CLARKSVILLE, TN – Here is what’s happening at the Customs House Museum & Cultural Center in June 2022.

Museum Exhibitions

Vietnam: 2 Soldiers, 2 Artists, 2 Journeys Then & Now
June 4 – August 14 | Kimbrough Gallery
From helicopters and hand grenades to watercolors and canvas, this is the story of two brave soldiers who battled their way into the world of art. This memorable, one-of-a-kind exhibit highlights David Wright and Chuck Creasy’s best work from Vietnam. It all comes together in this exhilarating and meaningful show, one that bridges two lives, two worlds, two journeys.

Call & Response: Collaborations by Greg Sand and Billy Renkl
June 1 – July 28 | Harvill Gallery
Sand and Renkl work primarily with found imagery, but the way they use it is quite different. For these found-photograph collages, the artists combine two distinct approaches and individual aesthetics to produce a set of works that neither of them would have created on their own.

Clarksville & the Locomotive
June 28 – August 28 | Bruner & Orgain Galleries
Clarksville’s history is closely tied to the railroad, and this exhibit will showcase a variety of artifacts, photographs and stories to illustrate its impact on local industry and the community.

Tennessee Wild Side
Through June 19 | Bruner & Orgain Galleries
Learn about the wildlife of Middle Tennessee with this hands-on look at rivers, caves and other local habitats. Check out the bats in Dunbar Cave, identify animal footprints and more!

Society of Animal Artists: The Animals of North America
Through June 26 | Crouch Gallery
The Society of Animal Artists is devoted to promoting excellence in the artistic portrayal of domesticated and wild animals in art. This year’s special exhibition celebrates the creatures found here in North America with over 50 artworks from artists around the world.

Remembering Frank Adkins
Through June 26 | Lobby
Lieutenant Colonel Frank Adkins was the most decorated Montgomery County resident to have served in World War II. This collection of photographs, documents and other artifacts illustrates the courage of this hometown hero.

Explorers Landing: Exploring Our Town
Open Now on the Lower Level
New Memories, New Adventures, New Explorers Landing! Explore our town with timeless favorites like the Bubble Cave and McGregor’s Market and new discoveries like the Landing and Car Ramp. It’s an adventure for all ages.

Museum Events

First Thursday Art Walk
June 2, 5 – 8 pm
The Museum will offer free admission during First Thursday Art Walk Clarksville from 5 – 8 pm. Burgasm food truck will be serving up delicious eats in the Courtyard.

Jazz in June: An Evening with Cindy McElroy & The Wooten Brothers
June 11, 6 – 9 pm
The Museum welcomes local vocalist Cindy McElroy, accompanied by renowned Nashville musicians Regi & Joseph Wooten, known for their work with The Gap Band and Steve Miller Band, to our second Jazz in June fundraiser. Enjoy a lively evening of soulful jazz, food, drinks and dancing at the Museum!
All proceeds go towards the Museum’s mission. With your support, the Museum can continue to provide creative program opportunities for children, share artists’ work in new exhibits and preserve the history of our community by expanding our collection.
Tickets are on sale now – $50 for general seating and $75 for premium seating at a four-top table close to the stage. There are only 100 tickets available!

38th Annual Flying High
July 16, 5 – 10 pm
Mark your calendars and join the Customs House Museum & Cultural Center at Oak Grove Racing, Gaming & Hotel for a 007-inspired event with a license to thrill. Bid on exceptional works of art, experiences and more! Enjoy a glamorous night of dinner, dancing and cocktails – shaken or stirred – at Clarksville’s premier fundraising gala.
Tickets go on sale in June – stay tuned to the Museum’s website and Facebook!

Museum Programs

Family Art Saturday: Painted Paper Plate Fish
June 25, drop by between 10 am – 12 pm & 2 – 4 pm | Ages 3+, with adult
Free with membership or paid admission | Family Art Studio
Many kinds of fish live in the Cumberland River, and one of the most unusual is the paddlefish. You can find a picture of it in the “Rivers” section of Explorers Landing. Create your own unique fish with paper plates. Some paints may stain, please dress accordingly.
*All parents are expected to participate with and supervise their children.

Museum Discovery Quest
Free with membership or paid admission | Developed for school-age children
Free Take It N’ Make It Activity
Explore Museum exhibits with your family in a creative way with Museum Discovery Quests – entertaining, self-guided “scavenger hunts” that pique kids’ curiosities and captivate their attention. Different themes are offered, and all of them include a free Take It N’ Make It activity packet for kids to make a fun project at home. Sign up for a Perks Pass to win a free prize from Seasons: The Museum Store after finishing three Quests.

F&M Bank Huff & Puff Express Model Trains
Exhibit open daily | Trains run Sundays, 1 – 4 pm and Wednesdays, 10 am – 12 pm
Enjoy one of the largest model railroad layouts in the region boasting a miniature castle, UFO and scenic landscape. Interact with the miniature world by making automobiles move and helicopters fly. The model train exhibit is open daily and themes change every season.

Blue Star Museums
May 21 – Sept. 5
Blue Star Museums offers free Museum admission to the nation’s active-duty military personnel and their families, including the National Guard and Reserve, from Armed Forces Day through Labor Day. Admission is good for the military ID holder and up to five family members.