West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center

12/05/2024

Did you know…?

Peetie Wheatstraw was born William Bunch in 1902 in Ripley Tennessee. He grew up in Cotton Plant Arkansas and would eventually settle in East St Louis. His recording career began in 1930 where he played both piano and guitar. He would earn nicknames such as “The Devils Son-in-Law” and “The High Sheriff from Hell” due to hard living. Despite his reputation, Wheatstraw was a prolific recording artist and songwriter, making over 160 Blues records. His distinctive singing style influenced many other Blues singers, such as Robert Johnson, Big Bill Broonzy and Smokey Hogg. Wheatstraw's career was cut short in 1941, when the car in which he rode was struck by a train. His songs painted vivid portraits of working class and underworld life in urban America during the worst of the Great Depression.

Learn more by visit the West TN Delta Heritage Center.

12/04/2024

We will be attending this meeting to discuss music opportunities for local and area musicians on December 17. If you are a local or regional musician, we hope to see you there.

What's New in Music? All area musicians, producers and music industry folks are invited to an information session featuring Tennessee Entertainment Commission's Jimmy Wheeler. Learn about initiatives and resources to help grow our music community. Join us Tuesday, December 17 at 6 pm at Brownsville Meeting Grounds .

11/29/2024

What a surprise. We had no idea this was recorded. Back in October, our director Sonia Outlaw-Clark was a guest panelist during the Al-Tn-Ms Rural Tourism Conference in Union City Tn at Discovery Park of America. She talked about the journey to save the Tina Turner Museum. If you have some free time today, have a listen.

The 2024 Alabama-Mississippi-Tennessee Rural Tourism Conference was held in Obion County, Tennessee, in the beautiful Reelfoot Lake region in the northwest corner of the state. In this panel discussion, hosted by Discovery Park CEO Scott Williams during the conference, three Tennessee tourism supers...

11/28/2024

Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving from the West TN Delta Heritage Center. We are closed today to celebrate Thanksgiving with our families. We'll look forward to seeing you tomorrow for regular hours.

11/27/2024

Happy Thanksgiving, Y'all! We will be closed Thanksgiving Day so our staff can spend time with family, and will reopen Friday morning, 9 am. Safe travels and we hope to see you soon.

11/26/2024

Happy 85th Birthday, Tina! Forever in our hearts.

11/26/2024

Today, Tina would be celebrating her 85th birthday. To honor her, we would like to invite you all to celebrate with us by dropping by for cake and a donation to the Tina Turner Statue set to be unveiled in 2025. An $85 donation to the statue fund secures you a signed, numbered, limited edition print of an original pencil drawing of entitled "Be Good To Me" by Tennessee artist Shelia Fitzhugh. Not able to be here in person, please use this link to contribute online - https://www.westtnheritage.com/donate

11/21/2024

Are y’all ready for Santa? We sure are! Don’t forget Santa will be here tomorrow from 5-8pm for Santa, Snow & Cocoa. We can’t wait to see the kids and all the fun they will have! Come out and have a great evening with us.

11/19/2024

Did you know…?

This Stevens Type A chart recorder was first introduced in 1911 and was used by the U.S. Geological Survey from that time until about 1980. This float-operated recorder creates a permanent record of changing water level. A clock controls the rate at which a strip chart passes under the recording arm. The rise and fall of the float moves a pen across the chart. A stream gage would have been installed in a shelter at the top of a vertical pipe. This particular chart recorder was used on the Hatchie River near Bolivar, TN and is on display in our Hatchie River Room.

Learn more by visiting the West TN Delta Heritage Center.

11/14/2024

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas here at the West TN Delta Heritage Center. We’re getting ready for Santa to stop by here next Friday, November 22nd for Santa, Snow & Cocoa! Bring the kids and join us. 5-8 pm.

11/11/2024

Remembering & Grateful!
Thank you to all Veterans for your service.

11/07/2024

Did you know…?

Sleepy John Estes starting performing locally at the age of 19. He started his recording career in 1929. He would eventually go on to travel the world playing his music. He was preparing for another European tour in 1977 when he suddenly passed away. Here’s a map of the places around the world that Sleepy John shared his unique style of Country Blues.

Learn more by visiting the West TN Delta Heritage Center.

11/05/2024

Autumn is here! Check out these items in our gift shop that are sure to put you in the fall spirit - like Cheers Candles and Crochet Hand Towels. We have great Christmas gift ideas, too. We can’t wait to see you!

10/31/2024

Chucky, News Boy and Cowboy says “Rain, wild horses or scary dolls won’t stop us from giving you candy this afternoon from 4-6”. Y’all come see us!

10/31/2024

Happy Halloween 🎃
Who's dressing up as your favorite West Tennessee musician, such as Tina Turner, Sleepy John, Carl Perkins, etc....? We'd love to see your costume. Post in the comments and share with us. And if you are in town - be sure to bring your children by the West TN Delta Heritage Center today from 4-6pm for Trick or Treat with Me! We look forward to seeing everyone's awesome costumes!

10/29/2024

Did you know…?

TG Sheppard was born William Neal Browder in Humboldt, Tennessee. He began his singing career as a backup vocalist and guitarist for the Travis Wammack Band. Under the name Brian Stacy he would have minor success with the song “High School Days.” In 1975, as an independent and under the name TG Sheppard, he recorded “Devil in the Bottle” which would go on to become a #1 hit. He followed that up with another #1, “Tryin to Beat the Morning Home." Sheppard released 2 more top 10 hits in 1975 and was named Best New Male Artist in 1976. Over the next 5 years Sheppard would release 15 top ten singles. He remains active in the music industry and continues to perform regularly.

Learn more by visiting the West TN Delta Heritage Center.

10/28/2024

Don't forget to get your tickets and join us and the Jazz Foundation of West Tennessee at "Hey, Hey, The Blues Are Alright" this Saturday evening at The Ned, Visit Jackson TN.

Hey, Hey, The Blues Are Alright! And we are stoked to be partnering with the Jazz Foundation of West Tennessee to present this amazing Blues performance coming to The Ned in November 2. Tickets are on sale now. Get yours before it's too late.