Pillars of Support

The Pillars of Support Program and Exhibit recognizes and preserves the history of East Tennessee community leaders, businesses, and institutions that have, over time, contributed significantly to the growth and betterment of the region. 

Pillars of Support contributions are permanent gifts that will build our Endowment Fund and/or Capital Fund in support of our educational mission and public programming. Permanent naming opportunities may be available for specifically designated contributions. From time to time, the ETHS Board may designate an honorary Pillar for his or her contributions to the region or to ETHS.

The ETHS Board of Directors continues to add new Pillars so that we may preserve the many unique stories of businesses, individuals, and institutions and their contributions. 

Because each Pillar is a history-maker in his or her own right, video biographies for each Pillar are produced with the help of family and sponsors. These videos are shared with the public on a permanent kiosk exhibit wall at the entrance to the Museum of East Tennessee History and on the ETHS website. A list and links are provided below.

History of the Pillars of Support

Pillars of Support was established in 1992 under the Bringing the Past to Life Capital Campaign to establish the new Museum of East Tennessee History. It was established on the recommendation of Bob Webb, ETHS board member and campaign chair.

In 2006, eleven individual Pillars and one corporate/institutional member were inducted into Pillars of Support, with their financial contributions going to support the Museum Capital Campaign or ETHS Endowment Fund. The second induction, held in 2011, honored five new Pillars for their significant contributions to the region and to ETHS.