Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett announced plans for the state’s 2026 Statehood Day celebrations, marking Tennessee’s 230th anniversary alongside the nation’s 250th anniversary.
The Tennessee State Library & Archives in downtown Nashville will host a series of free, family-friendly events on Saturday, May 30, beginning at 10:00 a.m. The celebration is open to the public and will highlight Tennessee’s historical contributions to the nation.
According to the secretary of state’s office, activities will include exhibits showcasing items from the Library & Archives’ collections, children’s story time, craft stations, musical performances, and living history interpreters.
Visitors will also have access to behind-the-scenes tours of the facility, including a stop at its automated storage and retrieval system.
An opening ceremony is scheduled for 11:00 a.m., during which the Tennessee Highway Patrol Honor Guard will present and guard the state’s three original constitutions. The East Tennessee State University Old-Time Ramblers string band are set to perform the national anthem as part of the ceremony.
“This year’s Tennessee Statehood Day celebration is both special and historic as we celebrate America’s 250 years as a country and Tennessee’s vital and numerous contributions in helping to shape the path of the United States of America. We hope Tennesseans will join us in celebrating our state’s rich history, which will be on display at the Library & Archives,” Hargett said.
Tennessee State Librarian and Archivist Jamie Ritter said the event offers an opportunity for residents to learn more about the Library & Archives and experience state history in an “interactive” and “fun” setting.
On the Monday following the main event, the Library & Archives will also host a free Brown Bag Lunch lecture featuring Tennessee State Historian Dr. Carroll Van West.
All events will take place at the Tennessee State Library & Archives building, located at 1001 Rep. John Lewis Way North at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park.
– – –
Kaitlin Housler is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network. Follow Kaitlin on X / Twitter.
