Statements
Mission
The Robertson County History Museum is a private, non-profit museum sponsored by the Robertson County Historical Society. Its chief purpose is to collect and preserve items of historical importance to Robertson County, Tennessee. Other objectives are: to provide educational and entertaining exhibits, programs and activities for its citizens for all ages; to be a learning center on Robertson County History for students in area schools; to provide a source for research in cooperation with Stokes Brown Public Library, Robertson County Archives, Robertson County Courthouse and Springfield City Hall. The museum is an outlet for publications of the Robertson County Historical Society.
Background
The Robertson County Historical Society was organized in 1968; the date of its charter of incorporation from the State of Tennessee was May 1, 1969. In 1982, the local Antiquities Foundation was merged into RCHS and the united organization received its renewed 501(c)3 status at that time. The Robertson County History Museum, under the umbrella of the society and governed by the society's board of directors, came into being by a vote of the society in 1990. The museum first opened to the public on January 7, 1993, on the upper level of the city-owned Albion Building across the street from the Robertson County Court House and operated there until 1997. The second opening came in May, 1998, in the county-owned former Post Office building which had been used an annex to the Court House. After entering into a lease with the county in October, 1997, remodeling was undertaken by volunteers from the Robertson County Historical Society. So far as was possible, the lobby area was restored to the size and condition of the original post office that was completed in 1915. In December of 2002 the building was deeded to the Robertson County Historical Society. In addition to the Post Office exhibit, other semi-permanent exhibits include displays of the tobacco and whiskey industries that fueled the county's economy for much of its 200+ year history, a Victorian parlor, a one-room school and other displays. Museum volunteers have designed and mounted various temporary exhibits, two on-loan exhibits from other museums have been presented and two Museum on Main Street exhibitions from Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Services have been hosted. An on-site Gift Shop markets the society's publications and other books related to Robertson County's history and features locally handmade items and collectables.
Impact
This past year with departure of our Museum Director. We were able to bring in a new Director for the History Museum who has a background in non-profit work, non-profit volunteering, educational outreach programming, and fundraising. he has been able to help us grow our revenue, membership, and growth within the community. She has grown our Education Outreach at the museum by starting Book Clubs, Education Kits, Make N Takes, History Camp. She also took the opportunity to revamp and update our gift shop. By bringing in locally handmade products from Robertson County artisans and items from Nelson's Green Brier Distillery, we grew our gift shop revenue by 120%. We added four new fundraising opportunities such as Lunch Benefit for the History Museum, History & Mystery Tour, and two ghost hunts with local Travel Channel tv personalities, these were in addition to our very popular Evening in Elmwood, Chili Supper, and Christmas Tour of Homes events. We created a new website and increased our social media presence. Lastly with our participation in more community events we were able to increase our visitor numbers and memberships to the Historical Society.
Needs
Our goals for 2023 are huge and exciting for the Robertson County History Museum!
1) Begin Digitization of our archives.
2) Growing our volunteer staff and the creation of a docent program. We receive several requests throughout the year for speakers / docents and this would allow us to have a staff that could lead tours and promote the Robertson County History Museum.
3) Increasing our visitor attendance by becoming the tourist information center for Robertson County.
4) Adding Education Kits that can be checked out.
5) Obtaining sensory kits for our autistic visitors.
6) Obtaining funding to hire at least one part time employee to help assist the Director of the Museum.
7.) Opening a Children's Area here at the museum.
CEO Statement
In my first year of serving as the Director of the Robertson County History Museum I am excited and encouraged by the growth that I have seen in this past year. We have celebrated so many accomplishments and have big plans for 2023. I feel very privileged to be overseeing the History Museum and helping to maintain and preserve the history of Robertson County. Our History Museum is unique in the fact that it is housed in the "Old Post Office" building that was completed in 1915. All of our artifacts have been donated by local families and community members, and we have been entrusted by them to house these special items and share them with our visitors. It is important to me that we continue to collect, protect and document the history of Robertson County. The only way that we can continue to do the work that we do is by receiving funding from our visitors, community, and through grants. Please help us continue to preserve the rich history of Robertson County and tell its unique story to those far and near.
Board Chair Statement
The Robertson County History Museum is a huge asset to our community. I have had the pleasure of serving on the Board of Directors for several years and have seen first hand the importance of the work that is done by the Historical Society and Museum. While the museums chief purpose is to collect and preserve items of historical importance to Robertson County it has evolved much beyond just that. The Robertson County Historical Society and History Museum is a cornerstone in the education of our county's history. From annual tours to all fourth graders in Robertson County, to special events held at the museum and off-site, to helping families learn more about their past, the Robertson County Historical Society works to share the story of our history with the utmost pride. During my time as President I have seen the museum grow and prosper over the years and our fundraising events continue to get better every year. I feel we combine history and fun with innovative ideas and events that are enjoyable for the whole family.
Service Categories |
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| Primary Category: | Arts, Culture & Humanities - Historical Organizations |
| Secondary Category: | Public & Societal Benefit - |
| Tertiary Category: | Education - |
Areas Served
Although located in Springfield, the county seat of Robertson County, the surrounding counties have common roots.
| TN - Davidson |
| TN - Montgomery |
| TN - Robertson |
| TN - Sumner |
| TN - Cheatham |
