Rhea County Historical Society

07/21/2026

Yesterday's Rhea County Historical Society Show & Tell was a tremendous success.

Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make the afternoon so memorable. We had an outstanding turnout and enjoyed a fascinating collection of historical items, each with its own unique story. From family heirlooms and historic photographs to rare artifacts and memorabilia, every presentation reminded us that history is all around us and worth preserving.

A special thank you to everyone who brought an item to share. Your willingness to tell the stories behind these pieces made the program engaging, educational, and enjoyable for everyone in attendance.

Programs like this remind us that the best history isn't just found in books. It's found in the people of our community and the treasures they have carefully preserved through the years.

Thank you again to everyone who joined us. We look forward to seeing you at our next meeting, and after such a wonderful response, I have a feeling this won't be our last Show & Tell.

07/19/2026

Reminder!

Join the Rhea County Historical Society tomorrow, July 19, at 2:30 p.m. in the historic Scopes Trial Courtroom for a special Show & Tell: A Celebration of Our Shared History!

Several Historical Society members will share interesting historical items and tell the stories behind them, and attendees are invited to bring an item of their own and speak about it as well! Bring an old photograph, document, book, family heirloom, artifact, piece of memorabilia, or anything else from the past with an interesting story to tell.

Whether you bring something to share or simply come to listen and see what others have brought, this will be a fun and informal afternoon of history, storytelling, and fellowship.

📅 Sunday, July 19
⏰ 2:30 p.m.
📍 Rhea County Courthouse, Scopes Trial Courtroom

The program is free and open to the public. Bring a friend, bring a piece of history, and join us as we celebrate the stories that connect us to the past!

Everyone is welcome! See less

07/13/2026

🏺 Every item has a story. Come share yours!

Join the Rhea County Historical Society on Sunday, July 19, at 2:30 p.m. in the historic Scopes Trial Courtroom for a special Show & Tell: A Celebration of Our Shared History!

Several Historical Society members will share interesting historical items and tell the stories behind them, and attendees are invited to bring an item of their own and speak about it as well! Bring an old photograph, document, book, family heirloom, artifact, piece of memorabilia, or anything else from the past with an interesting story to tell.

Whether you bring something to share or simply come to listen and see what others have brought, this will be a fun and informal afternoon of history, storytelling, and fellowship.

📅 Sunday, July 19
⏰ 2:30 p.m.
📍 Rhea County Courthouse, Scopes Trial Courtroom

The program is free and open to the public. Bring a friend, bring a piece of history, and join us as we celebrate the stories that connect us to the past!

Everyone is welcome!

06/18/2026

When we think about Rhea County history, our minds often turn to pioneers, steamboats, coal mines, and the Scopes Trial. But history is still being made today.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of Watts Bar Nuclear Plant entering commercial operation, an event that has had a profound impact on our county's economy, workforce, and identity. In our latest blog post, we explore how Watts Bar became one of the most significant developments in modern Rhea County history and why its importance continues to grow in the twenty first century.

From frontier settlement to advanced energy production, Rhea County has continually adapted to meet the opportunities of a changing world.

As Watts Bar Nuclear Plant celebrates 30 years of operation, we explore how one of the most significant developments in modern Rhea County history transformed the local economy, strengthened the community, and positioned the county as a key player in America's energy future.

05/21/2026

As part of our ongoing America 250 series, the Rhea County Historical Society’s newest blog post explores the rich history of strawberries in our community, from the hundreds of freight cars shipped across the nation in the 1930s to the traditions that helped shape today’s Strawberry Festival. The story also highlights the historic Strawberry Festival queen’s cape and the lasting connection between agriculture, community, and celebration in Rhea County.

Take a moment to read and enjoy this sweet piece of local history! 🍓

As Rhea County continues celebrating America 250, the beloved Strawberry Festival remains one of the county’s most enduring traditions, marking its seventy-ninth year in 2026. Long before the modern festival, strawberries shaped the local economy, with hundreds of freight cars carrying Rhea County...

05/19/2026

Thank you to the Dayton Tennessee Rotary Club for inviting Jacob Ellis to speak Friday about the history of education in Rhea County from 1807 to 1925. The Historical Society always appreciates opportunities to share and discuss our local history with the community.

05/12/2026

What does it truly mean to be a Tennessean and a proud citizen of Rhea County?

Our newest story takes a look back at the sacrifices, leadership, and enduring spirit that shaped both Tennessee and our local community, from Revolutionary War veteran John Rhea to the generations who helped build the Volunteer State we know today.

As America approaches its 250th birthday, it's more important than ever to remember the people and stories that brought us here.

👉 Check out the full story here: https://www.rheacountyheritage.com/rhea-notes/2026/5/12/johnrhea

From the battlefields of the Revolution to the founding of Rhea County, discover the stories, sacrifices, and enduring spirit that shaped Tennessee into the proud “Volunteer State” we know today.

05/05/2026

In 1980, Bryan College celebrated it's 50th anniversary and featured this dazzling float in the 33rd Annual Tennessee Strawberry Festival. 🍓

Courtesy of the Rhea County Historical Society, Dr. Ted Mercer Collection

04/28/2026

🌸 Join us for Decoration Day at Buttram Cemetery on Sunday, May 3rd as we honor and remember those laid to rest there.

Donations for the upkeep of the cemetery will be accepted at the cemetery on Saturday, May 2 and Sunday, May 3. Contributions may also be mailed to:

First Financial Bank
P.O. Box 398
Dayton, TN 37321

Your support helps preserve this sacred place for future generations.