Programs & Current Projects

Knoxville’s history in the present: Current occasions of historical interest

HISTORIC KNOXVILLE PLAYING CARDS

KHP is proud to showcase a  new set of illustrated playing cards designed by the talented Tara Guin.

Playing with this sumptuous set will inspire you to learn a thing or two about some truly interesting, creative, successful, and altogether quirky and unforgettable characters from Knoxville’s past featured on the face cards. Meet the face cards on our Historic Knoxville Playing Cards page.

NEW!!! – HISTORIC KNOXVILLE: 

The Curious Visitor’s Guide to its Stories and Places

Coming soon is Knoxville History Project’s new book. Written by Jack Neely, this comprehensive and engaging 200-page guide for both visitors and residents offers a wide-ranging guided tour to scores of places and institutions relevant to the city’s little know but endlessly fascinating history.

This might just be the best gift for that special someone you’ve been looking for. And why not treat yourself to a copy as well. Knoxville will just come alive  after you’ve read this book and explored some fascinating places!

Available from KHP and local book shops and retailers. Price: 24.95

Anticipated Release date: November 30, 2018

Learn more on the HISTORIC KNOXVILLE GUIDE page.

2019 WORK PLAN

For an overview of KHP’s core programs and priority projects in 2019 click here. 

KNOXVILLE’S NATIONAL CEMETERY: A SHORT HISTORY 

For Memorial Day Weekend 2018, KHP completed the first-ever published history of Knoxville’s National Cemetery.

A solemn destination, National Cemetery which lies adjacent to Old Gray Cemetery off Broadway, is the resting places of more than 9,000 American soldiers from every major war in the last 155 years and, in some cases, their close families. It’s so well kept, white stones in green grass, it doesn’t look very old, but it may be Knoxville’s best-preserved artifact of the Civil War. It was founded in September, 1863, when the Union-held city was anticipating a Confederate siege.

 

The Union monument, one of the largest in the South outside of battlefield memorial parks, has an extraordinary story behind it– about why it looks very different in old photographs. It also holds the simple grave of an especially well-known general who’s memorialized much more extravagantly elsewhere in town.

Learn more about the National Cemetery and other noteworthy cemeteries on our Historic Cemeteries page through the Knoxville History Portal.

 

WALK WITH ME PODCASTS

If you want to hear an unusual take on Knoxville’s history and culture, try Walk with Me.

This creation of musician, filmmaker, and former television host Bob Deck, through his company, Wide Lens, along with singer/songwriter/poet R.B. Morris. The newest ones, about the Tennessee and Bijou Theatres, the Knoxville Museum of Art, St. John’s Episcopal Church, and the Jig & Reel– all venues used in the recent Big Ears festival– include some historical context provided by the Knoxville History Project.  It’s an interesting idea, and we hope to participate in more projects like it in the future. Go to WALK WITH ME

NEW! “KNOXVILLE HISTORY PORTAL” ONLINE

In addition to our talks, tours, publications, and research projects, the Knoxville History Project is building a new online Knoxville History Portal – a repository of Knoxville history. Check back frequently to discover new entries filled with engaging content, history video vignettes by Knoxville Weekend, interactive maps, galleries, “Behind the Names” and more!

Latest update: Smoky Mountain Explorers!

Honoring Bob Booker

The Knoxville History Project is proud to honor Bob Booker for his significant  contributions to recording and preserving the history and culture of Knoxville. At our annual luncheon, we’ll have a memorable Q&A with Bob Booker and Jack Neely, KHP’s Executive Director. For more information see our Annual Fundraising Luncheon page.

NEW! Q and A with Bob Booker and Jack Neely Podcast!

Downtown Art Wraps

Expanding every month, Downtown Art Wraps engage the public to discover the city’s rich artistic heritage by showcasing some of the important artwork made by Knoxville artists from the past. View the wraps on an interactive map and learn more on our Downtown Art Wraps  page.

What’s Inside Your Shoe Box?

Most of us have a shoe box filled with old photos, clippings, and assorted memorabilia from our own lives and families.

You might have something in there that has distinct local importance and would also enhance KHP’s ability to tell a more comprehensive story of this special town. Old family photos might show interesting scenes or buildings. Posters and photos from musical shows here in Knoxville also have fascinating stories to tell, especially when coupled with others.

Learn how you can help KHP and enrich local history on our Knoxville Shoe Box page.

Kicking things off we have new information about Emory Place as well as the new Lib Cooper Knoxville Digital Postcard Collection to share!

Recently Published Works

In 2017, the Knoxville History Project published several book compilations based on previously written articles written by Jack Neely that appeared in the Knoxville Mercury from 2015-2017. While most of those stories are searchable in their original forms on the “Stories” section of this website, quite a few have been updated, and in some cases expanded. Plus, archive photographs and historic illustrations now enhance the texts. We have found that bringing previously disparate stories together within a volume greatly enhances the power of these chapters of Knoxville’s rich and fascinating history.

For more information please go to our Published Works page or go directly to our online Shop.

 

KNOXVILLE HISTORY GUIDE

In 2018, KHP’s signature project will be the publication of a comprehensive history guide book for Knoxville residents and visitors to fully explore the many facets of our city’s rich history.

This will be the first time that such a publication has ever been published.

Learn more on our Knoxville History Guide page.

 

A History of Knoxville Public Works

In November 2017, KHP supported the City of Knoxville’s statewide participation and hosting of the Tennessee Chapter of American Public Works Association by producing a history booklet for attendees on the history of public works since the city was founded in 1791.

Jack Neely also delivered a Technical Session Presentation during the conference. This project told how Knoxville as we know it came to be, largely through improvements in public works.

Have an idea for your own research project? KHP can help. Please contact Paul James, Development Director at: 865-300-4559 or paul@knoxhistoryproject.org