Clarksville, TN – The Customs House Museum and Cultural Center is located in historic downtown Clarksville, Tennessee. Come explore an entire city block featuring large gallery spaces filled with fine art, science and history.
Some of the events in July at the Museum are: Portraits of William Stamms Shackelford, Carol LeBaron: Life Source, Taking a Look at Cave Johnson, Amy Chase: Rediscovered Relationships, Art & Lunch: Carol LeBaron, Children’s Summer Camp: Explorers’ Camp, and Picasso Portraits.
Exhibits
Working the Spirit Close to Home: The Portraits of William Stamms Shackelford
May 11th – July 31st
This gathering of 19th century paintings by William Stamms Schackelford showcases his unique depictions of various people, including portraits of the Clarksville Shackelford family. Sponsored in part by Tennessee State Museum and Austin Peay Department of Art & Design.
Carol LeBaron: Life Source
May 5th – July 31st
Tennessee artist Carol LeBaron’s fine art textiles transform remembered light to imagery, collecting fragments from both the landscape of her remembered experience and observation of natural forms.
Cumberland River – An American Legacy
May 5th – July 31st
This series of plein air paintings by Larry Richardson explore the Cumberland River. Sponsored in part by Legends Bank.
Taking a Look at Cave Johnson
May 11th – July 31st
Take a closer look at the life of Clarksvillian Cave Johnson. Johnson was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1828, and later served as president of the Bank of Tennessee from 1854 to 1860. He was also a close friend and advisor to James K. Polk during his successful presidential campaign.
Amy Chase: Rediscovered Relationships
July 1st – July 31st
Leisure Time
May 5th – August 7th
This exhibit explores the theme of hunting, fishing, and other outdoor leisure activities in the area with objects from the Customs House Museum & Cultural Center’s permanent collection.
Activities
Art & Lunch: Carol LeBaron
Thursday, June 28th, 12:15pm
Join artist Carol Lebaron as she discusses her textile work in the exhibit Carol LeBaron: Life Source. Admission is free.
Children’s Summer Camp: Explorers’ Camp
July 12th – 15th. Registration opens June 1st.
Explorers’ Camp is a half-day summer camp filled with exciting and educational activities for children ages 7-10. Each day our education staff will provide several exciting activities on a variety of themes combined with tours of the museum. All camp activities are a fun blend of science, engineering, art and history, allowing kids to explore, learn, create, and play!
Children must be registered in advance to attend Explorers’ Camp. Reserve your child’s spot now before they’re all gone! Registration opens June 1st. Cost is $40.00 for Museum Members and $50.00 for non-members, due at time of registration. For more information, contact Chrysalis Cantrell at 931-648-5780 or chrysalis@customshousemuseum.org
The Art Lab: Art for All Ages
Wednesdays 10:15am – 11:15am & 2:00pm – 3:30pm.
July 6th: Pinwheels
Explore our permanent exhibit halls to see how Clarksville’s history fits into American history. Then stop by the art studio to make a patriotic pin wheel (pinwheel craft will not use pins).
July 20th: Picasso Portraits
Take a look at William Shackelford’s unique portrait style and visit the art studio to create your own unique portraits inspired by another unique artist: Picasso!
July 27th: Bubble Science
Test your knowledge of bubbles outside in the courtyard, then head inside to explore our bubble cave!
*In the event of poor weather, a different activity will be offered indoors.
Family Free Day: A Tree is Nice
Saturday, July 9th
Discover the wonder of the tree as seen through the eyes of the artist. Please join us in the Children’s Art Room for a day of tree-making. Admission is free at the museum all day from 10:00am – 5:00pm as part of our Second Saturday Free Day.
The Children’s Art Room is Open Daily!
July’s art activities are inspired by illustrators and their picture books. Ms. Sue will frequently visit the Children’s Art Room to show children more of her large collection of picture books and some of the unusual objects she collects.
All activities are free with your museum membership. Non-members pay regular admission fees. For more information contact Ms. Sue at sue@customshousemuseum.org or 931.648.5780.
Closings
The Customs House Museum & Cultural Center will be closed Monday, July 4th for Independence Day.
About the Customs House Museum
Located in the heart of historic downtown Clarksville, Tennessee, the Customs House Museum and Cultural Center is the State’s second largest general museum. The original portion of the building was constructed in 1898 as a U.S. Post Office and Customs House for the flourishing tobacco trade. Incorporating a number of architectural styles, the original structure is one of the most photographed buildings in the region.
With over 35,000 square feet of the region’s best hands-on activities and special events…people of all ages agree – the Customs House Museum is well worth the stop!
The Explorer’s Gallery is packed with fun, learning and fantasy in Aunt Alice’s Attic, McGregor’s Market and kitchen, and of course – the Bubble Cave! Finally, get “all aboard” to see our fantastic model trains. Our volunteer engineers “ride the rails” every Sunday afternoon from 1:00pm to 4:00pm.
Regular museum hours are 10:00am to 5:00pm Tuesday through Saturday, and 1:00pm to 5:00pm on Sundays. Adult admission is $7.00, Senior Citizens and College ID $5.00, Ages 6 to 18 $3.00, and under six years and Museum members are free.
The Customs House Museum is located at 200 South Second Street. For more information, call 931.648.5780 or visit their website at www.customshousemuseum.org
