FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sept. 15, 2025
Night at the Museums Brings Cookeville’s Past to Life
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. — History will step off the page and into the streets during Night at the Museums, an evening event launching the Cookeville Museums’ yearlong commemoration of America’s 250th birthday.
On Saturday, Sept. 27, from 7 to 9 p.m., downtown Cookeville’s Broad Street will transform into a living timeline as historical figures and artifacts from the Cookeville History and Depot Museums leave their exhibits to share stories spanning 250 years. Visitors will experience key moments in local and national history, from the Revolutionary War to the 2020 tornado and COVID-19 pandemic.
This free, walk-up event is designed to allow guests to join the action at any time during the two-hour window. Each of the eight stories runs approximately five to seven minutes, offering plenty of opportunities to catch multiple performances. Organizers encourage attendees to plan their evening to ensure they can enjoy as many stories as possible.
Beth Thompson, museums manager for the City of Cookeville, said the event offers a rare opportunity to experience history in an engaging way. “Night at the Museums allows us to bring our exhibits to life and share Cookeville’s story in a format that is interactive and memorable,” Thompson said. “By stepping outside the walls of the museum, we’re inviting the community to explore history together in the heart of downtown. This is one of Cookeville’s most beloved events and it only happens every other year. Don’t miss your chance to experience it!”
The evening will feature live portrayals by local performers representing pivotal moments in American history. Audiences will follow these figures along Broad Street as they recount experiences from the Revolutionary War, Civil War and Reconstruction, World War I and the suffrage movement, the Great Depression and World War II, the Civil Rights Movement, the Cold War and space race, the events of September 11, 2001, and the challenges of the 2020 tornado and pandemic. Security personnel will be on site to help guide visitors through the route and ensure a smooth flow of foot traffic.
Organizers recommend that attendees dress for an evening walk and arrive early to maximize their experience. Parking will be available in downtown Cookeville, and the event is open to all ages.
For additional information about Night at the Museums, visit cookeville-tn.gov or call the Cookeville Museums at 931-520-5455.