Granville will host the Freedom Truck Mobile Museum November 11-15 as part of the community’s ongoing America 250 celebration.
Granville Museum President Randall Clemons said the interactive exhibit is one of six traveling across the United States for the country’s 250th anniversary. The mobile museum features a conversation with George Washington and takes visitors through different periods of American history.
“We hope that they will appreciate the rich heritage that we have,” Clemons said, “And the history that we have and understand even better the price that has been given for the freedom that we enjoy each day.”
Clemons said displays examine wars, military leaders and presidents, while another section highlights 50 notable Americans, including Tennessee figures such as Johnny Cash.
“It goes through all of the things that has happened in our country to maintain the freedom that we enjoy,” Clemons said. “So it is really focusing on freedom.”
Clemons said Granville is encouraging school groups to visit, with Jackson County High School history students already scheduled. The museum will also stay open into the evening during part of its visit.
“We want as many to see it as possible,” Clemons said. “It has extended hours to make that possible for people that are working and whatever that way.”
Clemons said the truck will open on Veterans Day at 11am with a ribbon-cutting ceremony involving Jackson County veterans. The exhibit will be open 11am-5pm November 11-13 and 11am-7pm November 14-15.
“There is no admission to the truck,” Clemons said. “You can buy a seven-dollar town tour ticket for Granville to be able to see all the 13 venues that we have here in Granville including Independence Hall and our Christmas features as well.”
Clemons said the visit coincides with the beginning of Granville’s Christmas season. The community is also offering veterans free town tour tickets through the end of the year.
“We have a strong history of people from this community and Jackson County that have fought in all of the wars,” Clemons said. “So there’s a lot of history that we have preserved on all of the wars that involve all of our veterans.”
Clemons said the Freedom Truck continues Granville’s effort to bring traveling exhibits to the region. Granville previously hosted an exhibit on Tennessee baseball history and plans an exhibit on women in bluegrass music next year.
“We believe in trying to bring as much as we can to a rural area so for our people and the people of the Upper Cumberland and Middle Tennessee to enjoy,” Clemons said.
Groups can call 615-945-8492 to schedule a visit to the Freedom Truck.