Explore African American History in Tennessee

The boyhood home of famed author Alex Haley, who penned the groundbreaking novel Roots: The Saga of an American Family, is located in Henning. "Roots," which was made into a landmark TV miniseries in 1977, was inspired by family stories young Alex heard on the porch of the home. The house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and Haley is buried on the grounds. The inside of the home has been restored to the way it looked in 1921 when Haley was born; exhibits feature his work, childhood memorabilia and references to the people who inspired the characters in "Roots."

• Parking: Free on-site parking available
• Accessibility: Ground-level access; visitors should call ahead for specific mobility accommodations
• Operational Hours: Vary by season; check official website before visiting
• Ticketing: Admission fee required; discounts may apply

Built around the former Lorraine Motel where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in 1968, The National Civil Rights Museum allows visitors to trace the Civil Rights Movement from the 17th century to today. It remains one of the most significant Black historic sites in the country.

• Parking: Paid lot adjacent to museum
• Accessibility: Fully ADA accessible; wheelchairs available upon request
• Operational Hours: Open daily; hours vary seasonally
• Ticketing: Timed-entry tickets required; advance purchase recommended

Experience the story of Stax Records, one of the most famous recording studios in the world, through interactive exhibitions and artifacts at the Stax Museum of American Soul Music. The museum shares how creative individuals came together to write, record and produce some of the best soul music in Memphis, regardless of skin color or background. The Hall of Records displays albums and singles that shaped soul music history and highlight the deep cultural influence of Tennessee Black musicians and producers.

• Parking: Free on-site parking
• Accessibility: ADA accessible facility
• Operational Hours: Open Tuesday–Sunday
• Ticketing: General admission tickets available online and onsite

Known as The Queen of Rock ‘n' Roll, Tina Turner was born in Nutbush – which she later made famous with her hit song, "Nutbush City Limits." She attended school in a one-room schoolhouse located in Brownsville – one of the first schools built in the South for African-Americans. Visitors to the Tina Turner Museum at Flagg Grove School, located on the grounds of the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center, can explore the largest known public collection of Tina costumes and memorabilia.

• Parking: Free parking at West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center
• Accessibility: Accessible entrances available
• Operational Hours: Open Tuesday–Saturday
• Ticketing: Included with Heritage Center admission

Dunbar Carver Museum is located on the site of the former Carver High School, and tells the stories of African American life in Haywood County through events associated with the more than a century-old existence of the Dunbar-Haywood County Training Center-Carver High School.

• Parking: On-site parking available
• Accessibility: Ground-floor access
• Operational Hours: Limited hours; call ahead

Now an official Tennessee stop on the U.S. Civil Rights Trail, The Withers Collection Museum and Gallery is a must-see when in Memphis. Ernest Withers made his name as a freelance photographer documenting the segregated South through iconic black-and-white images. Born in Memphis, Withers also traveled with Martin Luther King, Jr. The Withers Collection Museum and Gallery shows a glimpse into the past through more than 60 years of photographs that depict African Americans' discrimination and struggles.

• Parking: Nearby street and garage parking
• Operational Hours: Open Tuesday-Sunday, refer to website for hours

The National Museum of African American Music is the only museum dedicated to preserving the and celebrating the music genres that were created, inspired or influenced by African Americans. For those looking to explore Black history in Nashville, the interactive exhibits, including a sound booth where you can test your own musical talents, the museum brings to life the music legends of past and present. You can easily spend a few hours going through the exhibits that touch on genres like jazz, blues, rap and pop and tell the stories of renowned artists like Isaac Hayes, Beyonce, Rihanna and Bessie Smith.

• Parking: Paid parking garages nearby
• Accessibility: Fully ADA accessible
• Operational Hours: Open daily

The Tennessee State Museum preserves and shares the stories that shaped the state, including powerful narratives honoring Black History Month in Tennessee. In addition to its in-person galleries, the museum offers online exhibitions such as "Preserving African American History Through Material Culture," which explores artifacts that tell the story of African American life and resilience, and a feature on DeFord Bailey, the first Black star of the Grand Ole Opry and a pioneering force in country music. These digital resources make it easy to explore and reflect from anywhere.

• Parking: Free parking garage on-site
• Accessibility: Fully ADA accessible
• Operational Hours: Open Tuesday–Sunday (hours vary by season; check website before visiting)
• Ticketing: Free admission

If you're celebrating Black History Month, witness the rich and enduring legacy of African American culture, a vibrant thread in Clarksville's history. The African American Legacy Trail honors composers, athletes, artists and more. Notable individuals you can learn about on the trail include famous musician Jimi Hendrix, composer and violinist Dr. Clarence Cameron White, Olympic gold medalist Wilma Rudolph, and fine arts painter Marvin Posey, Jr. Visit Fort Defiance Civil War Park and Interpretive Center to learn about the United States Colored Troops, and Port Royal State Historic Park.

• Parking: Public parking throughout downtown Clarksville
• Accessibility: Outdoor walking trail; sidewalks accessible
• Operational Hours: Open daily, self-guided
• Ticketing: Free

The McLemore House, purchased by former-slave Harvey McLemore in 1880, was a model of community development in Hard Bargain, the first African American middle class neighborhood in Franklin that consisted of carpenters, teachers, masons and farmers. The house now serves as a museum that promotes cultural and historical preservation, celebrating the rich African American heritage of Franklin and Williamson County. 

After visiting the McLemore House, head to Franklin's historic Main Street where you can find five historical markers that share Franklin's full history that acknowledge the terrible events of the past and the "March to Freedom" statue which honors U.S. Colored Troops, one of only six statues of its kind in the U.S. and the first in the nation located in a public square.

• Parking: Street parking nearby
• Operational Hours: Thursday – Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Ticketing: Admission fee required

The first African American community established in Dickson County, Tenn., Promise Land was established by freedmen during the Reconstruction era after the Civil War. Freedmen were the only residents, sheltering its community from the Jim Crow South. Up until 1881, there were a few families but they began to organize as a community when Arch and John Nesbitt - brothers who served as U.S. Colored Troops during the Civil War - donated land for a church and school. In addition to these buildings, Promise Land also had several stores, so the community was largely self-contained. You can see the school on the Civil War Trails that journeys through the state, and explore downtown Charlotte today.

• Parking: Limited roadside parking
• Accessibility: Outdoor site; uneven terrain possible
• Operational Hours: By appointment only

An unlikely friendship created maybe the greatest story you’ve never heard, told at Nearest Green Distillery in Shelbyville. Tour the distillery and taste Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, which honors the world’s first-known African American master distiller, Nearest Green, who taught Jack Daniel how to make whiskey. Be sure to stay for local cuisine, Sunday Brunch or a cocktail at Humble Baron, the world’s longest bar, where everyone has a seat at the table.

• Parking: Free on-site parking
• Accessibility: ADA accessible visitor center
• Operational Hours: Open daily; tour times vary
• Ticketing: Tour tickets required; advance booking recommended

The Beck Cultural Center is one of the most extensive in African American history. From cultural and scientific achievements to postal stamps through the years that have honored African Americans like Ralph Bunche and Martin Luther King, Jr., you can see the vast ways African Americans have influenced political and social culture.

• Parking: On-site parking available
• Operational Hours: Open Tuesday- Saturday, guided tour appointments are limited
• Ticketing: Free and open to the public, call ahead prior to visit

Learn about the courageous story of the Clinton 12 at the Green McAdoo Cultural Center, one of the stops in Tennessee on the U.S. Civil Rights Trail. Step inside a 1950s classroom and see what life was like under "Jim Crow" laws. Follow the chronological story of the desegregation of the Clinton High School with life-size photographs and narratives.

• Parking: Free parking available
• Accessibility: ADA accessible, park in the back lot
• Operational Hours: Tuesday–Saturday
• Ticketing: Free admission

The Bessie Smith Cultural Center in Chattanooga promotes and preserves African American culture, history and arts. Learn the life and musical accomplishments of Bessie Smith, the "Empress of the Blues." Education and entertainment collide to provide a venue of history and art for its visitors. 

• Parking: Free on-site parking
• Accessibility: ADA accessible
• Operational Hours: Tuesday–Friday
• Ticketing: Admission fee required

Explore even more African American history that can be found throughout Tennessee. Whether planning trips during February or throughout the year, these and many more destinations offer impactful ways to experience Black History Month activities and discover the lasting impact of African Americans across the state.