Records relating to the poor are part of Jefferson County's public records. The Museum originated from the work of Rev. Reuel B. Pritchett in 1956. A number of original artifacts and documents from various periods in the county's history are displayed in cases on two floors. Also on display are objects from periods of American history, such as war memorabilia, donated by Jefferson County residents. There is no charge for viewing the exhibits, nor is there a formal tour.
Visitors are welcome during the building's open hours.
Selected documents from the County Archives are displayed in the Museum cases. Holdings of the Archives are not open to the public without a prior appointment. The poster of this page spearheaded a move to establish a research Archives, but the action was thwarted. The Tennessee Bicentennial Committee of Jefferson County has adopted the formation of an Archives as its legacy project for 1996. The future of a formal Archives is not certain, although it opened 02 January 1997.