Grundy County History & Heritage

The Heritage Center consists of a museum and a library and research center. The museum includes eight galleries that depict themes of history that grew out of the plateau that had national or international impact. The library focuses on the people who lived on the plateau for family, cultural, and historical research with sources and proper equipment to access sources for such research.

THE HERITAGE CENTER

To go through life with no interest in what happened before you appeared on the scene is to go through life with the outlook of a child.

These words attributed to Cicero by Historian David McCullough reflect the mission of Grundy County Historical Society to inspire all of the people and communities of the South Cumberland Plateau, its coves and valleys, to understand who they are and how they are connected in history with interrelated pathways. It has developed a Heritage Center located in Tracy City as an enhancement to the region. It has entered into agreements with other historical and preservation organizations to coordinate in a single place the cultural heritage of the region. The other organizations include Beersheba Springs Historical Society, Chikamaka Cultural Preservation Organization, Monteagle Sunday School Assembly and Swiss Historical Society of Grundy County. Knowledge of the rich history of the area and appreciation of its impact upon life far beyond the local scene is necessary for a mature understanding of who lives here and who may aspire to live here. It is also instructive to a wider audience of the lessons experienced on the plateau.