general information
Address and Phone
601 S. Gay Street
Knoxville, TN 37902
Phone: 865-215-8824
Fax: 865-215-8819
Quick Information
Arts and Crafts, Arts and Culture, Gift Shop, Guided Tours, Historic Attractions
ADA Compliant, Brochures Available
Payment Types Accepted
Cash, MasterCard, Personal Check, Visa
East Tennessee History Center
Knoxville, TN
The East Tennessee History Center, formerly the Old Custom House, is home to three organizations that work together to preserve history:
The East Tennessee Historical Society (ETHS) is a non-profit organization that provides public programming relating to the history and heritage of East Tennessee. Through publications, lectures, tours, and teacher/student activities, and the ETHS Museum, the Society serves 2,000 members, 40 affiliate organizations, and the general public.
The Knox County Archives, located on the second floor, preserves and provides public access to permanent, noncurrent records created by Knox County government agencies from 1792 to the present. Knoxville was the capital of the Territory South of the River Ohio (1791-1796) and the first capital of the State of Tennessee (1796-1812). As a result, Knox County has significant historic documents among its early records.
The Calvin M. McClung Historical Collection, on the third floor, is the local history and genealogy department of the Knox County Public Library System. The McClung Collection is one of the foremost collections of East Tennessee history and, with more than 63,000 volumes, 12,000 rolls of microfilm, 3,000 maps, 100,000 photographs and negatives, 600 manuscripts, and a wealth of genealogical information and resources, is one of the premier research libraries in the region.
Directions: The History Center is located on the corner of Gay and Clinch, across from the Tennessee Theater in downtown Knoxville.
