Knoxville Plans Women’s Suffrage Museum in Downtown

Knoxville TN, September 20, 2025

News Summary

A local group in Knoxville is working to establish a women’s suffrage museum to honor the contributions of Tennessee residents to women’s voting rights. Set to open in March 2028, the museum will showcase East Tennessee’s significant role, particularly focusing on Harry Burn’s pivotal vote for the 19th Amendment. The Women’s Suffrage Coalition aims to raise $2 million for the project and has begun gathering stories to educate future generations on the importance of voting rights.

Knoxville is gearing up for an ambitious project as a local group works towards establishing a women’s suffrage museum in downtown. The proposed museum aims to honor the contributions of Tennessee and East Tennessee residents in achieving women’s voting rights, with an opening goal set for March 2028, coinciding with Women’s History Month.

Leading the initiative is the Women’s Suffrage Coalition, an organization dedicated to preserving the history of those who played a significant role in securing voting rights for women. The coalition’s president, Wanda Sobieski, notes that Tennessee has historically held a critical yet underrepresented role in the suffrage movement, emphasizing the need for greater recognition of the contributions from suffragists. Currently, there are no plaques or memorials in the state to recognize these figures.

East Tennessee’s connection to the suffrage movement is particularly noteworthy. State representative Harry Burn cast the decisive vote for the 19th Amendment. Burn’s shift from an anti-suffrage to pro-suffrage vote was influenced by a letter from his mother, highlighting the personal stories intertwined with this historic movement.

To bring the vision of the museum to life, the coalition has been actively gathering stories related to women’s suffrage, aiming to display them within the museum. The project is intended to inspire future generations to understand and value their voting rights.

In order to secure a physical location for the museum, the Coalition requires approximately $250,000 to purchase a building on Gay Street, which will serve as collateral for a construction loan. The total fundraising goal for the museum is set at $2 million; as of now, the coalition has managed to accumulate $1,168,250 in donations. A significant boost came recently with a donation of $100,000 from the Lawson Family Foundation during a fundraising event.

The Coalition has signed a contract to acquire the property located at 706 S. Gay St., planning for the transaction to be finalized by November 1. The design of the museum is being conceptualized by Mary Kellogg-Joslyn, co-founder of the Titanic Museum in Pigeon Forge. The architectural theme will reflect early 1900s styles, reinforcing historical awareness and social empowerment.

Additionally, the Coalition is in negotiations for a potential second building on Gay Street, contingent upon funding availability. Local support and further donations are crucial for the success of this endeavor, aimed at honoring the history of women’s suffrage and ensuring that it is understood and valued by future generations.

Background Context

The women’s suffrage movement was a pivotal part of American history, culminating in the ratification of the 19th Amendment in 1920, granting women the right to vote. Tennessee played a crucial role in this national movement, and the establishment of a museum in Knoxville aims to highlight this significant yet often overlooked chapter of history. The Women’s Suffrage Coalition is working diligently to gather stories, educate the public, and foster appreciation for the importance of voting rights.

Key Features of the Museum Project

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Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Knoxville Set to Celebrate Women’s Voting Rights at Annual Suffrage Banquet
Annual Suffrage Banquet Celebrates Women’s Voting Rights with Fundraiser in Knoxville

Additional Resources

• WBIR: Women’s Suffrage Coalition Aims to Open Suffrage Museum
• Knox News: Funding for Women’s Suffrage Museum
• Knox TN Today: Knox the Fox Visits Tennessee Woman’s Suffrage Memorial
• UT Daily Beacon: The Letter That Saved Women’s Suffrage
• Knox Focus: Tennessee Women’s Suffrage and the 19th Amendment
• Wikipedia: Women’s Suffrage
• Google Search: Women’s Suffrage
• Google Scholar: Women’s Suffrage
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Women’s Suffrage
• Google News: Women’s Suffrage

Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER

The KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKnoxville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Knoxville, Knox County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Dogwood Arts Festival, Big Ears Festival, and Knoxville Asian Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership and United Way of Greater Knoxville, plus leading businesses in healthcare, education, and energy that power the local economy such as Covenant Health, University of Tennessee, and Tennessee Valley Authority. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.