NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Tennessee's birthday is June 1, and today, the Volunteer State turns 223!
To celebrate the occasion, the Tennessee State Library and Archives has partnered with the Tennessee State Museum and Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park to host a number of events on June 1 from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. for Statehood Day, Tennessee's birthday.
Tennessee Constitutions
The Tennessee State Library and Archives will have all three of the state's original constitutions on display.
Typically, these constitutions are protected in a vault, but all three versions will be in the Archives' lobby for viewing until 4:30 p.m.
Viewing the state constitutions is free, and no reservation is required. The Tennessee State Library and Archives is located at 403 Seventh Avenue North.
Capitol Tours
The Tennessee State Capitol Building will be open for tours.
Six tours will be offered throughout the day. Three of them will be led by Dr. Wayne Moore, Assistant State Archivist and author of the book Tennessee State Capitol: Grounded in Tradition, which will release this summer.
The tours being offered are:
9:00 a.m. Tour with Tennessee State Museum staff
10:00 a.m. Tour with Tennessee State Museum staff
11:00 a.m. Tour with Dr. Wayne Moore
1:00 p.m. Tour with Dr. Wayne Moore
2:00 p.m. Tour with Tennessee State Museum staff
3:00 p.m. Tour with Dr. Wayne Moore
The tours at the State Capitol are free, and no reservation is required. Attendees are asked to enter at the West Entrance of the Capitol Building.
State Museum
The Tennessee State Museum is hosting a family history scavenger hunt, children's crafts, and story time every hour in the Children's Gallery. Attendees are also encouraged to stop by the museum at noon for a slice of birthday cake, of which quantities are limited.
The State Museum is operating during normal business hours, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. There is no admission charge for the museum's permanent and temporary exhibits. For more information on exhibits and tour times, visit the Tennessee State Museum website.
Bicentennial Mall
Bicentennial Mall State Park will have guided hikes, historic games, arts, crafts and live music from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The 1796 Statehood National Trails Day hike will be offered from 10:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. Park rangers in historic dress will lead the hikes and educate participants on Tennessee's history, while also providing information about some of the most famous Tennesseans. The guided hikes are free, and no registration is required. Attendees will meet at the north end of the park.
The Bicentennial State Park is also hosting a live music event from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. "Sounds of Statehood" will be at the park Amphitheater and feature Bob Teague, Sonja Hopkins, Marcianne O'Day and Brain Salad.
For more information on all Statehood Day activities, you can visit the Tennessee Statehood Day Celebration Facebook page. For other things to do in Middle Tennessee this weekend, head here.
