CLARKSVILLE, TN — On May 21, 1881, 140 years ago, Clara Burton founded the American Red Cross on the basis of wanting to help others in distress. Barton risked her life to bring supplies and support to soldiers in the field during the Civil War.
Over the last 140 years, the American Red Cross has expanded to provide many services to members of the American armed forces and their families, as well as provide disaster relief in the United States and around the world. These services include blood donations, emergency, and safety training, and international volunteerism.
Clarksville’s local chapter, the American Red Cross of Tennessee River, serves 12 counties from Kentucky to Alabama along the Tennessee River and is full of rich history. The local chapter was founded in May 1917 by Carrie Johnson, a school teacher, and granddaughter of Postmaster General Cave Johnson.
The Customs House Museum & Cultural Center has partnered with the local Red Cross chapter to tell the history of the Red Cross in the exhibit Helping Americans Help Themselves: 140 Years of the Red Cross. The exhibit contains an expansive history of the Red Cross, many artifacts and uniforms that tell the Red Cross story and features a video that highlights local stories. The exhibit is located in the Museum’s Kimbrough Gallery and will be up through July 18.
The Museum is also hosting a unique anniversary blood drive on May 21 to celebrate the Red Cross and raise awareness about the importance of giving blood.
“Giving blood is a chance to save lives,” says Pamela Holz, Executive Director of the local Red Cross chapter. “You can be a part of Red Cross history that has helped millions of people by donating blood.”
The Museum has open spaces available for the Friday, May 21, and Wednesday, July 21 blood drives, from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Schedule your appointment by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter “CustomsHouse.”