Experience History at the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center

At the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center, one theme stands out: music. Tina Turner is the queen of rock and roll, and she’s certainly royalty here with her own extensive exhibit. Brownsville was Turner’s hometown, where she was born as Anna Mae Bullock in 1939. Taking the stage name Tina Turner, she’s renowned for her voice, fashion and fighting spirit. Turner is so important to American music that she’s been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame twice: first as a duo act with husband Ike and then as a soloist. 

The Tina Turner Museum lies inside the Flagg Grove School, a building constructed by Turner’s great uncle in 1889. Originally located in the nearby farming community of Nutbush, it was moved to the heritage center’s grounds in 2012. Today, along with an authentic chalkboard and original desks, the restored one-room schoolhouse is home to Turner’s memorabilia. The superstar donated many of the items, including costumes, gold records and her high school yearbook.

Turner’s collection is an official stop on Tennessee’s Music Pathways, along with another museum at the Heritage Center: the last home of Brownsville local “Sleepy” John Estes. This two-room shotgun house portrays the blues pioneer’s life and living conditions. Born in 1899, Estes was a guitarist, vocalist and songwriter who helped create and popularize the country blues sound. He was also known for his high-pitched “crying” vocal style and earned the nickname “Sleepy” from his habit of drifting off during performances, to which Estes said, “They called me sleepy, but I never missed a note.” 

Estes and Turner are just two of the many great artists who have contributed to the region’s harmony history. Another museum, West Tennessee Music, travels the “Music Highway” between Memphis and the Tennessee River, chronicling the lives of Carl Perkins, Denise LaSalle, Hank Williams, Jr., Eddy Arnold, Clay Evans and other major players in blues, gospel, country, rock ‘n’ roll and soul.

Before music made such a significant impact in West Tennessee, cotton was king and rivers ruled. In the Hatchie River Room, exhibits and freshwater aquariums explore the longest wild tributary of the lower Mississippi. The Hatchie is “wild” because it flows free, never tamed by dams or levees. This museum is an educational introduction to the Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge which lies a couple of minutes south of the Heritage Center. 

• Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge: 6772 Highway 76 S., Stanton, TN, 38069
• Phone: (731) 772-0501
   

West Tennessee Cotton tells the compelling story of the industry’s vital relationship to the area’s culture and economy. Through photos, antique equipment, an old roller gin and baskets, sacks and scales, the displays give insight into the production and ginning process of cotton.

Temporary exhibits, concerts and workshops are an essential part of the Heritage Center experience, too. And there are plenty of special events. 

• Exit 56 Blues Fest – Takes place in May and features music, vendors and a car show.
• Hatchie BirdFest – Brings nature walks, demonstrations and exhibitors to the Heritage Center and nearby wildlife refuge every April. 

Check out the center’s website and follow social media for info on all the fun year-round happenings.

The Heritage Center welcomes everyone, from solo travelers to bus tours and school groups. You can walk through the museums on your own for free or reserve a spot on a guided tour for a nominal fee. The center is open every day except Easter, 4th of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. 

Plan your visit at westtnheritage.com.