There may have been a little history made today at the groundbreaking of the new Tennessee State Museum. Chattanooga-born author and historian Jon Meacham shared some remarks that left an impression on those who attended.
Governor Bill Haslam even said he’d like to see the speech featured in the future museum.
Meachum, best known for his novels chronicling American history, said that amid the political turmoil of our day we must be humble enough to learn lessons from our history.
He explained that it’s important the new State Museum highlight the mistakes of Tennessee’s past along with the accomplishments.
He said, “We must not flinch from the more troubling chapters of our past. For one mark of a civilized society — one mark of a mature human being — is how well we can learn from our mistakes.”
Slavery, native American removal and denying women their full role in society were some examples Meacham mentioned.
He followed the list with a question: “What injustices are we perpetuating even in our own time, even this morning, that will face someday the harshest of verdicts by those who come after us?”
There should be more than enough room to display both feats and flaws at the new site.
The museum will move from its current downtown location in the basement of the Tennessee Performing Arts Center to a much larger space located right across from Bicentennial Mall.
The much anticipated project has been talked about for over 40 years. And it comes with a pretty big price tag: $160 million.
$120 million will come from state taxpayers; the remaining $40 million has yet to be raised. Governor Haslam said he’s begun to look around for donations and asked the audience not to screen his calls.
On Air - 90.3 WPLN-FM