Chattanooga is a city full of history and vibrant culture. It is proud to be home to the Bessie Smith Cultural Center, a place that brings the city’s story to life. This iconic museum, named after talented blues singer, Bessie Smith, is a vital hub in Chattanooga for celebrating African American…
Read More
Contemporary Chattanooga-based musicians are breathing fresh life into the music scene, ensuring that the rich musical heritage of Chattanooga not only endures but continues to evolve and thrive. June is Black Music Month, so there is no better time to recognize and celebrate our African American…
Read More
Hidden in Plain Sight: Chattanooga's History is Everywhere - Martin Hotel Edition In 1906, attorney Richard Kimball came to own the lot where the lawn of the Bessie Smith Cultural Center stands today. Kimball entrusted Robert Martin, an African American former porter of the local railroads, to build…
Read More
From art and murals to music and historical sit-ins, Chattanooga is full of stories that commemorate Chattanooga’s Black History and the courageous individuals who left an imprint on our community and the world. Read below to find 6 ways to learn more about Chattanooga’s Black History and culture…
Read More
Juneteenth, The Oldest Holiday Posted by Chattanooga Festival of Black Arts & Ideas on Wednesday, June 17, 2020 Juneteenth, observed annually on June 19, is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States. The holiday is also known as Jubilee Day…
Read More
When 19th-century booster Rush Montgomery declared Chattanooga “the funnel of the world,” people decried him as crazy. Now, over 150 years later, his predictions have come true, and the Scenic City has attracted fascinating people, including women who made history. From war heroes and feisty widows…
Read More
Who: Anyone who would love to know more about Chattanooga’s History and the story of Ed Johnson. What: The Ed Johnson Memorial is a physical space to remember a tragic but heroic Chattanooga story. This reflective memorial recognizes Ed Johnson, his brutal death and sacrifice, honors the heroic and…
Read More
Chattanooga’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard is a bustling area with craft breweries, bars, restaurants, and other businesses. But more than 40 years ago, it was known as Ninth Street, an African American community that most folks called ‘The Big 9.” Locals old enough to remember will tell you…
Read More
Who: Anyone who loves history, especially African American history. What: The Chattanooga African American Museum pays homage to Chattanooga historic names like The Impressions, Bessie Smith, Reggie White, Venus Lacy, and many more. See replicas of former 9th street businesses, learn about the…
Read More
Bessie Smith Cultural Center | Chattanooga African American Museum The Chattanooga African American Museum at the Bessie Smith Cultural Center, reopened on June 25, 2021, to the public after being closed for fifteen months during the pandemic. The new museum vision, supported by its board and…
Read More
© 2025 Chattanooga Tourism Co. All rights reserved.
