Everything and everyone has a history, short or long. We write our own, a new and different page every day. So it is also with the Robertson County Historical Society and Museum.
The following excerpts were found in the Robertson County Historical Society Minute Books.
Early Efforts to Establish a Museum
As early as the 1940s, the local DAR chapter indicated interest in the idea of a museum in which to display historic items. For a number of years, the late James Henry Taylor, who served as president of the Robertson County Historical Society from 1980 to 1990, stored items given to the society in his home.
Collections and Storage
Other items (such as the Joseph W. Byrns Collection, the Dorsey Collection, and several diaries) have been housed in the Gorham-MacBane Public Library on White Street for some time.
The Formation of a Museum Site
In 1980, when the Antiquities Foundation merged into the Robertson County Historical Society, one of the primary goals was the acquisition of a site for a museum. In 1990, Mr. Taylor was appointed by Miss Maxine Elliott, the county’s historical society president at that time, to secure a location in the downtown area so that the idea of a museum could be pursued in an organized manner.
Establishing the Museum
After Mr. Taylor had entered into an agreement with the City of Springfield for a five-year lease of the upper level of the Albion Building, a committee was appointed in 1991 to undertake the vision.
Committee Members
It was composed of Maxine Elliott, Lillian Turner, Myralynn Pope, Howard Martin, Catherine Pitt, Gail Holman, and Linda Dean.
Support and Development
Help was obtained from the Tennessee State Museum’s Director of Extension Services (a post which has been cut since that time due to budget restraints) and a Mission Statement was adopted by the society on January 6, 1992. Financial aid was sought and received from Robertson County government to aid in the operational cost.
Museum Opening
The process of accessioning and cataloging of the items on hand was begun, exhibits mounted, and the Robertson County History Museum opened to the public on January 7, 1993. Both the City of Springfield and Robertson County assisted in establishing the first site in Springfield dedicated to museum purposes. To both groups, we are indeed grateful!
Growth Presents Problems
The increased interest has strained the present facility’s ability to accept and properly store items offered. It has also limited the ability to display items in suitable settings. Many similar items are being held until suitable space and facilities are available.
Visitor Engagement
In the past four years, school groups, Senior Citizens groups, Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops, Leadership 2000 classes, and others have visited the museum by appointment at times other than when the museum is open to the public. Residents of the county, as well as out-of-town and out-of-state visitors, have toured the facility on Fridays when it is staffed by volunteers for the historical society. On July 4, 1996, the day of the Bicentennial Celebration on the Square, more than three hundred fifty people visited the museum.
Accessibility Challenges
Many others have shown an interest in the museum but have been prohibited from personal visits by the steep stairs which must be negotiated to reach the main display area.
New Location and Leadership
The museum moved to the Old Springfield Post Office Building in 1998. From its conception to the museum we see standing today, one name stands out: Mrs. Linda Dean. After 18+ years as Museum Director, she is retiring at the end of June. As we turn the page to another chapter, we want to thank Linda for her years of dedication and service!
