New Black History Museum Opens in East Tennessee

Tri-County African American Museum aims to preserve local history in Anderson, Roane, and Morgan counties.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A new museum has opened in Oliver Springs, Tennessee that focuses on documenting and celebrating the lives and contributions of Black families in the surrounding Anderson, Roane, and Morgan counties. The Tri-County African American Museum opened last year with a clear mission to preserve local history that might otherwise be lost.

Why it matters

The museum's opening represents an important effort to highlight the often overlooked history and experiences of Black communities in East Tennessee. By preserving this local history, the museum aims to give voice to stories that have traditionally been marginalized or left out of the broader historical narrative.

The details

The Tri-County African American Museum is located in Oliver Springs and features exhibits and artifacts that document the lives and accomplishments of Black residents in the region. The museum was founded with the goal of ensuring that the history and contributions of local Black families are not forgotten over time.

  • The Tri-County African American Museum opened in 2025.

The players

Tri-County African American Museum

A new museum in Oliver Springs, Tennessee that focuses on documenting and celebrating the lives and contributions of Black families in Anderson, Roane, and Morgan counties.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

The opening of the Tri-County African American Museum represents an important step in preserving and sharing the often overlooked history of Black communities in East Tennessee. By highlighting local stories and experiences, the museum aims to give voice to marginalized narratives and ensure this history is not lost over time.