Blount County Historical Museum

The Blount County Historical Museum in downtown Maryville offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into East Tennessee's past through carefully curated exhibits and artifacts. This free museum stands out for its personalized experience - the dedicated volunteer guides, especially George and David, share detailed stories that connect visitors to the region's rich history.

The museum's collection spans multiple areas of local interest. Military history buffs will appreciate the exhibits on Blount County's involvement in various conflicts, while transportation enthusiasts can explore the railroad memorabilia showcasing Maryville's role as a railway hub. The museum houses an extensive collection of photographs, documents, and everyday items that paint a vivid picture of life in Blount County through the decades.

What makes this museum special is the depth of local knowledge on display. The volunteer guides often tailor their tours to visitors' specific interests, whether that's early settler history, industrial development, or genealogical research. They're particularly skilled at helping visitors understand how Blount County's past connects to broader historical events.

While modest in size, the museum's exhibits are well-organized and frequently updated with new items from their collection. History enthusiasts should plan to spend about 60-90 minutes exploring the displays, though those interested in deeper historical discussions with the knowledgeable staff might want to allow more time.

For anyone interested in East Tennessee history, the Blount County Historical Museum provides an authentic, educational experience that helps visitors understand how this corner of Tennessee developed into what it is today.