Museum Galleries
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The Nathanael Greene Museum currently has 9 galleries, 1 permanent exhibit and several displays that span the history of Greene County and her neighbors. Several "Greene" natives are highlighted, with emphasis placed on David "Davy" Crockett and Andrew Johnson, 17th President of the United States. A mural of Davy's life experiences leads the smallest visitor into the "Greene Adventure Gallery," a children's adventure room, where he or she may play in an Indian village and crawl through a bear's den. The life size log cabin is reminiscent of Crockett's birthplace.
Through a focused selection of artifacts in the newly renovated "Andrew Johnson Gallery," visitors will explore the family life of the Nation's 17th President. An added dimension of Johnson's life is outlined in the "Paths To Freedom Exhibit," where guests will come to understand the struggle to end slavery in Greene County. Within this "hallway exhibit" the visitor will also find the "Early Home Gallery," Early Business Gallery" and the "20th Century African-American Gallery." The later gallery celebrates the many contributions of Greene County African-Americans in the 20th century.
The "Early Agriculture Gallery" gives the visitor an insight into early agriculture practices and some of the tools used during the past. The "Veteran's Honor Gallery" pays homage to the full range of Greene County soldiers who served from the Revolutionary War to the War in Iraq and Afghanistan. The newly renovated "An Area Divided Gallery" presents the many stories of the Civil War in Greene County. These stories include participants such as the "Bridge Burners" and the death of Confederate Brigadier General, John Hunt Morgan.
For those guests interested in fine furniture and the elegant lifestyles of some Greene County residents, the museum's collection of antiques, coverlets and quilts, will illustrate the promise of 19th Century America.
With all that the museum has to offer, you will need several visits to absorb all there is to learn about Greene County's history.
photo courtesy of Linnie Greene
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Andrew Johnson Gallery:
This gallery is not only about Andrew Johnson, the 17th President, but his children, their spouses and his grandchildren. It provides a capsulated view of Andrew Johnson, the man, and his family life.
The Story of the Man and His Family
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Early Agriculture Gallery: Greene County's Agrarian Roots.
A gallery that gives an overview of early agriculture practices and tools used in Greene County prior to the mechanized era. This is our oldest gallery and plans are underway for a complete renovation.
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photo courtesy of Linnie Greene
Veteran's Honor Gallery:
This gallery is a memorial to our heroes who fought, and sometimes died, for our freedom and independence. The gallery features Marine Corps Sergeant Elbert L. Kinser, a Medal of Honor winner, and other notable Greene Countians.
Greene County Heroes -
An Area Divided:
A gallery that tells the story of the terrible struggle that almost divided a nation and how it affected Greene County. This gallery features actual Greene County artifacts from the Civil War era.
The Civil War Comes to Upper East Tennessee
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photo courtesy of Linnie Greene
Elegant Home Gallery:
This gallery gives the visitor a view into the way some Greene County homes were furnished even though it was considered the western frontier. Many fine craftsman settled in Greene County and plied their business.
18th, 19th, and 20th Century -
Greene Adventure Gallery:
This gallery is set up for children specifically. We want our younger visitor to leave with a sense of learning something. Outside the gallery is a mural painting of David Crockett's life story. The gallery features a log cabin, covered wagon, Native American huts, stuffed animals, a bear's den, bonnets, coonskin caps and much more.
Children's Learning Room -
Early Home Gallery:
A gallery depicting the "Great Depression" and neighbors helping neighbors. The ushering in of such inventions as the telephone, radio, automobile and airplane are featured in this gallery.
Greene County During The Great Depression -
photo courtesy of Linnie Greene
Early Business Gallery:
This gallery is intended to give the visitor a view of early businesses dating from 1880-1910. Two exhibits featured are those of the A. H. Jenkins Shoe Shop (1880) and the Romeo Store, which was the center of the Romeo Community. The store served as Post Office, Seed Store, Pharmacy, Tobacco Shop, Hardware, Penny Candy Store and of course "Gossip Center."
Greene County's Service Related Industry -
20th Century African-American Gallery: Greene County Contributions
A gallery dedicated to 100 years of the African-American community in Greene County. Various exhibits feature home life, education, military and vocational artifacts pertaining to the African-American Community of Greene County, from the Progressive Era through the Modern Era.
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Paths to Freedom
The Museum's latest permanent exhibit, Paths To Freedom 1822-1865, focuses on the various ways Greene County's African American slaves obtained their freedom. Some methods were legal, such as buying ones freedom and that of their enslaved family members. As a condition of their freedom, some courageous families chose to leave Tennessee and settle in Liberia, a colony on the west coast of Africa, where they risked death and depredation.
Other methods of escaping slavery were strictly illegal. The Underground Railroad was the most daring and dangerous method of escape. Oral tradition supported its existence in Greene County, and recently discovered court records provide details of who was involved.
Another surprise unveiled in this exhibit is the role that famous Greene Countians played in freeing the slaves: Benjamin Lundy, Valentine Sevier, and President Andrew Johnson, to name a few.
This ground breaking exhibit details the courage and convictions of enslaved individuals to escape bondage, as well as their Greene County neighbors who were able to aid them in their quest for freedom.
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Other Exhibits
The museum features many exhibits separate from the galleries mentioned above. The Model T Ford sedan is located on the first level of the building. The 1917 American LaFrance Fire Engine is housed in a glass enclosed structure at the entrance to the museum.
photo courtesy of Linnie Greene