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
BIG THANKS to the Tennessee Commission for the U.S. Semiquincentennial for making our cool new mural possible! 🇺🇸🌸
A new piece of Tennessee history is making a colorful statement in Cookeville.
Stop by the Cookeville History Museum to see a stunning new exterior mural by Tennessee artist Katie Tyler. Sponsored by the Tennessee Commission for the U.S. Semiquincentennial, the mural celebrates Cookeville's rich heritage through the design of a vintage postcard, featuring beloved local landmarks like the train depot and Putnam County Courthouse. Look closely and you'll even spot the city's founding date in the postmark.
Stop by the Cookeville History Museum to see a stunning new exterior mural by Tennessee artist Katie Tyler. Sponsored by the Tennessee Commission for the U.S. Semiquincentennial, the mural celebrates Cookeville's rich heritage through the design of a vintage postcard, featuring beloved local landmarks like the train depot and Putnam County Courthouse. Look closely and you'll even spot the city's founding date in the postmark.
History Hike today 1030am - 230pm! 🌻 Join in the fun and you could win a prize from Outdoor Experience!
💡FUN (Southern-Food) FACT FRIDAY💡
Biscuits became a Southern staple because of soft wheat: The South’s climate was ideal for growing soft winter wheat, which helped create the tender biscuits we associate with Southern cooking today.
Cast iron cookware was often passed down like jewelry: Many Southern families treasured cast iron skillets for generations, seasoning them over decades and attaching memories to every meal cooked inside.
Barbecue traditions tell regional stories: Different Southern regions developed distinct barbecue styles based on local ingredients, cultures and cooking methods—from vinegar sauces to dry rubs.
Soul food recipes preserved both survival and celebration: Many dishes associated with soul food were created from resourcefulness, family traditions and African culinary knowledge carried through generations.
Biscuits became a Southern staple because of soft wheat: The South’s climate was ideal for growing soft winter wheat, which helped create the tender biscuits we associate with Southern cooking today.
Cast iron cookware was often passed down like jewelry: Many Southern families treasured cast iron skillets for generations, seasoning them over decades and attaching memories to every meal cooked inside.
Barbecue traditions tell regional stories: Different Southern regions developed distinct barbecue styles based on local ingredients, cultures and cooking methods—from vinegar sauces to dry rubs.
Soul food recipes preserved both survival and celebration: Many dishes associated with soul food were created from resourcefulness, family traditions and African culinary knowledge carried through generations.
A new piece of history is now part of downtown Cookeville!
We’re excited to unveil the beautiful new mural on the City of Cookeville History Museum building. A huge thank you to Katie Tyler for sharing her incredible talent, creativity, and countless hours of hard work to bring this stunning piece to life.
Now it’s your turn! Stop by the museum, snap a photo with the mural, and share it on social media. Be sure to tag Cookeville Leisure Services so we can see your pictures!
📸 Throughout the summer, we’ll be sharing visitor photos with the mural, so gather your friends and family and strike a pose with Cookeville’s newest photo spot.
#CookevilleHistoryMuseum #CookevilleTN #VisitCookeville #CookevilleLeisureServices
We’re excited to unveil the beautiful new mural on the City of Cookeville History Museum building. A huge thank you to Katie Tyler for sharing her incredible talent, creativity, and countless hours of hard work to bring this stunning piece to life.
Now it’s your turn! Stop by the museum, snap a photo with the mural, and share it on social media. Be sure to tag Cookeville Leisure Services so we can see your pictures!
📸 Throughout the summer, we’ll be sharing visitor photos with the mural, so gather your friends and family and strike a pose with Cookeville’s newest photo spot.
#CookevilleHistoryMuseum #CookevilleTN #VisitCookeville #CookevilleLeisureServices
How will YOU #FindYourStoryInCookeville this weekend? Be sure to stop by to see the STUNNING new mural by Kts Art and Design at the Cookeville History Museum!
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Cookeville Depot Museum
116 W. Broad Street
Cookeville, TN 38501
Tuesday – Saturday
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
