Showcasing history
Tennessee Agricultural Museum unveils new artifact cases
On hand for the unveiling of the Youth in Agriculture artifact case at the Tennessee Agricultural Museum are, from left, 4-H representatives Noah Ham, Mehak Patel, and Kaylin Osterhaus; Chris Fleming, associate director of Ag in the Classroom, Tennessee Farm Bureau; Rob Holland, state coordinator for the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program; Carol McDonald, assistant commissioner, Tennessee Department of Agriculture; and FFA representatives Katie Lipford, Abigail Collie, Abigail Whicker, Ariana Mota, and Casen Austin.
Tennessee’s state museum for agricultural history and education recently held its 2025 Tennessee Agricultural Museum fundraising Dinner on the Lawn where officials unveiled new artifact display cases bought with help from Tennessee Farmers Cooperative, Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation, Tennessee Department of Agriculture, and Bush's Beans.
The museum’s curator, Abigail Coomes, and staff are in the process of filling the cases with engaging exhibits about the state’s agricultural heritage. These new cases will be used to showcase artifacts, like the museum’s existing collection, which includes items ranging from Native American tools to looms, wood stoves, and washing machines to heavy farm equipment.
“We were delighted to have some Tennessee representatives from 4-H and FFA on hand for the event since the case we chose to feature for the ribbon cutting was the "Youth in Agriculture" case,” says Greer Gill, vice president of the Oscar L. Farris Agricultural Museum Association. “This case will feature artifacts such as a 4-H cardigan and commemorative truck, and an FFA jacket and commemorative tractor.”
The Tennessee Agricultural Museum will be soliciting other artifacts that represent the state’s rich agricultural offerings for youth through history as leaders finalize the layout and interpretation of the artifact cases.
“We encourage everyone to visit the museum soon to see the new cases as they are finished,” she adds. “Thank you for your support of the Tennessee Agricultural Museum. We appreciate your help to protect and preserve the history of our great state.”
The Tennessee Agricultural Museum serves to educate the public about Tennessee farm life with more than 4,000 artifacts, including farm equipment, domestic items, and a honeybee hive. The museum includes two levels of exhibits, an heirloom garden, and historic cabins. It is located at 404 Hogan Road in Nashville. The museum is open Monday – Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and closed weekends and holidays. Admission is free. Please note: The museum will be closed November 24-28 and December 24 through January 2, 2026.
