Cookeville History Museum

Open Tuesday – Saturday
10:00 am till 4:00 pm

Free Admission

About

Cookeville History Museum

The museum houses a self-paced, permanent exhibit on the history of this community, including a timeline around the building that begins with the first people to the area and ends with what is happening today. The front gallery is dedicated to local history exhibits, traveling exhibits and collection displays. We are part of the City of Cookeville’s Department of Leisure Services and Public Facilities, Historical Arts Division. Visit the Cookeville History Museum and let us share our story with you.

Current Exhibit

History Marks The Spot

What Is Happening At The Museum

Comments Box SVG iconsUsed for the like, share, comment, and reaction icons

The Legend of the Memphis Peabody Hotel Ducks:
Back in the 1930s Frank Schutt, General Manager of The Peabody, and a friend, Chip Barwick, returned from a weekend hunting trip to Arkansas. The men had a little too much Tennessee sippin' whiskey, and thought it would be funny to place some of their live duck decoys (it was legal then for hunters to use live decoys) in the beautiful Peabody fountain. Three small English call ducks were selected as "guinea pigs," and the reaction was nothing short of enthusiastic. Thus began a Peabody tradition which was to become internationally famous.
In 1940, Bellman Edward Pembroke, a former circus animal trainer, offered to help with delivering the ducks to the fountain each day and taught them the now-famous Peabody Duck March. Mr. Pembroke became Peabody Duckmaster, serving in that capacity for 50 years until his retirement in 1991.
More than 90 years after the inaugural march, the ducks still visit the lobby fountain from 11am to 5pm. each day. (www.peabodymemphis.com/peabody-ducks)
... See MoreSee Less

The Legend of the Memphis Peabody Hotel Ducks:
Back in the 1930s Frank Schutt, General Manager of The Peabody, and a friend, Chip Barwick, returned from a weekend hunting trip to Arkansas. The men had a little too much Tennessee sippin whiskey, and thought it would be funny to place some of their live duck decoys (it was legal then for hunters to use live decoys) in the beautiful Peabody fountain. Three small English call ducks were selected as guinea pigs, and the reaction was nothing short of enthusiastic. Thus began a Peabody tradition which was to become internationally famous.
In 1940, Bellman Edward Pembroke, a former circus animal trainer, offered to help with delivering the ducks to the fountain each day and taught them the now-famous Peabody Duck March. Mr. Pembroke became Peabody Duckmaster, serving in that capacity for 50 years until his retirement in 1991.
More than 90 years after the inaugural march, the ducks still visit the lobby fountain from 11am to 5pm. each day. (https://www.peabodymemphis.com/peabody-ducks)Image attachment

💡FUN FACT FRIDAY💡
From www.facebook.com/GreatSmokyMountainsNPS:
⚠️🚧Heads up, hikers—Laurel Falls is getting much needed improvements!
On January 6, 2025, Laurel Falls Trail and the trailhead parking area closed for a long-term rehabilitation project. For about 18 months, contractors will completely rehab the trail to improve the visitor experience and safety. Crews will:
✔️Repave and widen the trail
✔Add 50 new parking spaces
✔Construct a new viewing platform at the falls, and more
This project has been a long time in the making—the current paved trail dates back to 1963. Old, cracked pavement causes safety concerns and makes the path less accessible.
This trail is also one of the park’s most popular, with over 300,000 hikers on it every year. Parking fills up fast, which is why we’re adding more parking spaces to improve circulation.
We look forward to enjoying the trail together once work is complete!
Learn more: www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/national-park-service-to-begin-major-rehabilitation-of-laurel-falls-t...
... See MoreSee Less

💡FUN FACT FRIDAY💡
From https://www.facebook.com/GreatSmokyMountainsNPS:
⚠️🚧Heads up, hikers—Laurel Falls is getting much needed improvements! 
On January 6, 2025, Laurel Falls Trail and the trailhead parking area closed for a long-term rehabilitation project. For about 18 months, contractors will completely rehab the trail to improve the visitor experience and safety. Crews will:
✔️Repave and widen the trail
✔Add 50 new parking spaces
✔Construct a new viewing platform at the falls, and more
This project has been a long time in the making—the current paved trail dates back to 1963. Old, cracked pavement causes safety concerns and makes the path less accessible. 
This trail is also one of the park’s most popular, with over 300,000 hikers on it every year. Parking fills up fast, which is why we’re adding more parking spaces to improve circulation.
We look forward to enjoying the trail together once work is complete!
Learn more: https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/national-park-service-to-begin-major-rehabilitation-of-laurel-falls-trail-in-january.htm?fbclid=IwY2xjawHOmYhleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHdixGwMX_YYVCJ055p7PBwYF39Db9fYcktUVG9bXh14sx1pC4_uJAHd9cg_aem_0c5ov28LJPuyZsLrf67rjwImage attachment

Due to inclement weather, the Cookeville History Museum will be closed Friday, January 10 & Saturday, January 11. Be safe, everyone! ❄️☃️ ... See MoreSee Less

Due to inclement weather, the Cookeville History Museum will be closed Friday, January 10 & Saturday, January 11. Be safe, everyone! ❄️☃️
2 weeks ago

... See MoreSee Less

Load more

What Visitors Say!

So much cool stuff! The standing exhibits and the rotating special exhibits are beautifully put together, fun to investigate, and a plethora of information about the local community and its ties to the state and country at large.

This small building holds a large amount of information and artifacts regarding the birth of our city. There are also new exhibits as well, one of which has been a tribute to nurses in our area. It was very interesting and informative. Cookeville is greatly blessed with this museum!!

A lot of interesting history for such a small space. It was nice to wander around at your own pace. Great place for history buffs and it’s free.

Marvelous display of Cookeville from Indians to now!! Enjoyed by us and my 87-year-old Dad who was visiting. We’ve lived here for over 30 years, but this was our first visit. We’ll come again!!!

The timeline of events tells Cookeville and regional history. The staff is incredibly friendly, knowledgeable and truly make it a unique experience. The organization and exhibits are impressive. Make sure to walk down to the depot.

Early times in Cookeville

Cookeville Depot Museum

116 W. Broad Street
Cookeville, TN 38501

Tuesday – Saturday
10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Cookeville Depot and Museum