The Scottish Tartans Museum is located in downtown Franklin, in the Smoky Mountains. The Museum is part of the Scottish Tartan's Society which was established in 1963 to study the origins, history and development of the tartan, and Scottish culture.
The Museum has displays of over 500 tartans, and its exhibitions chart the history of the tartan, and Highland dress, which was worn for the first time in the 16th century. However it was during Queen Victoria's reign in the 19th century that tartan, and kilt wearing became 'fashionable', and many family's adopted a tartan of their own. Also at this time commercial weaving mills began producing tartans, naming them after the place they were produced. The Museum depicts life in a 17th century weaver's cottage, and has on display two rare kilts of Mac Duff and Locheil tartan dating from the 18th century.
For a small fee the Museum can search its database of over 4000 tartans if you're looking for one relating to your family. It also displays more recent examples such as the Franklin tartan adopted by the town at its 150th anniversary in 2005, and the official Carolina tartan designed by Scotsman Peter MacDonald from Crieff.
Guided tours by volunteer historians are available. There is also a gift shop selling kilts for men, women and children, other Highland dress accessories, such as kilt ties, belts, clan rings and sporrans. Other gifts such as mugs, glassware and books on clan heritage are also for sale. The Museum hosts events such as 'Tartan Day' when a traditional Scottish lunch is prepared, and a 'Taste of Scotland' festival with pipebands, Scottish music and Scottish food.
