The East Tennessee Historical Society has partnered with East Tennessee PBS and the Beck Cultural Exchange Center to commemorate the 8th of August as the date traditionally observed as the day on which Andrew Johnson freed his slaves. Although President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation took effect January 1, 1863, it did not apply to Tennessee, since it was no longer in rebellion to the United States government. On August 8, 1863, Andrew Johnson, then military governor of Tennessee, took the personal step to free his slaves, sparking a celebration that spread throughout the region and into other states. It is still observed today in some communities.

August 1-7th, the exhibition, Photo Recollection: 8th of August Jubilee will be on view at the East Tennessee History Center during regular operating hours and for First Friday from 5:00-9:00 p.m. on August 5. The exhibit is composed of photographs by Holly Raney and features celebrations in Newport and Greeneville.

In a Brown Bag Lecture at noon, Wednesday, August 3, Randi Nott of Greeneville will present her findings into to the history, lives, and the descendants of the slaves of Andrew Johnson. The lecture The Heart of the Household: The Slaves of Andrew Johnson is the story of Sam, Dolly, and William Johnson in their own words. Nott will present direct quotes from these three individuals who were enslaved, then emancipated, by President Andrew Johnson. Speaking for themselves on a variety of subjects, the Johnsons’ story will give examples of Sam’s independent nature and his work to establish Greeneville’s first Freemen’s school. Dolly, as a domestic servant with her more subtle brand of independence and William’s visit with President FDR and his work to maintain his family’s story for posterity.

As part of First Friday, August 5, from 7:30-9:00 p.m., East Tennessee PBS will premiere the film 8th of August: Tennessee’s Celebration of Emancipation, a documentary covering the history of this special day, its different forms, and our communities that continue to celebrate the 8th of August. The film will be followed by a Q&A facilitated by Renee Kessler, director of the Beck Cultural Exchange Center.

The Brown Bag Lecture, exhibits, and First Friday film showing are all free and open to the public and will take place at the East Tennessee History Center, 601 S. Gay Street, Knoxville. For more information on the lecture, exhibitions, or museum hours, call 865-215-8824 or visit the website at www.EastTNHistory.org.