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

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💡FUN FACT FRIDAY💡
Early records indicated that much of what happened during Christmas in the Upper Cumberland in the 19th and early 20th century included visiting and gathering with friends and families and dancing, playing music (including fiddle playing), and singing—sometimes until the late hours. Parties were especially popular for the young. Locals tell of dancing by candlelight and oil lamps each night of the week starting at dark. Some sang around the fire from gospel songbooks. In Algood in 1919, “The young folks had a real nice time at the singing given by Harry and Molly Stamps Christmas Night, in Three Springs,” and “Peyton Phy gave the young folks a singing Saturday night.” By one local account, these dances were referred to as “breakdowns.” These events took place throughout the season and brought together – in celebration of the holiday – friends, family, and the community. 🎄
Excerpted from: Exploring Yuletide Treasures: A Glimpse into the Upper Cumberland’s Historic Christmas Celebrations by Megan Atkinson
December 5, 2023 by University Archives
... See MoreSee Less

💡FUN FACT FRIDAY💡
Early records indicated that much of what happened during Christmas in the Upper Cumberland in the 19th and early 20th century included visiting and gathering with friends and families and dancing, playing music (including fiddle playing), and singing—sometimes until the late hours. Parties were especially popular for the young. Locals tell of dancing by candlelight and oil lamps each night of the week starting at dark. Some sang around the fire from gospel songbooks. In Algood in 1919, “The young folks had a real nice time at the singing given by Harry and Molly Stamps Christmas Night, in Three Springs,” and “Peyton Phy gave the young folks a singing Saturday night.” By one local account, these dances were referred to as “breakdowns.” These events took place throughout the season and brought together – in celebration of the holiday – friends, family, and the community. 🎄
Excerpted from: Exploring Yuletide Treasures: A Glimpse into the Upper Cumberland’s Historic Christmas Celebrations by Megan Atkinson
December 5, 2023 by University Archives

The Cookeville History Museum wishes you a very merry Christmas! See you on Thursday, December 26th. 🎅 ... See MoreSee Less

The Cookeville History Museum wishes you a very merry Christmas! See you on Thursday, December 26th. 🎅

Y'all, our Spokesmodel, Linda, is at it again! 🤩 ... See MoreSee Less

4 CommentsComment on Facebook

Linda Eldredge Henderson 🌟

Great job Linda!

Great job! Beautiful lady.

💡FUN FACT FRIDAY💡
Much like television programming features Christmas programming throughout the season in the 21st century, the Putnam County Herald published Christmas stories in the newspaper throughout the holiday. Authors and poets such as Clara Cox Epperson contributed stories of Christmas and the paper ran Christmas-related content from local and national publications, including songs, sermons, parables, poems and stories about the origins of Christmas. The local newspaper was a major source of information and entertainment regarding the Christmas holiday in 19th and early 20th century Cookeville.
The local newspapers’ “society pages” acted as a Facebook “check-in” and an events page, allowing people to promote various social and cultural events in the area but also allowing for gossip. Announcements appeared in the Putnam County Herald such as “There will be entertainment and also a Christmas tree at Free Union, Dec. 24 Everybody invited -Santa,” “Miss Marie White is here to spend the holidays with her family,” and “Buck Ligon and family are spending Christmas with friends in Double Springs.” Announcements for events and gatherings would come from across the Upper Cumberland including Hilham, Pleasant Hill, Monterey, Gainesboro and Mayland--and were published for all readers of the newspaper.
Excerpted from: Exploring Yuletide Treasures: A Glimpse into the Upper Cumberland’s Historic Christmas Celebrations by Megan Atkinson
December 5, 2023 by University Archives
... See MoreSee Less

💡FUN FACT FRIDAY💡
Much like television programming features Christmas programming throughout the season in the 21st century, the Putnam County Herald published Christmas stories in the newspaper throughout the holiday. Authors and poets such as Clara Cox Epperson contributed stories of Christmas and the paper ran Christmas-related content from local and national publications, including songs, sermons, parables, poems and stories about the origins of Christmas. The local newspaper was a major source of information and entertainment regarding the Christmas holiday in 19th and early 20th century Cookeville. 
The local newspapers’ “society pages” acted as a Facebook “check-in” and an events page, allowing people to promote various social and cultural events in the area but also allowing for gossip. Announcements appeared in the Putnam County Herald such as “There will be entertainment and also a Christmas tree at Free Union, Dec. 24 Everybody invited -Santa,” “Miss Marie White is here to spend the holidays with her family,” and “Buck Ligon and family are spending Christmas with friends in Double Springs.” Announcements for events and gatherings would come from across the Upper Cumberland including Hilham, Pleasant Hill, Monterey, Gainesboro and Mayland--and were published for all readers of the newspaper. 
Excerpted from: Exploring Yuletide Treasures: A Glimpse into the Upper Cumberland’s Historic Christmas Celebrations by Megan Atkinson
December 5, 2023 by University ArchivesImage attachment
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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