$25M Raised For New Tennessee State Museum

NASHVILLE, TN — A fundraising campaign for the new Tennessee State Museum is well on its way with $25 million committed to the cause thus far.

“It is exciting to have more than half of our goal committed, and we look forward to broadening our fundraising efforts now that the first phase is complete,” Tennessee State Museum Executive Director Ashley Howell said in a release.

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The funds, raised from foundations, corporations and individuals, came in during the campaign's so-called "silent phase" and the state officials believe that's a good omen as the effort moves into a more active and visible mode.

“A great state deserves a great museum, and we are building a 100-year museum that will provide a memorable experience to visitors of all ages,” Gov. Bill Haslam said. “I am grateful to everyone who has supported the project to date, and appreciate their commitment to this educational asset for Tennessee.”

Haslam included $120 million in the 2015-16 state budget for the new museum on the north end of Bicentennial Mall, with plans for an additional $40 million to be raised privately.

The museum's construction is on time, according to the state museum commission, and it's scheduled to open in late 2018.

Donors thus far include:

• Clare Corson Armistead
• Ambassador Victor H. Ashe, II
• AT&T
• AutoZone
• Janet and Jim Ayers
• Congressman Diane Black and Dr. David L. Black
• BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Health Foundation
• Bridgestone Americas Trust Fund
• CoreCivic
• C.T.C. Jr. Trust
• Dollar General Literacy Foundation
• FedEx
• First Tennessee Foundation
• William H. Freeman
• Senator Bill and Tracy Frist
• The Frist Foundation
• Norma M. Gant
• Howard C. Gentry
• Many-Bears and Ernest L. Grinder
• HCA Healthcare
• Speaker Beth Harwell and Mr. Sam Harwell
• Crissy and Bill Haslam
• Haslam Family Foundations
• Ellen B. Hudson
• Sam Huffman, Jr.
• IBM
• Martha Rivers Ingram
• Jackson National Life Insurance Company
• Walter and Sarah Knestrick
• Rodney and Dell Lawler
• Pam Lewis
• Mr. and Mrs. Charles N. Martin, Jr.
• Dr. Paul and Carla McCombs
• Representative Gerald D. McCormick
• Representative Stephen K. McDaniel
• Stuart and Leigh Anne McWhorter
• Nissan North America, Inc.
• Deanie Parker
• Justin and Valere B. Potter Foundation
• Aubrey and Michele Preston
• David Preston
• Representative Charles M. Sargent, Jr.
• Tom and Jane Smith
• Bob and Cathy Thomas
• John Z.C. Thomas
• Representative Ron and Mrs. Laura Travis
• Christine Karbowiak Vanek
• Verizon Foundation
• Charles B. Welch, Jr.
• Anne Potter Wilson Foundation

Image via Douglas Henry Tennessee State Museum Commission