I just wanted to share a few photos from my whirlwind visit to the Tennessee State Museum in Nashville.
It was whirlwind, because there was a reception going on and a taping soon to follow. There wasn't enough time to explore everything, but I wanted you to get a glimpse -- in case you are visiting (or live near) Nashville, it's a great venue!
Of course, Andrew Jackson is one of the "local heroes" and it was interesting to see the many displays that looked at more than the president's portrait on the twenty dollar bill!
I was fascinated by the display on dueling. The pistol seems to move around the room so no matter where you stand, it seems to be pointed directly at you. It's a tad disconcerting.
The political cartoons were fascinating, too.
Being a state museum, its focus was, of course on Tennessee, and there were many excellent displays.
There was a wonderful furniture collection and some rooms set up to show life in the 1800s.
There was also a "print shop" --
-- and the "Knoxville Gazette was ready to break news!
The Civil War collection is significant. I was rather captivated by this well done staging of the tents in a Civil War battlefield.
But it should come as no surprise to you that my favorite area was the quilt collection.
These are just a few of my favorites.
A number of portraits were displayed in a portrait gallery. Many of the names didn't mean much to me, but they were still handsome -- of another time.
I was rather fond of this glass window...
...the large loom...
...and this covered wagon. Can you imagine making the cross country journey in this?
Of course, Rick is never far from my heart when I travel -- especially when I see things he'd like. And I thought he'd like this scene very much!
Something tells me that if this was the only bike in town, he'd be on it!
The Tennessee State Museum, downtown Nashville: Definitely worth a visit!
It was whirlwind, because there was a reception going on and a taping soon to follow. There wasn't enough time to explore everything, but I wanted you to get a glimpse -- in case you are visiting (or live near) Nashville, it's a great venue!
Of course, Andrew Jackson is one of the "local heroes" and it was interesting to see the many displays that looked at more than the president's portrait on the twenty dollar bill!
I was fascinated by the display on dueling. The pistol seems to move around the room so no matter where you stand, it seems to be pointed directly at you. It's a tad disconcerting.
The political cartoons were fascinating, too.
Being a state museum, its focus was, of course on Tennessee, and there were many excellent displays.
There was a wonderful furniture collection and some rooms set up to show life in the 1800s.
There was also a "print shop" --
-- and the "Knoxville Gazette was ready to break news!
The Civil War collection is significant. I was rather captivated by this well done staging of the tents in a Civil War battlefield.
But it should come as no surprise to you that my favorite area was the quilt collection.
These are just a few of my favorites.
A number of portraits were displayed in a portrait gallery. Many of the names didn't mean much to me, but they were still handsome -- of another time.
I was rather fond of this glass window...
...the large loom...
...and this covered wagon. Can you imagine making the cross country journey in this?
Of course, Rick is never far from my heart when I travel -- especially when I see things he'd like. And I thought he'd like this scene very much!
Something tells me that if this was the only bike in town, he'd be on it!
The Tennessee State Museum, downtown Nashville: Definitely worth a visit!
16 comments:
Your museum photos are filled with lots of good history ~ the quilts, the loom are my favorites. Sounds like a fabulous trip! ~ Katie
I love Tennessee....I used to visit a lot, but haven't been for a while. You gave us a great tour of the museum.
I went to this museum about 18 years ago; it may be time to plan a return trip to Nashville.
That looks like a fabulous museum.
I especially loved seeing the lovely quilts. The printing press is so beautiful.
Enjoy and have fun today and everyday!
Cory/Dogwood
When is NPR going to hire you to do an "out and about" program? I love these pictures, had no idea the Museum existed but would go right to the rooms that show life back in the day.Nothing works better to teach me history than to look at "scenes" that include the stuff of daily life. Adn the quilts!!!!! I can sit still to write - could I ever sit still to sew? Perhaps if doing it in a group. Actually, that's a favorite movie of mine: HOW TO MAKE AN AMERICAN QUILT. (check it out if you haven't already.)
And the stained glass - you're absolutely right - it's ...just right.
You made me laugh with the bike picture. What did Rick say? I admire his avidness. I may have to connect Snarl (our son) with him somehow. Snarl is all over bikes and bike riding and is building them now. That's what he wanted for Xmas: bike parts. Egads.
Anyway, as always, it's grand to see the country with you and your intrepid camera - so if you print out your blog pages, you have a book!!!
more later...
Wow! These are beautiful pictures, and what a wonderful museum. As a Canadian living in the snow country here above the 49th parallel, I admit this is the kind of culture and history that I'm ill-informed. Thank you for transporting me to a fascinating time and place... and yes, like oh, love the quilts and the exquisite stained glass.
You do such a good job of introducing us to the places you visit. I'm seriously thinking of going to Nashville now. I just told H we should go. He said he'd like it, too. I'm sending him this link and the one before this one. He'll like the shrimp and grits. He's right over there - just across the desk from me - but I'll just send it to him.
What fun...my husband would love this place!
Thanks for sharing. xo
It looks like a very good museum.
Andrew Jackson is no "local hero" of mine. :) My great grandfather lost his entire plantation (yeah, that's another story . . . ) when Jackson closed the national bank. (Panic of 1837.) Apparently he didn't believe in paper money, and it was a personal vendetta. All loans were called in. Hard times resulted. Thus, my father grew up dirt poor and had to go to work at age 11.
Anywho. :)
No, I can't imagine a cross-country trip in those wagons. I think they traveled more slowly than feet! Oh, and that great-grandfather? His son, my grandfather, drove a horse-drawn wagon (not covered I think) to, and from SC to Tennessee for a job as pastor. My dad's sister remembered the trip. My dad's dad was 70 when Dad was born (my dad 1917, his dad 1847) and fought in the Civil War. The aforementioned aunt? She lived until 2004. In THREE generations my forbears touched FOUR centuries.
How's that for a family museum? :D
Looks like a very interesting place. It makes me think of family vacations from my childhood when my mother would drag us all to these types of places and my sister and I would moan and groan and just want to go to the beach!
Karla
The quilt theme echoes in so many places: not just in the gorgeous quilts themselves, but also in the stained glass window and in the carefully arranged portrait studies... as well as in your own lovely exposition of the museum. Love getting your perspective on a town I hope to visit someday!
looks like a great spot with such a nice variety of things to take in...Love that crazy quilt especially
oxo
What a great museum! Those quilts are KILLING me! LOVE THEM!
I have never been to Tennessee, but your visit looks great and I would love the museum too. The quilts are especially gorgeous! Thanks!
Love the quilts and the printing press. Years ago I went to this museum; looks like it's expanded. xo
What a wonderful trip. I'm especially interested in that black and white quilt. Do you know anything about its history, or the pattern?
I ask because it's so reminiscent of many of the "country cloths" in Liberia. They are woven in strips on handmade looms, then sewn together and decorated, often with geometric designs. And the Kente cloth of Ghana is even more similar.
Your records of your travels always are so beautifully photographed - the only downside to them is that they make me want to travel!
Post a Comment