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
What Is Happening At The Museum
What Visitors Say!
Cookeville Depot Museum
116 W. Broad Street
Cookeville, TN 38501
Tuesday – Saturday
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Are YOU the raconteur in your squad? Does the group chat light up with "haha"s and "LOL"s when you're front and center?
Look, Cookeville: we all have that one story. The one we tell at parties—sometimes to people who are actively trying to leave the conversation. The one that starts with "So, this one time..." and ends with either roaring laughter or polite, slightly concerned nods. Well, dust off that story, because YOUR MOMENT HAS ARRIVED.
Cookeville Storyfest is calling all amateur storytellers! Yes, you. We want YOUR stories. Forget polished prose and dramatic flair. We're looking for...well, let's be honest, we're looking for entertaining. Think of those childhood antics, relationship mishaps or workday foibles...we want to hear them all.
Here's the deal:
10 minutes: That's all you get—you can do this!
Saturday, May 3rd, 1:30 pm (CDT): Mark your calendars, your destiny awaits.
Cookeville's Dogwood Park: In the big tent behind the Cookeville History Museum at 40 E. Broad St. Cookeville, TN.
Amateur Storytelling Contest: Emphasis on amateur. Professionals, please stay home and judge us silently from afar. We need relatable content, people! We need stories about that time you tripped on a single blade of grass, or accidentally sent a text to your boss meant for your mom. We need the messy, the awkward, the hilariously embarrassing moments that make life worth living.
Why should you do this?
Bragging rights: "I told a story on stage at Storyfest" sounds way cooler than "I binged-watched 12 episodes of that show about competitive thumb wrestling."
Potential for mild embarrassment: But hey, at least you'll have a new story to tell at parties!
Free entertainment for the audience: You're doing a public service, really.
Oh...AND CASH PRIZES!!!
So, Cookeville, are you in? Are you brave enough to share your tales of triumph (or, more likely, hilarious failure)? Don't let your stories go untold! Sign up for Storyfest's amateur storytelling contest today by emailing bthompson@cookeville-tn.gov. Limit of 8 contestants; first come, first served.
P.S. If your story involves a raccoon, you get bonus points. Just sayin'. 🦝 ... See MoreSee Less
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💡FUN FACT FRIDAY💡♥Valentine's Day Edition♥
Ever wondered what Valentine's Day was like in 1960s Tennessee? Here is a great photo essay from the Tennessean giving a glimpse into life 60 years ago! ♥
www.tennessean.com/picture-gallery/news/local/2024/02/13/nashville-then-valentines-day-being-cele... ... See MoreSee Less
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Do you enjoy…fun? Today, we have our WestSide Scavenger Hunt at the Depot, jamieseatsandsweets’s 3rd-Annual Chocolate Festival AND the opening reception for “Lessons from the Leaves: Art by Mildred Garrett” at the History Museum. Whew! Can’t wait to see all y’all! 🎨🍫🕵️ ... See MoreSee Less
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💡FUN FACT FRIDAY💡
Built in 1949 on Gibson Avenue, John's Place started out as a grocery store and restaurant owned by the African American McClellan family. It was first owned by Ed McClellan and was known as Ed's Place until he later transferred ownership to his brother, John. A popular hangout for Tennessee Tech students and blue-collar workers, the restaurant became known as a place where everyone could get a beer and bite to eat, regardless of race. The restaurant has always been known for its delicious food, friendly atmosphere and welcoming staff. In 2011, John's Place was listed on the National Register of Historic Places for its role in the civil rights movement. Everybody's welcome at John's Place! ... See MoreSee Less
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Back in the 60's it was the only place in town (but gerrymandered outside city limits) that sold beer. Burgers and pickled eggs!