After Southern Spirit performs a variety of tunes at the Union County Historical Society Meeting on Sunday, February 18, at 2:30, the Union County Museum will close until March 24, 2024,to have new flooring and carpeting installed.

President Charlie Hamilton read the winning ticket number for the handmade Christmas Tree Quilt at the Union County Historical Society Christmas Brunch on December 17 at the Union County Museum. Judson Palmer won the quilt. Proceeds from the quilt donations will go toward helping pay for needed repairs.
Palmer announced that the museum will receive a grant from the Tennessee Museum to replace the flooring. The museum will most likely be closed from January 28 through most of February while the flooring work is completed.

The Union County Historical Society has opened the doors of the museum every Tuesday for an acoustic music jam. Everyone who plays an instrument, sings from the heart or just loves tapping their toes and clapping their hands to good ole country, bluegrass and gospel tunes is welcome.
The music begins at 6 p.m. and winds down about 8:45.
Recently, Norris Freeway came to play. Musicians come from all parts of the county.
Noted fiddle player Wayne Goforth coordinated the fun and makes sure everyone gets involved.

“Developers purchase land and think that they own the cemetery that is on the property,” related Graham Perry, Historical Cemetery Preservation Specialist at the Union County Historical Society last month, “But they may or may not own the cemetery.”
Perry also explained that cemeteries cannot be blocked from visits by relatives, but the activities of visitors in the cemetery can be regulated by the owner.

Mr. Graham Perry, developer of the Tennessee Historic Cemetery Preservation Program, will address the Union County Historical Society on Sunday, March 19, at 2:30 at the Union County Museum on Maynardville Highway. Mr. Perry will explain the progress of the historic cemetery program and entertain questions regarding cemetery preservation. Mr. Perry previously was the Curator of Social History at the Tennessee State Museum in Nashville where he developed the permanent exhibit, Tennessee Transforms: 1945-present.

Literally hundreds of people visit the Union County Museum each year. Some come to see the artifacts. Others view those same artifacts and displays with the nostalgia of their childhood and are inspired to research their family tree.

Archie Reynolds addressed the November meeting of the Union County Historical Society (UCHS). He spoke of the traditions of Native Americans. He explained how warrior societies were formed to carry on the culture and sacred beliefs of indigenous people.

Dave Chesney, a native of Union County and father of country music chart-topper Kenny Chesney, gifts the Historical Society with a donation of official Kenny Chesney memorabilia. Record labels recognize their artists’ achievements with record milestone awards, such as gold (500,000 albums sold) and platinum (1 million albums or 500,000 singles sold). These keepsakes are also presented to those who support an artist’s career; as such, Chesney has received several awards commemorating his son’s achievements.

Southern Spirit performed selections from Old Stuff, their latest album and the name of the signature song, for the Union County Historical Society at the Union County Museum in April.
Shandy Glover and Chris Hooper of Sharps Chapel roots combined their talents in songwriting, arranging and guitar picking to bring authentic country music to the audience.
Glover, lead guitarist and lead singer, debuted the Martin, a 54-year-old guitar gifted to him by Hooper a few years back.

Reflect on Union County’s unique history with a visit to the Union County Museum and Genealogical Library, where you will feel right at home when greeted with a, “Welcome, how may I help you today, and who do I have the pleasure of meeting.” Museum volunteer Wanda Byerley says that many promptly return a smile and a family name that they wish to learn more about.

President Wanda Byerley welcomed a full house and a host of entertaining speakers to the Union County Museum during the July meeting of the Union County Historical Society.

These wonderful 16 x 20-inch (framed 20 x 24-inch) photographs were purchased some years ago at Doris’ Auctions on Rutledge Pike. According to the owner, the auctioneer identified them only as a Union County couple. A lovely lady who lives at Corryton made the purchase. It appears from the size and quality of the pictures and frames that the family was well to do. The carved frames with curved glass are unique. It also appears that the lady’s picture is hand-colored. Hand-coloring was the only way to achieve color until colored film came on the market.