A Washingtonian in Tennessee Looking for Kin by Virginia Majewski.

On a recent trip to visit my daughter and grandchildren living in Knoxville, Tennessee, I made time to do some research.  I found the East Tennessee History Center.  This archive is located in the heart of old downtown Knoxville at 601 Gay Street.    The History Center is a lovely old building with marble floors, high ceilings and old art hanging on the walls.  The first floor houses a gift shop and a museum, which is well worth the price of admission.  The second floor holds the archives of Knox County.  The third floor houses the McClung Historical Collection and is a genealogists’ paradise.  While the McClung Historical Collection specializes in records of Eastern Tennessee, it contains records from all over Tennessee and the South East and so much more.  All total this archive has over 75,000 books, 3,000+ printed genealogies, over 19,000 rolls of microfilm, city and phone directories, Native American and African American records, the “First Families of Tennessee” collection, old maps, photographs and much, much more.  One room alone is dedicated to information from all the counties in Tennessee and the room is huge!

Before visiting, check their website for information and the catalog of their collections, www.easttnhistory.org .  Ask for help when you arrive.  Be aware, no pictures may be taken or use of scanners of any kind are allowed.  You must check all your belongings into a locker when you enter.  Your papers must be submitted for examination before you leave.   Located ½ block from Market Square, many eateries are nearby when you are ready for a break.  Street parking is very limited, however there are two pay to park lots within a block.   If you have any Tennessee kin, you need to visit this archive.  Tell them Ginny from Sequim sent you.