McMinn County Living Heritage Museum

Relive more than a century of the rich, turbulent history of Southeast Tennessee at the McMinn County Living Heritage Museum in Athens, Tennessee. Thirty permanent exhibit areas depict life from the Cherokee Indians and early pioneer settlers through 1940 as well as several changing exhibits and programs throughout the year. Exhibits that captivate, programs that educate, and events that entertain all await you. So visit us today!

The Vision of the McMinn County Living Heritage Museum is to preserve our community's distinctive history, share its rich heritage, and celebrate its unique culture for the education and enrichment of the public and all visitors.

The Mission of the McMinn County Living Heritage Museum is to steward the history and heritage of McMinn County and the region. This mission is met by collecting, preserving, presenting, and interpreting artifacts, artwork, and other items representative of our community's culture, both past and present. Meeting this mission offers education and enrichment for the public and visitors of all ages, races, and ethnicities.

The Museum's collection of over 9,000 artifacts represents the culture and history of our region in Southeast Tennessee and reflects the storyline that the Museum traces from the pioneer settlers of the mid-1700s through the 1940s, and are displayed in thirty permanent exhibit areas.

The Museum also offers several changing exhibits, special events, and programs throughout the year. The preservation of all of the collection ensures that our mission to educate the public and protect our heritage will be permanently available to the public.

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