Calendar of Events

Historians have long mulled over the big and small questions surrounding the American Civil War. Scholars and enthusiasts alike look at the 1860s from every angle and still come up with new theories and ideas. As part of a four month sesquicentennial celebration of the Civil War and Abraham Lincoln’s presidency, Knox County Public Library invites the public to join in a free five-part reading and discussion series called “Let’s Talk About It: Making Sense of the American Civil War.” The library is one of 65 public libraries nationwide receiving grants to host the book discussion series developed by the American Library Association and the National Endowment for the Humanities.

The Library has multiple copies available for check out of each of the three books being discussed. Attendees are encouraged to bring a bag lunch as well as an appetite for meaningful discussion. All programs begin at noon and occur in the East Tennessee History Center Auditorium, 601 South Gay Street , Knoxville , Tennessee , 37902 :

November 2 at 12 PM, March (2005), by Geraldine Brooks

November 23 at 12 PM, Selections from America’s War: Talking about the Civil War and Emancipation on their 150th Anniversaries (2011), by Edward L. Ayers

January 4 at 12:00 PM, Selections from America’s War: Talking about the Civil War and Emancipation on their 150th Anniversaries (2011), by Edward L. Ayers

January 25 at 12:00 PM, Crossroads of Freedom: Antietam (2002), by James McPherson

February 22 at 12:00 PM, Selections from America’s War: Talking about the Civil War and Emancipation on their 150th Anniversaries (2011), by Edward L. Ayers

For more information about the series please visit www.knoxlib.org/lincoln or contact Mary Pom Claiborne, 865-215-8767.

November 1 - Dec. 30 "NOISE!" a traveling exhibition, features 10 interactive exhibits that take a playful look at the physics of sound waves, as well as how music and sound affects out mood. Appropriate for students in K-8. AMSE Second Level.

The American Museum of Science and Energy, located at 300 South Tulane Avenue in Oak Ridge, is open Monday through Saturday from 9 am - 5 pm and Sunday 1 - 5 pm. Admission is Adults $5, Seniors (65+) $4, Students (6 - 17) $3 and Children (5 and under) free. Group rates are available for 20 or more with advance reservations. For more information on AMSE memberships, exhibits, programs, and special events, go to www.amse.org. To schedule a group visit, call AMSE at (865) 576-3200.

November 1 - Dec. 4 "Notable Trees of Tennessee" a photography exhibit of 36 trees selected by the Tennessee Urban Forestry Council. The trees photographed include different species, a cross section of both rural and urban locations throughout the state, and a mix of historic and live trees. Examples of leaf venation and cross section of tree species are displayed. AMSE Lobby

The American Museum of Science and Energy, located at 300 South Tulane Avenue in Oak Ridge, is open Monday through Saturday from 9 am - 5 pm and Sunday 1 - 5 pm. Admission is Adults $5, Seniors (65+) $4, Students (6 - 17) $3 and Children (5 and under) free. Group rates are available for 20 or more with advance reservations. For more information on AMSE memberships, exhibits, programs, and special events, go to www.amse.org. To schedule a group visit, call AMSE at (865) 576-3200.

In observance of the Civil War’s 150th anniversary, Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center is hosting an exhibition from the Tennessee State Museum, Common People in Uncommon Times: The Civil War in Tennessee. The exhibition focuses on how the war affected the lives of Tennesseans through personal stories of participants whose sagas illustrate a land divided.

The narrative of personal struggle and endurance during the Civil War is presented on 10 graphic panels taken from the State Museum’s collection of photographs and artifacts from the era, as well as from other collections across the state. Each panel portrays a different theme: Confederate leaders, Union leaders, African-Americans, civilian home front, common soldiers, war on the water, reconstruction and commemoration.

Admission to the special exhibition is included in the museum admission price, and free for Heritage Center members. For current hours and admission rates, visit www.gsmheritagecenter.org

"Windows to Heaven: Treasures from the Museum of Russian Icons, Clifton, MA" brings together historically significant works from the collection, dating from 1590 AD to present day. This spectacular exhibition helps demonstrate how religious structures and organizations are created by civilizations to reflect their own spiritual, social and political needs.

Frank H. McClung Museum, 1327 Circle Park on the UT campus, Knoxville, TN
Information: 865-974-2144, http://mcclungmuseum.utk.edu

Now in its fifth year, this world-class exhibition of 25 large-scale sculptures can be viewd in downtown Knoxville and the McGhee Tyson Airport. The 2011 exhibition juror will be John Henry and will feature up to 35 large-scale, outdoor sculptures. The selected sculptures will be exhibited in downtown Knoxville. For more information: 865-637-4561, www.dogwoodarts.com