Overview

While the popular American Museum of Science and Energy tells the story of the Manhattan Project, it does so primarily from a scientific perspective. In contrast, the new Oak Ridge History Museum shines a light on the “human side” of the Manhattan Project, focusing on history and people’s day-to-day lives during World War II.

The Oak Ridge History Museum has received or purchased 100 items from the American Museum of Science and Energy, including a timeline of Oak Ridge’s history, a model of the United Church, Chapel on the Hill, and displays about the founding of Oak Ridge and Lt. Gen. Leslie Groves. The museum also contains the largest collection of original Ed Westcott photography available.

In addition to these items, the Oak Ridge History Museum will also showcase historical artifacts, some of which come from the private collection of the museum’s Co-Chairwoman Betty Stokes and her husband Lloyd. Artifacts that will be housed at the museum include vintage Boy Scout uniforms, badges, patches, newspapers, and pins.