »September 2015
"From Papers to Pixels" Launch Luncheon
Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett and News Sentinel columnist Sam Venable will host the launch luncheon for "From Papers to Pixels," the campaign to digitize the historic archives of The Knoxville News-Sentinel. The Knox County Public Library Foundation is spearheading the effort. Invitations were sent, and the public is welcome to attend. Donations will be accepted.
Find out more »November 2015
Celebrating a Life in Tennessee Art Preview Reception
A preview reception will be held for the groundbreaking exhibition of works by Knoxville's renowned artist Lloyd Branson (1853-1925). The "Celebrating a Life in Tennessee Art" exhibit will be on display Nov. 7, 2015, to March 20, 2016. The preview reception ends at 6 p.m., and the venue will be open for "First Friday."
Find out more »Women's Fund of East Tennessee 'Stop the Violence' forum
The "Stop the Violence Against Women & Girls" forum by the Women's Fund of East Tennessee is a members' only event, plus their guests. Wine and heavy hors d'oeuvres will be served. Gov. Bill Haslam will be in attendance.
Find out more »December 2015
Red & Green Evening
The 43rd annual Red & Green Evening is a hosted event that seeks contributions to fund nonprofit agencies that help people with HIV/AIDS. The entire donation benefits the East Tennessee AIDS Fund, a component fund of the East Tennessee Foundation. Advance registration at https://etf.webconnex.com/RG2015 is encouraged.
Find out more »March 2016
Knox Heritage Benefit to Save Lloyd Branson House
Knox Heritage will hold a benefit to raise funds to preserve the Lloyd Branson House. The event will feature wine and a cocktail supper and the chance to view previously unexhibited Branson works. Local Branson experts Adam Alfrey and Jack Neely will speak.
Find out more »April 2016
'Come to Make Records' Pre-Exhibit Event
"The Come to Make Records" exhibit, which officially opens April 16, will hold a pre-event on April 15. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with the following program: 6 p.m., art exhibit by Julie Belcher, music by saw player Robert Maddox; 7 p.m., live music performances of local musicians doing their versions of 1929 and 1930 Knoxville Sessions songs; and 7:30 p.m., screening of rare film footage by Knoxville sessions artists. The exhibit runs through Oct. 30.
Find out more »Scenic Knoxville Reception and Celebration
Scenic Knoxville will hold a reception, celebration and program to recognize eight years of advocacy and accomplishment in Knox County. Wine and refreshments will be available. The featured speaker will be Mary Tracy, president of Scenic America with the topic: Taking the Long View - A Vision for Realizing America the Beautiful. Free admission but limited seating. RSVP needed to [email protected] or [email protected]. Free parking at State Street Garage.
Find out more »May 2016
An Evening with Author Sharyn McCrumb
"An Evening with Author Sharyn McCrumb," hosted by Friends of the Knox County Public Library and the East Tennessee Historical Society, features a light reception (starting at 6:30 p.m.) with the New York Times bestselling author. McCrumb will discuss her new novel, "Prayers the Devil Answers," which tells the story of Ellie Robbins who is appointed to serve out the term of her late husband as sheriff of their rural Tennessee mountain town during the later years of the Great Depression.…
Find out more »August 2016
An Evening with Author and Reporter Dan Zak
Washington Post reporter and author Dan Zak will discuss his new book, "Almighty: Courage, Resistance, and Existential Peril in the Nuclear Age," which begins in 2012 when a trio of elderly peace activists infiltrated the Y-12 National Security Complex in Oak Ridge. Copies of the book will be available for purchase and signature. Seating is limited; advance registration is encouraged.
Find out more »Ninth Annual East Tennessee History Fair
The East Tennessee History Fair includes a living history timeline, live music, historic crafts demonstrations, historic and genealogical groups from across the region, children’s crafts and activities, Davy Crockett’s birthday party, walking tours of downtown, free museum admission, Civil War bus tours and tours of Knoxville’s historic homes, “History Hound” dog costume contest, food, museum tours, “Smoky Mountain Film Festival” at the Tennessee Theatre, genealogy workshops and book signings, vintage baseball games at World’s Fair Park, farmers’ market and more. The…
Find out more »Leadership Knoxville 2016 Fall Class Opening Reception
Leadership Knoxville will host an opening reception for the 2016 fall class. Light fare and wine will be served.
Find out more »September 2016
Family of Earth: A Celebration
After the death of renowned writer and environmentalist Wilma Dykeman Stokely in 2006, a typewritten manuscript was discovered among her papers. To celebrate its publication, her sons, Jim and Dykeman Stokely, will speak at the East Tennessee History Center. The event, which is is free, is made possible by Friends of the Knox County Public Library, Union Ave Books, the Library Society of UT, the East Tennessee Historical Society and the Knox County Public Library. Copies of the memoir, "Family of Earth:…
Find out more »January 2017
Introduction Knoxville Winter Class of 2017 Welcome Reception
Leadership Knoxville's Introduction Knoxville will hold a welcome reception for its Winter Class of 2017. Alumni of Leadership Knoxville and Introduction Knoxville are invited to attend. Alumni are asked to RSVP at [email protected]. Attire is business/business casual.
Find out more »March 2017
Friends of Knox County Public Library: An Evening With Amy Greene
Friends of the Knox County Public Library and The Library Society of UT Knoxville will host an evening with author Amy Greene at the East Tennessee History Center. Greene will present the 2017 Wilma Dykeman Stokely Memorial Lecture. Greene is the author of two novels, Bloodroot and Long Man. Greene currently is working on a third novel. Copies of Greene’s books will be available for purchase, and the author will sign books after the lecture.
Find out more »April 2017
Introduction Knoxville Spring Class of 2017 Welcome Reception
Leadership Knoxville’s Introduction Knoxville will hold an invitation-only welcome reception for its Spring Class of 2017. Alumni of Leadership Knoxville and Introduction Knoxville are invited to attend. Alumni are asked to RSVP at [email protected]. Attire is business/business casual.
Find out more »May 2017
Friends of Knox County Public Library: An Evening With Nathaniel Philbrick
Friends of the Knox County Public Library will host an evening with author Nathaniel Philbrick at the East Tennessee History Center. Philbrick will discuss his book, "Valiant Ambition: George Washington, Benedict Arnold, and the Fate of the American Revolution." Philbrick won the National Book Award in 2000 for "In the Heart of the Sea," about an 1820 whaleship rammed and sunk by an angry sperm whale. That book was adapted into a major motion picture starring Chris Hemsworth. Seating is limited.…
Find out more »July 2017
Opening Reception and VIP Dinner with Author Wendell Potter
The Knox County Public Library, in partnership with the Jane L. Pettway Foundation, Knox County Public Library Foundation and the University of Tennessee College of Communication and Information, will hold an opening reception and VIP dinner with UT Torchbearer Wendell Potter, a New York Times best-selling author who wrote "Deadly Spin" and "Nation on the Take" and the founder of Tarbell.org. The "Evening with Wendell Potter," which is free will follow from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Bijou Theatre,…
Find out more »August 2017
Introduction Knoxville Fall Class of 2017 Welcome Reception
Leadership Knoxville’s Introduction Knoxville will hold an invitation-only welcome reception for its Fall Class of 2017. Alumni of Leadership Knoxville and Introduction Knoxville are invited to attend. Alumni are asked to RSVP at [email protected]. Attire is business/business casual.
Find out more »October 2017
Friends of Knox County Public Library: An Evening with Author Denise Kiernan
Friends of the Knox County Public Library will host an evening with author Denise Kiernan at the East Tennessee History Center. A wine and cheese reception will be held at 6 p.m., followed by Kiernan speaking at 7 p.m. about her latest work, "The Last Castle: The Epic Story of Love, Loss, and American Royalty in the Nation's Largest Home." The book takes readers on a well-researched journey through the Gilded Age. Spanning wars, financial crises and great tragedy, the author tells the…
Find out more »November 2017
Friends of the Knox County Public Library Present: Unbroken Circle
The Friends of the Knox County Public Library will present: "Unbroken Circle: Stories of Cultural Diversity in the South," an anthology by Julia Watts and co-editor Larry Smith. The stories challenge stereotypes and show that people of the South are as varied as the region’s landscape. The event is sponsored by the Friends of the Knox County Public Library, Knox County Public Library and the East Tennessee Historical Society. Watts and six contributors will be present: poet and author James E.…
Find out more »February 2018
Introduction Knoxville Winter Class of 2018 Congratulations Reception
Leadership Knoxville’s Introduction Knoxville will hold congratulations reception for its Winter Class of 2018. Alumni of Leadership Knoxville and Introduction Knoxville are invited to attend. Alumni are asked to RSVP at [email protected]. Attire is business/business casual.
Find out more »March 2018
Friends of Knox County Public Library: An Evening with Author Elaine Weiss
Friends of Knox County Public Library, the Knox County Public Library, Union Ave Books, the East Tennessee Historical Society and WUOT will host an evening with award-winning journalist and writer Elaine Weiss. Weiss will speak about and sign copies of her latest book, The Woman’s Hour: The Great Fight to Win the Vote, which will be released March 6. Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero will introduce Weiss at the event. Tickets go on sale to the public Feb. 12. Ticketholders may purchase copies of The Woman’s Hour at the event at a 10…
Find out more »April 2018
Introduction Knoxville Spring Class of 2018 Welcome Reception
Leadership Knoxville’s Introduction Knoxville will hold an invitation-only welcome reception for its Spring Class of 2018. Alumni of Leadership Knoxville and Introduction Knoxville are invited to attend. Alumni are asked to RSVP at [email protected]. Attire is business/business casual.
Find out more »August 2018
Friends of Knox County Public Library: An Evening with Vince Vawter
Veteran journalist and storyteller Vince Vawter will talk about "Copyboy," the sequel to his Newbery Honor Book, "Paperboy." The sequel has been chosen as a Junior Library Guild selection. The event, which is sponsored by Friends of the Knox County Public Library, WUOT and Union Ave Books, is free and open to the public. Copies of the author’s books will be available for purchase and signing. Vawter has a 40-year career in newspapers, including with the The Knoxville News-Sentinel where…
Find out more »East Tennessee History Fair
The East Tennessee Historical Society will hold its annual East Tennessee History Fair, along with the East Tennessee Antique Fair. Participants representing the people, places and events that shaped East Tennessee's past will "spill out of the East Tennessee History Center and fill downtown Knoxville, making history truly come alive." Attendees can walk the East Tennessee Timeline, replete with re-enactors interpreting time periods from early settlement to the Vietnam War. The fair also includes hands-on activities, a bus tour of Knoxville's historic homes, “History…
Find out more »The East Tennessee Historical Society: Edward Terry Sanford: A Tennessean on the U.S. Supreme Court
The East Tennessee Historical Society will host a presentation, reception and book signing with Stephanie L. Slater for "Edward Terry Sanford: A Tennessean on the U.S. Supreme Court." RSVP to [email protected] or call 865-215-8825.
Find out more »Introduction Knoxville Fall Class of 2018 Welcome Reception
Leadership Knoxville’s Introduction Knoxville will hold an invitation-only welcome reception for its Fall Class of 2018. Alumni of Leadership Knoxville and Introduction Knoxville are invited to attend. Alumni are asked to RSVP at [email protected]. Attire is business/business casual.
Find out more »October 2018
Historic Homes of Knoxville Founders Day Luncheon
The annual Historic Homes of Knoxville Founders Day Luncheon will celebrate the City of Knoxville’s 227th birthday. The luncheon promotes the city and its historic properties, including Blount Mansion, Crescent Bend House & Gardens, Historic Ramsey House, James White’s Fort, Mabry-Hazen House, Marble Springs State Historic Site and Westwood. Proceeds from the luncheon benefit The Historic Homes of Knoxville. Steven E. Woodworth, American historian and professor of history at Texas Christian University, will discuss Civil War battles in East Tennessee.
Find out more »November 2018
East Tennessee Preservation Awards
The 2018 East Tennessee Preservation Awards, held in conjunction with the Knox Heritage annual meeting, recognizes outstanding individuals, organizations and projects contributing to historic preservation efforts. The reception begins at 5 p.m. with a 6 p.m. awards celebration, followed by the annual meeting. Attire: business casual/casual. RSVP by Oct. 26 to Hollie Cook at 865-523-8008, ext. 3 or [email protected].
Find out more »January 2019
Introduction Knoxville Winter Class of 2019 Welcome Reception
Leadership Knoxville’s Introduction Knoxville will hold an invitation-only welcome reception for its Winter Class of 2019. Alumni of Leadership Knoxville and Introduction Knoxville are invited to attend. Alumni are asked to RSVP at [email protected]. Attire is business/business casual.
Find out more »February 2019
Friends of the Knox County Public Library: Women-Led Social Justice Movements in Appalachia
Join authors Ginny Ayers Savage and Jessica Wilkerson for a conversation about women-led social justice movements in Appalachia. The event, which is free and open to the public, is sponsored by Friends of the Knox County Public Library, Union Ave Books, Knox County Public Library, and East Tennessee Historical Society. In To Live Here, You Have to Fight, Wilkerson tells the stories of the women in Appalachia who acted as leaders and soldiers in a grassroots war on poverty in the 1960s and 1970s and…
Find out more »April 2019
Introduction Knoxville Spring Class of 2019 Welcome Reception
Leadership Knoxville’s Introduction Knoxville will hold an invitation-only welcome reception for its Spring Class of 2019. Alumni of Leadership Knoxville and Introduction Knoxville are invited to attend. Alumni are asked to RSVP at [email protected]. Attire is business/business casual.
Find out more »July 2019
Friends of the Knox County Public Library Annual Meeting
The Friends of the Knox County Public Library Annual Meeting will hold its annual meeting to vote on the vote on the proposed 2019–20 slate of officers and directors. The guest speaker will be Marilyn Kallet, Knoxville's Poet Laureate. Light hors d’oeuvres and sweets from Rothchild Catering, plus tea, coffee and wine will be available. To RSVP, email [email protected] by Wednesday, July 10.
Find out more »August 2019
East Tennessee History Fair
The East Tennessee Historical Society will hold its 10th annual East Tennessee History Fair featuring a living history timeline, live music, historic crafts demonstrations, historical and genealogical groups from across the region, children’s crafts and activities, Davy Crockett’s birthday party, walking tours of downtown, trolley tours to Knoxville’s historic homes, tours of underground Gay Street, “History Hound” dog costume contest, free museum admission, vintage film festival at the Tennessee Theatre, checkers tournament, antiques fair, art exhibits, miniature battles, traditional foods, book sales, farmers'…
Find out more »Introduction Knoxville Fall Class of 2019 Welcome Reception
Leadership Knoxville’s Introduction Knoxville will hold an invitation-only welcome reception for its Fall Class of 2019. Alumni of Leadership Knoxville and Introduction Knoxville are invited to attend. Alumni are asked to RSVP at [email protected]. Attire is business/business casual.
Find out more »September 2019
Black, White and Read All Over: An Event Honoring the Front Page Follies Honorees
The Front Page Foundation will celebrate and honor past Front Page Follies honorees in an intimate gathering where past honorees and participants can reunite and also provide feedback to the foundation regarding the future of the Follies. The event includes heavy hors d’oeuvres, cocktails and live music. Register HERE.
Find out more »Historic Knoxville Brown Bag and Book Signing with Jack Neely
Jack Neely will hold a "Brown Bag" lecture and book signing to discuss his latest book, Historic Knoxville: The Curious Visitor's Guide to Its Stories and Places. Guests can bring a "brown bag" lunch; soft drinks will be available. The lecture is free and open to the public.
Find out more »October 2019
Historic Homes of Knoxville Founders Day Luncheon
The annual Historic Homes of Knoxville Founders Day Luncheon will celebrate the City of Knoxville’s 228th birthday. The luncheon promotes the city and its historic properties, including Blount Mansion, Crescent Bend House & Gardens, Historic Ramsey House, James White’s Fort, Mabry-Hazen House, Marble Springs State Historic Site and Westwood. Proceeds from the luncheon benefit The Historic Homes of Knoxville.
Find out more »November 2019
ETSPJ: An Evening with Al Tompkins
Al Tompkins, a senior faculty member at The Poynter Institute, journalist and writer, will lead a community forum to address the proliferation of fake news and how the media and public can recognize it and respond. Tompkins has won numerous accolades for his journalistic, including the National Emmy, Peabody Award and the Robert F. Kennedy Award. The free event is sponsored by the East Tennessee Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists, Tennessee Association of Broadcasters and University of Tennessee…
Find out more »December 2019
East Tennessee Historical Society’s Holiday Open House
The East Tennessee Historical Society will host a Holiday Open House with local authors, storytelling, shop discounts, sale of handmade items, free ornament and craft making for the kids, and holiday refreshments, including warm cookies and apple cider, and holiday and traditional musical performances by the Knoxville Area Dulcimer Club. Local crafters Karen Micheletta, David and Becky Weaver, and Aviary Broom Co. will be demonstrating a variety of crafts and offering handmade items made from vintage quilts, baskets, chair caning,…
Find out more »‘A Knoxville Christmas’ Lecture
This special holiday event showcases Christmas in Knoxville throughout the years. Jack Neely, executive director of the Knoxville History Project, will share Knoxville holiday stories from the past. Paul James, director of development for the Knoxville History Project, will feature vintage film footage of Knoxville Christmas parades from the vaults of the Tennessee Archive of Moving Image & Sound (TAMIS). This event is free and open to the public. Please RSVP to Hollie at [email protected].
Find out more »January 2020
Introduction Knoxville Winter Class of 2020 Welcome Reception
Leadership Knoxville’s Introduction Knoxville will hold an invitation-only welcome reception for its Winter Class of 2020. Alumni of Leadership Knoxville and Introduction Knoxville are invited to attend. Alumni are asked to RSVP at [email protected]. Attire is business/business casual.
Find out more »April 2020
Introduction Knoxville Spring Class of 2020 Welcome Reception – POSTPONED; NEW DATE IS AUG. 5
(As a proactive measure against the COVID-19 virus, this event has been postponed until Aug. 5) Leadership Knoxville’s Introduction Knoxville will hold an invitation-only welcome reception for its Spring Class of 2020. Alumni of Leadership Knoxville and Introduction Knoxville are invited to attend. Alumni are asked to RSVP at [email protected]. Attire is business/business casual.
Find out more »May 2020
East Tennessee Preservation Conference – POSTPONED; NEW DATE IS SEPT. 18
(As a proactive measure against the COVID-19 virus, this event has been postponed until Sept. 18.) The 2020 East Tennessee Preservation Conference will highlight local preservation stories and strategies and dig deeper into preservation topics using the places of East Knoxville as the foundation for conversations. The keynote speaker will be Ethiel Garlington of the Historic Macon Foundation in Macon, Georgia. Attendees include preservation professionals, architects, planners, tourism professionals, government and community leaders, economic developers, real estate professionals. The event…
Find out more »June 2020
Introduction Knoxville Spring Class of 2020 Welcome Reception – POSTPONED; NEW DATE IS AUG. 5
(As a proactive measure against the COVID-19 virus, this event has been postponed until Aug. 5.) Leadership Knoxville’s Introduction Knoxville will hold an invitation-only welcome reception for its Spring Class of 2020. Alumni of Leadership Knoxville and Introduction Knoxville are invited to attend. Alumni are asked to RSVP at [email protected]. Attire is business/business casual. (This event was rescheduled from April 15.)
Find out more »August 2020
Introduction Knoxville Spring Class of 2020 Welcome Reception – CANCELED
(As a proactive measure against COVID-19, this event has been canceled in 2020.) Leadership Knoxville’s Introduction Knoxville will hold an invitation-only welcome reception for its Spring Class of 2020, an event twice postponed because of COVID-19. Alumni of Leadership Knoxville and Introduction Knoxville are invited to attend. Alumni are asked to RSVP at [email protected]. Attire is business/business casual. (This event had been rescheduled from April 15 and June 3.)
Find out more »Lecture and Book Signing: ‘Tennessee Statesman Harry T. Burn: Woman Suffrage, Free Elections & a Life of Service’
Tyler Boyd, the great grand-nephew of Tennessee Statesman Harry T. Burn, will discuss his recently released book, Tennessee Statesman Harry T. Burn: Woman Suffrage, Free Elections & a Life of Service. The lecture is presented by the East Tennessee Historical Society and can be attended in-person or virtually. Copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing. It has been recognized with an East Tennessee Historical Society Award of Distinction and Daughters of the American Revolution's Historic Preservation…
Find out more »East Tennessee History Fair – CANCELED
(As a proactive measure against COVID-19, this event has been canceled in 2020.) The East Tennessee Historical Society will hold its 11th annual East Tennessee History Fair featuring a living history timeline, live music, historic crafts demonstrations, historical and genealogical groups from across the region, children’s crafts and activities, Davy Crockett’s birthday party, walking tours of downtown, trolley tours to Knoxville’s historic homes, tours of underground Gay Street, “History Hound” dog costume contest, free museum admission, vintage film festival at…
Find out more »September 2020
Introduction Knoxville Fall Class of 2020 Welcome Reception – CANCELED
(As a proactive measure against COVID-19, this event has been canceled in 2020.) Leadership Knoxville’s Introduction Knoxville will hold an invitation-only welcome reception for its Fall Class of 2020. Alumni of Leadership Knoxville and Introduction Knoxville are invited to attend. Alumni are asked to RSVP at [email protected]. Attire is business/business casual.
Find out more »October 2021
2021 East Tennessee Preservation Conference
Knox Heritage and Historic Houses and Museums will host the 2021 East Tennessee Preservation Conference, part of the local celebration of Founder’s Day, the 230th birthday of the founding of the City of Knoxville. Dan Brown, the historic sites program director at the Tennessee Historical Commission, will be the keynote speaker; Rev. Reneé Kesler will discuss the Delaney Museum at Beck project; and Blount Mansion will discuss the recent Craighead-Jackson House restoration. All staff, volunteers and attendees will be required…
Find out more »March 2022
‘From Batboy to Congressman: Thirty Years in the U.S. House’ Book Talk
As part of the East Tennessee Historical Society's lecture series, former U.S. Rep. John J. Duncan, Jr., will present “From Batboy to Congressman: Thirty Years in the U.S. House - Book Talk,” a discussion focused on his professional and personal development while serving as a U.S. representative for Tennessee's Second District from 1988-2019.
Find out more »‘You Should’ve Been There!’ VIP Preview and Reception
To honor the 40th Anniversary of the 1982 World's Fair, the East Tennessee Historical Society will host a VIP preview and reception of a new, one-of-a-kind exhibition, "You Should've Been There!," in the Rogers-Claussen Feature Gallery that will officially open March 19. The exhibition’s theme is not only a nod to the international exposition’s marketing catchphrase, “You Have Got to Be There! The 1982 World’s Fair!,” but also an acknowledgement that four decades removed, there is a generation of East…
Find out more »April 2022
2022 Graduating Class of Leadership Knoxville Scholars Reception
A reception will be held to celebrate the 2022 Graduating Class of Leadership Knoxville Scholars in a partnership with the University of Tennessee. Light fare, beer and wine will be served. The event is open to all Leadership Knoxville alumni from all classes.
Find out more »May 2022
East Tennessee Historical Society Annual Meeting
The East Tennessee Historical Society (ETHS) will hold its Annual Meeting of the Membership to celebrate the region's history. A special membership address will be made by Dr. Warren Dockter, president and CEO of ETHS, to review the last year of activity and share what is being planned for the year to come. Dr. Lorri Glover, a historian of the early American South, will discuss how the 21st century ushered in innovations in historical sources, research and interpretations.
Find out more »Knoxville History Project: When the World Came to Knoxville: Remembering the 1982 World’s Fair
The Knoxville World’s Fair is 40 years old this year, but does that make it historic? In this program, hear how five different historians would answer that question. Jack Neely, director of the Knoxville History Project, will be joined by three professors from the University of Tennessee, and Dr. Michael Camp, author of a recent book that examines the key role of East Tennessee in addressing the national energy challenges of the 1970s and 1980s. The evening will include rare…
Find out more »East Tennessee Historical Society Cocktails and Conversation
The East Tennessee Historical Society will celebrate the announcement of Adrian Jay as the ninth vice regent representing the state of Tennessee at the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association. The "Cocktails and Conversation" event will feature Dr. Susan P. Schoelwer, the executive director of Historic Preservation and Collections at George Washington's Mount Vernon.
Find out more »August 2022
Book Talk Community Discussion: ‘The Least of Us’
Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs will host a community discussion with author Sam Quinones on his book, "The Least of Us: True Tales of America and Hope in the Time of Fentanyl and Meth." The book is a follow-up to "Dreamland: The True Tale of America’s Opiate Epidemic," Quinones’ earlier work about the genesis of the opioid crisis. Both books are critically acclaimed and in January 2022, "The Least of Us" was nominated for a National Book Critics Circle award…
Find out more »October 2022
Historic Homes of Knoxville Founders Day
The Historic House Museums of Knoxville (HHMK) and the East Tennessee Historical Society (ETHS) will host Founder’s Day: A Celebration of 231 Years of Knoxville with special guest and former Knoxville Mayor Randy Tyree. During the celebration, visitors are invited to sign a birthday card for Knoxville, as well as enjoy birthday cake, a special presentation with former Tyree at 12 p.m., the unveiling of the new HHMK PastPort and free admission to the Museum of East Tennessee History. Petro's…
Find out more »January 2023
East Tennessee SPJ and League of Women Voters Legislative Forum
The East Tennessee Society of Professional Journalists (ETSPJ) and the League of Women Voters of Knoxville/Knox County (LWVKKC) will host the annual legislative forum with members of the Knox County delegation as the Tennessee Legislature convenes in 2023. The forum will be moderated by Jesse Mayshark, co-founder of the Compass. Open to the public.
Find out more »March 2023
Historic Homes and Museums of Knoxville ‘PastPort’ Launch Party
The Historic House Museums of Knoxville (HHMK) and the East Tennessee Historical Society (ETHS) are introducing PastPort: Your Key to the History of Knoxville, Tennessee. The PastPort Launch Party will be held at the East Tennessee History Center. Great for Knoxville staycationers and tourists, the journey through Knoxville’s past travels from the late 18th century frontier of the Southwest Territory and the founding of Tennessee, through the Antebellum and Civil War eras and into the Gilded Age of the late…
Find out more »April 2023
Game Changers: A Roundtable Discussion with Title IX Trailblazers in East Tennessee
In her new book "Title IX, Pat Summitt, and Tennessee’s Trailblazers," Dr. Mary Ellen Pethel introduces readers to past and present pioneers in women’s sports. Enjoy an evening book talk and roundtable discussion with key trailblazers Dr. Joan Cronan, Ann Baker Furrow and Missy Kane. Additional trailblazers will be present for questions and book signing. Pethel is an assistant professor of honors and global leadership studies at Belmont University and the executive director of NashvilleSites.org. She is a graduate of…
Find out more »August 2023
Lights! Camera! East Tennessee! Reception
A reception will be held to celebrate the success of Lights! Camera! East Tennessee! The reception is hosted by the East Tennessee Historical Society and Knox County Public Library. The special guest is Larsen Jay, executive producer of "That Evening Sun" from 2009 starring Hal Holbrook that was filmed in East Tennessee. The Lights! Camera! East Tennessee! exhibit opened last November and has been extended through Sept. 3, 2023. Information about the exhibit and Knoxville's ties to Hollywood and the…
Find out more »History Hootenanny
In partnership with the Knox County Public Library's Clarence Brown Film Festival, the East Tennessee Historical Society will host the second annual History Hootenanny, a celebration of East Tennessee History. Guests will enjoy live music, children’s activities, a local used history book sale, walking tours, shuttles to the Historic House Museums of Knoxville and genealogy workshops.
Find out more »October 2023
ETHS: Tribute to Carl and Pearl Member Preview and Opening Reception
East Tennessee Historical Society members can attend a preview and opening reception for the "Tribute to Carl and Pearl" with food, book signing and meet-and-greet with the Butler family. Live music and a screening of the Butlers' home movies will begin at the public event at 7 p.m. Performers include Paul Brewster and Friends Band, comprising 14-year-old mandolin prodigy Wyatt Ellis and Grand Ole Opry performers Daniel Grindstaff, Kent Blanton, Stephen Burwell and John Meador. A screening of 8mm home…
Find out more »2023 East Tennessee Preservation Conference
The 2023 East Tennessee Preservation Conference: Modernism in East Tennessee will explore the history of Mid-Century Modernist design in the area, its importance in the history of architecture and why these sites should be preserved. The annual preservation conference, hosted by Knox Heritage, is an educational opportunity for history enthusiasts; civic leaders; and professionals in the fields of architecture, real estate, academia and property development. Registration includes all sessions, breakfast and lunch.
Find out more »February 2024
2024 Wilma Dykeman Stokely Memorial Lecture
Author and storyteller Carolyn Finney will be the featured speaker at the 2024 Wilma Dykeman Stokely Memorial Lecture, sponsored by the John C. Hodges Society of UT Libraries and Friends of the Knox County Public Library. Finney returned to school after a 15-year absence to complete a B.A., M.A. (both of these degrees focused on gender and environmental issues in Kenya and Nepal, respectively) and Ph.D. (which focused on African Americans and environmental issues in the U.S.). She has been…
Find out more »April 2024
Young Professionals of Knoxville 101
Young Professionals of Knoxville will host YPK 101, a crash course on the organization at its annual spring event to learn more about the benefits of joining YPK, its mission and values and how to get involved. Mix and mingle with local area young professionals, learn more about membership benefits and get a special discount upon joining. The event is free to attend and registration is available HERE.
Find out more »River & Rail Theatre fundraiser for The Burn Vote
The River & Rail Theatre Company will celebrate and fundraise at the East Tennessee History Center for the world premiere of "The Burn Vote," a new musical to commemorate the centennial of the 19th Amendment, and state Rep. Harry T. Burn’s contribution to its ratification in Tennessee. Information about tickets to the musical, which runs April 25-May 12, is available HERE.
Find out more »