Cookeville History Comes To Life Saturday At Night At Museum Event

Watch the exhibits of the Cookeville Depot and History Museum come to life Saturday at its Night at the Museum event.

Museum Manager Beth Thompson said historical figures of Cookeville escape the museum after dark and have seven stories to share.

“Cookeville’s name sake, Richard Fielding Cooke, is going to be out on the street telling his story in front of the history museum,” Thompson said. “We have people talking about World War II stories, and Cookeville’s importance to that.”

Thompson said people will also be telling stories of the Princess Theater, the Putnam Drive-In and even a petrified man. Thompson said the outdoor event runs from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

“You can begin at either museum,” Thompson said. “There will be an information table outside with programs, and it has a little map in it. You can make your way through our seven stories that will be from the depot to the history museum or vice versa.”

Thompson said exhibits are free and tickets are not required. Thompson said past museum manager Judy Duke birthed the idea many years ago. Thompson said the event usually happens every other fall, rotating with the Cemetery Walk.

“It is a great reason to get out of the house,” Thompson said. “It is an outdoor event. You can come with your kids, you can come with your friends, you can come by yourself and it is free, educating and enlightening while you’re being entertained.”

Thompson said the museum recommends arriving at least an hour before exhibits close to ensure all stories are heard. The Cookeville Historical Museum and Depot are both located on Broad Street.