Nathanael Greene Museum
Preserving the Heritage of Greeneville, Greene County and the East Tennessee Region

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About the Nathanael Greene Museum

Located in historically rich Greeneville, Tennessee, the Nathanael Greene Museum takes its name from the famous Revolutionary War General. Greene County was established in 1783 - 230 years ago - as a part of what was then North Carolina. The Museum contains artifacts and gallery content covering centuries. Visit our 12 permanent galleries and 12 walk-through exhibits that explore every facet of the region's history. Take a walk down Main Street and see life as it was in earlier times. For those interested in fine furniture and the elegant lifestyles of some area residents, the Museum's collection of antiques, clothing and furniture, will illustrate the promise of 19th Century America. Experience early farm implements and the importance of tobacco as a cash crop, and see early vehicles including the fully restored 1917 American LaFrance fire engine. Our Magnavox gallery pays tributes to the thousands of Greene County residents who produced the finest TVs, stereos, organs, and cabinetry from the 1950s-1990a.

Where the Quilt Trail Begins

The Nathanael Greene Museum now displays a 64 sq. ft. School House quilt square. It was unveiled in 2008 and is set in a diamond-shaped pattern of yellow brick relief work near the Museum entrance. This event marked the “First of a first” because Greeneville was the first municipality included in the Northeast Tennessee Quilt Trail and the Museum Quilt Square was the first quilt square to be featured in Greeneville. The schoolhouse quilt block was chosen because it pays homage to our building, the first Greeneville High School in 1916.

Our permanent quilt gallery opened in 2010.

Please visit and enjoy the History Of Greene County Quilts: A Stop On The Appalachian Quilt Trail.

Paths to Freedom

Paths To Freedom 1822 - 1865 focuses on the various ways Greene County's slaves obtained their freedom. Some methods were legal, such as buying ones freedom and that of their enslaved family members. As a condition of their freedom, some courageous families chose to leave Tennessee and settle in Liberia, a colony on the west coast of Africa, where they risked death and depredation.

Other methods of escaping slavery were strictly illegal. The Underground Railroad was the most daring and dangerous method of escape. Oral tradition supported its existence in Greene County, and recently discovered court records provide details of who was involved.

Another surprise unveiled in this exhibit is the role that famous Greene Countians played in freeing the slaves: Benjamin Lundy, Valentine Sevier and President Andrew Johnson, to name a few. The newest display of this exhibit, "The Other Johnson Family" reveals what happened to Andrew Johnson's former slaves after emancipation.

Museum Hours

Tuesday - Saturday 11AM-5PM
Beginning June 1st, Monday-Saturday 11AM-5PM

The Museum may also open by special arrangement at other times.

Admission to the Museum is free, although your donation will be appreciated and is used to help defray operating expenses.

Visit our Quartermaster Museum Store for books and gifts that will provide a permanent memory of your visit to The Nathanael Greene Museum.

Take The Virtual Tour

We are constantly growing and adding galleries and displays. For a sneak peak, click here for our virtual tour.

There's much more to see, including our new gallery, Tennessee Country - Paleo to Pioneer (opening June 1st).

Coming later this year - The historic Babb Homestead cabin, one of Greene County's first homes. The cabin is currently being rebuilt and restored across the street from the Nathanael Greene Museum in Gertrude Fox Park.