Executive Director Frank Lott on the Customs House Museum and Cultural Center as part of the essay series “The Road to 250: Community Spirit in Action,” celebrating the history of unity in Clarksville ahead of America’s 250th anniversary.

The Customs House Museum and Cultural Center stands at the very heart of the Clarksville-Montgomery County area. The magnificent building itself represents the city’s historic cultural and commercial life. 

It was opened in 1898 as a Federal Post Office and Customs House to jointly handle large volumes of domestic and foreign mail as well as government business created by the international tobacco trade. It was subsequently enlarged and updated with modern features that capitalize on resource conservation and enhance purpose. 

Customs House Museum and Cultural Center's federal eagles, taken down from the roof for restoration. (Contributed)
Customs House Museum and Cultural Center’s federal eagles, taken down from the roof for restoration. (Contributed)

The Customs House Museum and Cultural Center is a community asset that focuses our all-American character and cultivates a real sense of unity.  It opened as the Clarksville-Montgomery County Historical Museum in 1984, but grew and, in 1996, became the Customs House Museum and Cultural Center that we know today.

The citizens of Clarksville and Montgomery County have entrusted the museum with the collection, preservation, interpretation and preservation of this area’s history, arts and culture. From its inception, the museum has been committed to serving our diverse community. Its commitment to this purpose is reflected through a broad spectrum of services such as permanent exhibit installations; numerous temporary art exhibits; traveling science, crafts and historical-themed exhibitions; multi-cultural presentations; music and theater performances; lectures; educational and enrichment activities for youth and adult audiences; and frequent family-oriented special events. The museum offers group tours to public schools and home-school students. 

The museum participates in multiple reciprocal membership programs, is a Museums For All participant and a Blue Star Museum (military and family) participant, and a member of the Tennessee Association of Museums and the Southeastern Museums Conference.

Opening of Explorers Landing at Customs House Museum and Cultural Center in February 2022. (Contributed)
Opening of Explorers Landing at Customs House Museum and Cultural Center in February 2022. (Contributed)

Exhibits for fun, education, inspiration

Permanent Exhibits such as Becoming Clarksville (local history), Explorers Landing (children’s floor), and Challenges and Champions (local sports history) contribute to the shared experience of life in Clarksville as a part of the state and nation. Exploring Our Town is a self-guided walking tour that uses local historical landmarks and interesting sites to combine placemaking and physical health. This promotes quality time with loved ones, peers and friends while celebrating what makes Clarksville a unique part of our country. The Explore at Home online activities improve access to educational programming and offer engaging, themed educational content. The museum participates in and hosts many reduced-admission programs throughout the year, including First Thursday Art Walk, Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day and Fifth Saturday Donation Day. These programs allow us to welcome thousands of community members a year, all at a free or reduced admission price.

The museum encourages informed citizenship through access to the arts and education, cultural heritage and a deeply rooted sense of place that contributes to a happy, healthy and safe community.

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