by Robert A. Leath


special gratitude to the generosity of Mary Jo Case of Kingsport and Namuni Hale Young of Knoxville, MESDA can now better interpret the rich artistic legacy of The Volunteer State. In previous issues of this magazine, we have showcased the boldly carved Knox County,


New to the Collection I


ME S D A a n d t h e V o l u n t e e r S t a t e


n the last few years, MESDA has worked with a small group of dedicated Tennessee collec- tors and scholars to build the museum’s collection of early Tennessee decorative arts. With


Tennessee, corner cupboard, circa 1800, that descended in the Scotch-Irish Anderson and McCampbell families that MESDA acquired in 2008, and the Greene County, Tennessee, pie safe, attributed to the Burgner family of east Tennessee cabinetmakers and graciously given to MESDA by Mary Jo Case. In this issue, we highlight some


of the more recent acquisitions, through both purchase and gift, that enhance MESDA’s ability to showcase Tennessee’s rich heritage.


Cherokee Country 1765


Henry Timberlake London, England Ink on paper


HOA: 21 ½"; WOA: 14 ¾"


This map, drawn by Virginia surveyor Henry Timberlake, was the first map of Tennessee based on an actual survey and using the modern spelling of the river that gave the state its name. The map documents the Cherokee towns along the Tennessee River and accompanied Timberlake’s published journal that described in great detail early Cherokee culture.


A Draft of the


18


Old Salem Museums & Gardens


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