Welcome to a center of learning and adventure millions of years in the making. We’re on the campus of UT-Knoxville visiting a place filled with geologic, historic, and artistic artifacts that both fascinate and inspire. It’s all here at the McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture.

Officially dedicated in 1963, this museum is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. With collections ranging from archeology… to arts and culture… to malacology… to paleoethnobotany! The McClung is here with something for everyone.

We’re starting things off checking out a temporary exhibit – The Sculpture of William Edmondson.

This African American artist was the sculptor of note in Tennessee for 2 decades in the early 20th century – and remains one of the most important American artists of the last hundred years.

Up next, we’re trading the rocks carved by Edmondson for some that are a lot older, but just as cool. As we enter the Geology and Fossil History of Tennessee.

Exhibits include hundreds-of-millions-of-years-old fossils, more recent Ice Age fossils, and ongoing accounts of present-day events.

There’s also an exhibit wholly dedicated to mussels, the study of human origins, and their arts and culture collection, “The Decorative Experience”.

And a reimagining of the Native Peoples of Tennessee Gallery – embracing the practice of repatriation while pursuing collaborative efforts with Native communities in research, programming, cultural & environmental preservation, and exhibitions.

While wandering the many exhibits and reflecting on the 6 decades of this museum’s history, it’s easy to see why millions have tread these halls since the doors first opened in 1963.

You know, Ingles is also celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. And just like Ingles the McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture is free and open to the public. But rather than folks leaving with fresh produce and the best meat in town, visitors here at the McClung leave with a thirst for knowledge and a hunger to learn more.