MISSION STATEMENT
The Mission of the Smith County Heritage Museum is to foster an appreciation for the the rich history of Smith County, Its land, people, and industry.
VISION
As a public, not-for-profit institution, the Smith County Heritage Museum will strive to provide a museum in which to collect and preserve the history of all the communities of Smith County.
STATEMENT OF VALUES
- Fair and accurate representation of all of the communities that make up Smith County.
- Achieve the highest professional standards in all that we do.
- A spirit of cooperation and diversity within ourselves and our community.
PROGRESS TO DATE
A charter for the organization was issued by the State of Tennessee, and By-Laws were adopted. Non-profit 501(c)(3) status was granted by the Internal Revenue Service. Selection of a location for the museum was made by the museum board. The location is the former W. E. Stephens Building, owned by the city of Carthage, and located on Third Avenue, just off the main city square. The city is leasing the building to the museum at no cost. Renovation of the building was completed and limited displays opened to the public by the end of the year 2004.
As of Summer 2012, the museum displays fascinating exhibits on the history of Smith County and the Middle Tennessee area: prehistoric to early Native American artifacts; traditional local farming history; Smith County’s role during the Civil War; and famous Tennesseans, such as Al Gore, Cordell Hull, and DeFord Bailey (one of the great original Grand Ole Opry legends).