Join us for the 2026 Awards of Excellence program as we celebrate achievements and projects from the East Tennessee history community. A buffet dinner will be provided, followed by a brief Annual Meeting of the Membership and the awards ceremony. All will take place in the Bilo Nelson Auditorium at the East Tennessee History Center (601 S. Gay Street, Knoxville, TN 37902).

The East Tennessee Historical Society’s Awards of Excellence program annually recognizes individuals and organizations for significant contributions to the preservation, promotion, and interpretation of the region’s history. Eligible projects include exhibits, lectures, conferences, publications, print and broadcast media, teaching, and lifetime achievement.

View the 2025 Awards of Excellence Recipients

Tickets
$30* (includes dinner buffet)
*Seating is very limited! Please RSVP by April 27, 2026. Award winners, please see email.

Schedule

4:30 – Auditorium Doors Open

5:00-5:30 – Buffet Dinner (see menu below)

5:30-6:00 – ETHS Annual Meeting of the Membership

6:00-7:30 – Awards Ceremony

Menu
Sweet Ps BBQ
Pork (gf, df)
Chicken (gf, df)
Mac n’ Cheese
Coleslaw (gf)
Pinto Beans (gf, df)
Green Beans (gf, df)
Banana Pudding
Buns
Corn Muffins (gf)
Tea and Water

Available Upon Request*
Sweet Ps Tofu BBQ
Gluten free/vegan Cookies from Kooky Cookies

*Please email Kelley at [email protected] to request vegetarian and/or gluten free options.

Parking

City of Knoxville Garages: City of Knoxville garages also offer free parking when entering after 6:00 p.m. weekdays and all day on weekends. For additional parking information, please reference either Downtown Knoxville’s parking map or Parkopedia.

Short-Term Metered Parking: On-street, short-term metered parking is available near ETHC’s entrance at Gay Street and Clinch Avenue. The spaces are typically limited to two hours and are actively patrolled by parking enforcement.

Handicap-Accessible Parking: Two handicap accessible parking spaces are available on Gay Street, directly in front of ETHC. There is a two-hour time limit.