GREENEVILLE – Students in local schools and community members can explore U.S. history with hands-on learning and attractive exhibits housed in a mobile museum coming to Tusculum University.
This is a view from inside the mobile museum. Photo from freedom250.org
The Freedom 250 Mobile Museum will be present in the parking lot next to the Meen Center Monday, Sept. 14, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. People of all ages are invited to visit the museum and develop a greater understanding of the American story. Admission is free.
“This is much more than a museum you walk through and read,” said Tiffany Greer, Tusculum’s vice president of institutional advancement. “It gives visitors an opportunity to interact with the story. Families, students, educators and community members will enjoy the experience together. It will foster civic engagement, which we hold dear at the university, and lead to future conversations as we continue our America 250/Tusculum 232 Celebration.”
The museum, a White House initiative as part of the nation’s special anniversary, is the size of a large tractor-trailer. It features high-tech exhibits and multimedia storytelling. Visitors can explore America’s founding story, test their knowledge, digitally sign the Declaration of Independence and discover more about influential Americans featured on a Wall of Heroes.
An example of what awaits visitors is an exhibit comparing two different Georges. One is George Washington, commander of the Continental Army that defeated the British in the Revolutionary War and later the nation’s first president. The other is George III, king of England during the war.
Guests can also learn about the debate and vote for independence, the construction of the Declaration of Independence and the adoption and meaning of that document. Plus, they can read about the Battle of Lexington, the Battle of Concord and the Battle of Bunker Hill during the Revolutionary War.
“We are especially excited to welcome students from across the region to Tennessee’s first higher education institution,” Greer said. “Tusculum has a historic district, which includes nine buildings and our iconic Tusculum Arch, and we have played an integral part in the nation’s development in our 232 years. In fact, we are especially honored to have received a $100 donation from President Washington while he was in office.”
High school students who come to the museum will also receive a tour of the university. Schools who would like to see the museum can email Greer at tgreer@tusculum.edu to arrange a specific time.
The truck coming to Tusculum is one of six traveling across the United States to visit different communities. People can obtain more information about the museum at https://freedom250.org/celebration/freedom-250-mobile-museum.
Bringing the mobile museum is part of Tusculum’s America 250/Tusculum 232 Celebration throughout the fall semester. Tusculum has put together a comprehensive series of events that are designed to highlight various aspects of American history, including those that occurred in East Tennessee. They also call attention to Tusculum’s contributions to the nation’s success.
People can review all Tusculum has planned for the fall by visiting https://iasite.tusculum.edu/america-250-tusculum-232-events/.
“As a history enthusiast, I am excited to view the exhibits in the mobile museum,” said the Rev. E.J. Swatsell, chair of the America 250/Tusculum 232 Committee, and Tusculum’s director of spiritual life and special projects. “This mobile museum is only able to go to some locations across the country, and we are honored to be one the places to host it.”
More information about the university is available at www.tusculum.edu.