2026 Tennessee Association of Museums Call for Proposals
Ends on
SOLIDARITY
Tennessee Association of Museums Conference
March 2026
Discovery Park of America, Union City, TN
2025 was a particularly challenging year for museums throughout the country. The loss of federal grant programs, higher cost of living, and lower visitation in some parts of the state impacted the way we operate. In the midst of this uncertainty, however, museums in Tennessee are still fulfilling our mission and striving for excellence in our work.
We are developing exhibitions, conducting programs, preserving artifacts, and interpreting the stories of our communities through art, science, and history. We are improving our buildings and grounds thanks to three years of generous grant support by the Tennessee State Museum and Tennessee General Assembly. We are planning and looking forward to new opportunities to connect with our communities.
It is fitting that the Tennessee Association of Museums is gathering in Union City for our 2026 Annual Conference. In 1852, General George Gibbs gave Union City its name because of its location at the junction or "union" of two railroads, the Nashville and Northwestern Railroad and the Mobile and Ohio Railroad. The “Union” part of its name would be tested in the years to come. It was contested during the Civil War, property and usage rights regarding Reelfoot Lake ended in Night Rider raids and murder, and a court case had to resolve where to put the county seat. But its citizens came together to preserve its history.
As we come to the 2026 conference, we do not come seeking unity. We come seeking SOLIDARITY. The word SOLIDARITY highlights a shared purpose and mutual support, often in the face of adversity or for a common cause. This is what we desire. Building on our two years of successful advocacy efforts on the state level, we want our field to be strong and to continue speaking as one for the benefit of Tennessee’s museums.
Our conference host, Discovery Park of America, is a perfect example of this vision. First envisioned by Robert and Jenny Kirkland, Discovery Park proves that people in SOLIDARITY with one another can accomplish much. The location for this unique museum was chosen as a way for the Kirklands to give back to Union City, their small West Tennessee hometown. When Robert Kirkland held his first public meeting to explore the creation of a museum in Union City, more than 250 members of the community showed up to declare their desire to be part of his mission to create a center of culture and education in West Tennessee. Eventually, more than 350 volunteers contributed over 20,000 hours to the planning and construction of Discovery Park. The combined efforts of experts, novices and volunteers were fully realized on Nov. 1, 2013, as Robert and Jenny Kirkland cut the red ribbon.
As you think of joining us in 2026 at Discovery Park of America in Union City, we encourage you to respond to this call for SOLIDARITY by submitting session proposals inspired by our theme. Some topics might include:
- Community collaborations for exhibitions or programs.
- Partnerships with other museums or arts and humanities organizations.
- Joint advocacy efforts on the local level.
- Discussion sessions about “hot button issues” impacting the museum field.
Proposals must be submitted by October 24, 2025. For questions, contact Bethany Hawkins, TAM Conference Chair, hawkins@aaslh.org.