Made in Tennessee
A wave of new research by academics and curators inspired by the country’s 250th anniversary will be conducted over the next year in the state’s museums, universities, archives, and presses, exposing new stories and history. The Made in Tennessee podcast is intended to raise the visibility of this research to a broad audience, drawing on experts in the field to amplify and promote exhibitions, publications, and presentations occurring across the state in 2026. Listeners will gain insights into their own history by better understanding how the everyday art and craft objects handed down through their families were made and used.
This project is funded under an agreement with the State of Tennessee administered by the Tennessee Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial.
Made in Tennessee
Latest Episodes
Stephen Wicks on Joseph and Beauford Delaney
Today we talk with Curator Stephen Wicks about two artistic brothers who were born in Knoxville -- Joseph and Beauford Delaney. We learn about their roots in Tennessee, their national and international careers, and how a thoughtful collab...
Adam Alfrey on Mountain Dew
Today we learn the story behind the making of the soft drink Mountain Dew and its connection to Knoxville, Tennessee. We also learn about the graphic design behind the brand and its connection to Appalachian culture. And we learn a bit about th...
Jennifer Core and Julia Doyle, Tennessee Samplers
Today we are excited to be talking about samplers--needlework textiles created in the 19th century by young girls (and sometimes boys!) to teach them how to mend, monogram, and embellish their household fabrics. We speak with two textile expert...
Cynthia Stow, Art Conservation and Tennessee Portraiture
You might ask what art conservation has to do with Tennessee material culture, but the work Cynthia does not only keeps our state’s treasures in a stable form to last for generations, it also has given her a unique view and visual expertise whe...
Tracey Parks on Tennessee Furniture
Welcome to our inaugural podcast! Today we welcome Tracey Parks. Tracey is an avid student and collector of Tennessee decorative arts, and for the past thirty five years his research has specialized in the study of the furniture makers of...
