Serpent Handlers and Streetcar Suburbs
Brown Bag Lectures
Brown Bag Lectures are at noon at the East Tennessee History Center, 601 S. Gay Street. The public is invited to bring a lunch and enjoy an hour of history. Soft drinks will be available.
July 9—“The Serpent Handlers: Three Families and Their Faith,” by Fred Brown
For years, author Fred Brown has studied and written about the beliefs of those who place a literal interpretation on the New Testament Scripture of Mark 16:17-18. He will discuss three families—the Browns of Tennessee, The Coots from Kentucky , and the Elkins of West Virginia. In his recently reprinted book, The Serpent Handlers, Brown examines the practices and puts a human face to those willing to risk their lives to practice their faith as they see it.
August 13—“A Look back at Fountain City ,” by J. C. “Jim” Tumblin
Fountain City is one of Knoxville ’s most pleasant neighborhoods with a thriving local business community. But a visitor doesn’t even have to get off the main street to sense that there’s an untold history just waiting to be discovered. Fountain City native and historian Dr. J. C. “Jim” Tumblin will share with us the facts and stories he’s uncovered through decades of research as he traces its beginning from a frontier fort to a Methodist campground to the site of a resort and spa.
Brown Bag Lectures are at noon at the East Tennessee History Center, 601 S. Gay Street. The public is invited to bring a lunch and enjoy an hour of history. Soft drinks will be available.
July 9—“The Serpent Handlers: Three Families and Their Faith,” by Fred Brown
For years, author Fred Brown has studied and written about the beliefs of those who place a literal interpretation on the New Testament Scripture of Mark 16:17-18. He will discuss three families—the Browns of Tennessee, The Coots from Kentucky , and the Elkins of West Virginia. In his recently reprinted book, The Serpent Handlers, Brown examines the practices and puts a human face to those willing to risk their lives to practice their faith as they see it.
August 13—“A Look back at Fountain City ,” by J. C. “Jim” Tumblin
Fountain City is one of Knoxville ’s most pleasant neighborhoods with a thriving local business community. But a visitor doesn’t even have to get off the main street to sense that there’s an untold history just waiting to be discovered. Fountain City native and historian Dr. J. C. “Jim” Tumblin will share with us the facts and stories he’s uncovered through decades of research as he traces its beginning from a frontier fort to a Methodist campground to the site of a resort and spa.
Volunteers Needed for New "Voices of the Land" Exhibit
Knoxville, TN, June 11, 2008--The East Tennessee Historical Society (ETHS) is looking for volunteers who love history to help us welcome visitors of all ages to the East Tennessee Historical Center's new signature exhibit “Voices of the Land,” opening in late August.
To share our exciting opportunities, ETHS will host two recruitment events for new volunteers on Saturday, July 12 and Friday, July 18 from 10:00 a.m. till noon at the East Tennessee History Center. We will provide a sneak peak into the new exhibit as part of both sessions! The program is the same on both dates so please let us know which day you would like to attend.
The ETHS staff is excited about meeting new folks who are interested in learning about East Tennessee ’s history and are willing to share this history with others. Particular assistance is needed with school group tours on weekday mornings and with assisting as exhibit hosts and/or docents on weekdays and weekends. Other positions are also available. No experience is necessary, just a love of history and a willingness to commit the time and effort.
A series of training workshops will follow the July 12 and 18 orientation sessions. Sign ups for these workshops will be held on those days.
To share our exciting opportunities, ETHS will host two recruitment events for new volunteers on Saturday, July 12 and Friday, July 18 from 10:00 a.m. till noon at the East Tennessee History Center. We will provide a sneak peak into the new exhibit as part of both sessions! The program is the same on both dates so please let us know which day you would like to attend.
The ETHS staff is excited about meeting new folks who are interested in learning about East Tennessee ’s history and are willing to share this history with others. Particular assistance is needed with school group tours on weekday mornings and with assisting as exhibit hosts and/or docents on weekdays and weekends. Other positions are also available. No experience is necessary, just a love of history and a willingness to commit the time and effort.
A series of training workshops will follow the July 12 and 18 orientation sessions. Sign ups for these workshops will be held on those days.
History Excellence Award Recipients Honored
Knoxville, TN, May 7, 2008--John Rice Irwin of the Museum of Appalachia and Ed Westcott, the first photographer of the Army’s Manhattan Engineering District, were among some 20 organizations and individuals honored for their contributions to the region’s history at the ETHS Annual Meeting on May 6. Now in its 27th year, the ETHS Awards of Excellence program annually recognizes outstanding individuals and organizations for their work in preserving and promoting the region’s history.
Click here for more information on the 2008 award winners and projects.
Click here for more information on the 2008 award winners and projects.
East Tennessee History Day Winners
Knoxville, TN, March 4, 2008--East Tennessee History Day 2008 was held March 3 at the Carolyn P. Brown University Center at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. Co-sponsored by the East Tennessee Historical Society and the University of Tennessee Department of History, the National History Day district competition hosted 300 students and over 160 entries in its seventh year. Ten East Tennessee counties participated.
First through third place winners advance to Tennessee History Day which will be held at the University of Memphis on April 5th. 4th place winners serve as alternates. Click here to download the list of East Tennessee winners.
First through third place winners advance to Tennessee History Day which will be held at the University of Memphis on April 5th. 4th place winners serve as alternates. Click here to download the list of East Tennessee winners.