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Beck Cultural Exchange Center in Knoxville, TNFounded in 1975, the Beck Cultural Exchange Center in Knoxville aims to preserve the history of the African American Community, while also educating visitors about the significant events and contributions which have shaped the present-day standing of the community in the modern world.<
The Exchange Center is named after the late James and Ethel Beck, who are remembered for their noteworthy contributions to the Knoxville community which include the establishment of the Ethel Beck Home for Orphans. It is the money that they have willed to the cause, which has been dedicated to purchasing the Museum's current site at Dandridge Avenue. The Beck Cultural exchange Center comprises of a number of rooms, each of which contain several uniquely themed exhibits. At the Heritage Room, you can find a collection of photographs which depict momentous people, places and events which have had a tremendous impact on the foundation of the community in Knoxville. The photographs include a picture of the Jernigan's and Son Mortuary or the First Black Business as it was called in the late 1880s. You will also find a display of 'Heritage Dolls' which are the handiwork of local self-taught artist Connie McBroom. The collection also includes several rare pictures, some of which date back to 1875, like the photograph of the Knoxville College, which is the region's first and only African American College, and the Knoxville Colored Orphanage, which was later, renamed the Ethel Beck Home for Children. The Postage Stamp Exhibit includes almost all the US postage stamps which bear impressions of black Americans, or relate to the black experience. the collection includes the famous 'Jazz Blue Singers' collection, which is dedicated to legendary Jazz musicians like Bessie Smith and Muddy Waters. You can also view the informative display to learn about the African American achievers who are still remembered for their stellar contributions to American society. All the photographs and exhibits that are on display at the Beck Center are continually updated to feature as much information about the community as possible. You can even stop by the Pioneer Stairway which pays tribute to all the eminent men and women who created history with the new ground they broke in the field of civic responsibilities. The Beck Library features an extensive collection of books, literature and even an Oral History collection which includes interviews and television programs which are centered on the life and experiences of the Black Community in Knoxville. This includes tapes about Martin Luther King and Malcolm X, who are now legends in the history of modern-day America. You can even visit the acclaimed William Hastie Room, which is filled with artifacts donated to the Center by his daughter Karen Hastie Williams and his son William H Hastie III. The Gift shop is a must stop for any visitor to the Beck Center. Here you can shop for apparel, souvenirs and other curios which make excellent gift ideas. The Beck Cultural Exchange Center also hosts several events throughout the year, details of which are regularly updated on their website http://www.discoveret.org/beckcec . The Center is open from 10 am to 6 pm, Tuesday through Saturday. For further information, you can call the Beck Center at 865/524-8461. The Beck Cultural Exchange Center
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