The Union County Historical Society hosted a holiday gathering at its December 2025 meeting at the Union County Museum. Hosts for the meeting were the officers: President Ellen Perry, Vice President Charles Hamilton, Secretary Jo Gibson, and Treasurer Glenda Cooke. The Board of Directors are Chairman Judson Palmer and members Fred Gibson, Dennis Johnson, Geraldine (Jeri) Lett, Dave Monroe, James A. Perry, Fred H. Simmons, Marilyn Toppins, Veronica Fox (recorder) and Tonya Atkins (accountant).

Members provided the delicious meal of fried chicken, deviled eggs, sausage rolls, green beans, corn casserole, broccoli salad, Italian cream cake, sour cream cake, chocolate mousse, cherry dump cake, cookies and Chex Mix treats. Special guest Bonnie Heiskell Peters, Union County Historian, shared stories and noted that she has several copies of Union County Families for sale. Bonnie also donated her extensive collection of stories, articles and photographs to the museum. These items are being digitized by Cheryl Walker for future use in genealogy research.

Two well-known historians will address members and the public in the new year. Dr. Edwin Clay Jones has done extensive work in the study of DNA and will speak on the subject of the Basics of Genetic Genealogy on Sunday, January 18, 2026. Dr. Arthur Bohanan will share his latest discoveries of grave locations in historic cemeteries on Sunday, February 22. Both programs are at 2:30 p.m. and are free and held at the Union County Museum.

The officers and board members have secured over $85,000 in grant funds in 2024 and 2025.
Two Museum Capital Maintenance and Improvement grants administered through the Tennessee State Museum and included in the Tennessee Assembly Appropriations Act have provided funding to paint the metal roof, add a new downspout, install new flooring and carpeting, stabilize the foundation footings, seal the parking lot, purchase a storage building, stain the hack enclosure building, and add new LED fixtures and lighting.
A grant from the Daughters of the American Revolution for $1,000 provided a display case and a mannequin for the Spanish American War Uniform. Officers are busy submitting a grant to have renowned Union County artist Betty Bullen paint twelve panels to compose a mural of significant historic Union County events to be displayed on the museum wall. This grant is part of Tennessee's celebration of the 250th Anniversary of America. Fred Gibson, Betty Bullen, Ellen Perry and Veronica Fox are spearheading this project. None of these grants required any local match from the Union County Historical Society nor the Union County Government. The majority of the donations given to the museum are used for routine maintenance, supplies and operating expences to enable Union County citizens and tourists to view and use the museum resources. These funds also repaired the stair lift to make the second floor accessible to visitors.

The insurance company has settled the cost of repairs caused by a car hitting the building this fall. The doors and column will be replaced in early 2026. The officers are very excited to continue the progress in the new year and look forward to welcoming many new members, volunteers and visitors.